About the organization:

‍Make the Road PA was launched in 2014 and, over the last decade, has quickly become one of the largest Latinx organizations in the state of Pennsylvania. MRPA now runs three robust organizing centers in Reading, Allentown, and Philadelphia. We have a strong, engaged membership base of Black and Brown working-class people, primarily in Latinx communities. We have a strong track record of local and state campaigns, large-scale mobilizations on federal issues, large-scale civic engagement work, and active leadership among key progressive organizing groups, coalitions, and tables across the state.

About the position

We are seeking a Public Policy and Advocacy Manager who will help Make the Road achieve its legislative campaign goals. This position plays a major role in understanding, tracking, and developing legislative policy initiatives and supporting their passage, as well as the development of the organization’s relationship with individual electeds and key Administrative offices. This position helps the organization bridge the activism of its base with the specific knowledge needed to successfully win policy change. The Public Policy and Advocacy Manager will report to the Organizing Director, and is a member of the Management Team.

Location

Philadelphia, Allentown, or Reading, PA

Travel

Travel to district lobby meetings and Harrisburg, PA will be required 3-10 days/month depending on the legislative cycle.

Reports to

Organizing Director

Supervises

Not Applicable

Job Responsibilities

• Help lead in the development of the vision, strategy, and plan for MRPA’s city and state and federal advocacy work in collaboration with MRPA staff and members;
• Help develop content for the annual policy agenda;
• Track and monitor issues, policies and developments at the city, state and federal government level important to MRPA;
• Prioritize and translate those developments into a format and density understandable for MRPA staff and members that allows them to make strategic and informed decisions;
• Advocate in local, state and federal coalitions on behalf of MRPA members for its city and state and federal agenda priorities;
• Draft issue briefs, updates, position papers, letters to legislative bodies/and Administration and action alerts for MRPA staff and Members;
• Support the leadership development of MRPA members to meet and engage with elected officials regularly;
• Play a major role in the planning and implementation of MRPA activities to advocate, including lobby days, elected briefings, city, state and federal level hearings, and other key tactics needed to win campaigns;
• Submit quarterly lobbying reports;
• Keep log of elected official office communications regularly and update contacts as needed;
• Log lobbying activity for registration and reporting to the Pennsylvania state government and any relevant city agencies;
• Play a major role in strengthening relationships between MRPA and electeds and staff, as well as key Administrative offices.
• Other duties as assigned.

What are we looking for?

• 4-6 years of experience in grassroots issue campaign and organizing work, including four years of direct advocacy/lobbying in government;
• Thorough understanding of the legislative process, organization and procedures;
• Ability to advocate with elected members, staff, caucuses, and administrative offices;
• Experience working on one or more of the following issue areas: housing justice, climate justice, immigrant rights, education and youth advocacy, workers’ rights, voter education and voting rights;
• Very strong writing skills in English required and in Spanish preferred;
• Experience working with statewide coalitions and on statewide issues;
• Ability to work with state-based organizations and teach grassroots members how to advocate and build relationships with elected officials;
• Ability to design and implement lobby days and other tactics meant to build grassroots relationships;
• Necessary organization and leadership to work on a variety of campaigns within a coalition of diverse partners;
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle;
• Fluency or proficiency in Spanish highly preferred but not required;
• Experience working in Pennsylvania preferred but not required;
• Experience working on a range of different policy issue areas preferred, but not required;
• A Master’s degree in public policy, social sciences, or another relevant field highly preferred, but not required.

Salary

$66,312 to $78,652, depending on experience.

Benefits

• 3 weeks paid vacation
• 10 sick days, 5 personal days, 7 holidays in the calendar year
• Paid holiday break in December
• Life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance, option flexible spending account.
• Transit credit.
• Up to $80/month phone reimbursement.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• 401k
• Parental leave.
• Short and long term disability insurance.

COVID-19 Policy: 

Make the Road employees are required to be fully vaccinated with a FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine on or before their start date. Refusal to receive the vaccine will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

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The work schedule can at times be greater than 40 hours per week and includes evening and weekend meetings and events, as necessary. It is not a strictly 9am-5pm position.

Make the Road PA does not sponsor work visas; this job requires authorization to work in the United States.

MRPA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse staff. Women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, disability, or marital status.