Job Opening in DC for a Policy Associate for Civic Engagement
Independent Sector, the coalition of leading charities, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs, seeks an experienced professional for the newly created position of Policy Associate for Civic Engagement. This professional will be responsible for all aspects of Independent Sector's work on civic engagement. At this time, the work will be focused on the changing social compact and how IS might assist in the efforts to ensure a strong social compact among people, organizations, the public and commercial sectors to serve the public good. Click below for qualifications, responsibilities, and instructions for applying.
Reports to: Senior Vice President for Nonprofit Programs and Practice
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Masters Degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience working in nonprofit or philanthropic organizations in one or more of the following areas: program development, community organizing, policy analysis, applied research and writing;
- Very strong analytic and writing skills essential;
- Excellent people and organizing skills;
- Ability to work both independently and in teams and meet tight deadlines;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
- Ability to provide leadership and support to volunteer committees;
- Ability to define objectives, manage budgets and evaluate outcomes; and
- Experience with issues related to civic engagement and public policy, a plus.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop a qualitative understanding of the work that is currently being undertaken by the sector to strengthen civic engagement. Synthesize current research, establishing strong relationships with IS member organizations and experts in the field of civic engagement, organizing and mobilizing for change, and working in close collaboration with IS staff on related issues.
- Conduct an ongoing environmental scan of key issues in the field of civic engagement including the public and business sectors with particular emphasis on voter participation, electoral reform, community advocacy, engagement of different demographic groups, civic education, deliberative democracy and other strategies for engagement.
- Identify additional leaders within the nonprofit sector who should be a part of IS deliberations and program activities on civic engagement.
- Synthesize current research on the changing social compact and long-term fiscal challenges with a focus on the implications for the nonprofit sector and the communities and causes it serves.
- Assess various strategies for engagement on the changing social compact that will draw in diverse perspectives, build from a values-based approach, and lead to mobilization and action.
- Organize meetings of IS members and other interested stakeholders to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the changing social compact and the implications for people and communities.
- In coordination with other IS departments, develop communications and mobilization strategies to advance the action agenda of IS on the changing social compact.
- Monitor the work of other relevant organizations and identify critical and emerging issues in civic engagement.
- Identify relevant work on targeted international civic engagement initiatives to inform and advance the civic engagement program.
- Implement IS work on promoting voter participation and other forms of civic participation related to electoral engagement by nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.
- Develop program objectives and metrics, assist with resource development, manage resources, evaluate actions taken in relation to stated objectives and performance metrics, and plan ongoing program goals.
- Develop relevant programs on civic engagement for national meetings and conferences
- Contribute to INDEPENDENT SECTOR program and administrative activities as needed.
Salary is competitive with excellent benefits including a generous vacation and retirement plan. Independent Sector is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity in our staff.
To apply: Submit letter, resume, writing and web/print publications samples, and salary history to:
Marcia Wheatley
Director, Human Resources
Independent Sector
1200 18th Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
Fax: (202) 467-6101
E-mail:
URL: http://www.IndependentSector.org
Location: DC
Deadline: March 20, 2005
