Coordinator, Public Policy & Government Relations

SoCal Grantmakers

2 months 3 weeks ago

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Description

About Southern California Grantmakers and Philanthropy California:

Southern California Grantmakers (SCG) is a membership association where our region’s philanthropic leaders come together to learn, connect, and take action. Our mission is to champion effective philanthropy and advance collaborative efforts to create meaningful change in our communities. SCG connects grantmakers through sector-wide conferences, trainings, and networking opportunities—providing support and leadership for collaboration on projects and for action on public policy issues. SCG currently brings together 300+ members who represent the spectrum of philanthropy, including foundations, family philanthropy, corporate giving, consultants to philanthropy, and government grantmakers.

We also co-lead Philanthropy California, an initiative of Northern California Grantmakers (NCG), Southern California Grantmakers (SCG), and Catalyst of San Diego (CSD), whose combined membership represents more than 600 philanthropic organizations investing billions every year to support communities across the state, the country, and worldwide.

Over the past several years, SCG’s size and scope have grown dramatically. We have reorganized and expanded so we can deepen and strengthen our impact in the ways that our members and partners are seeking: more intersectional issue-based programming and professional development that helps funders take bold action for equitable and just impacts in communities; robust, nimble action on policy and advocacy; convening and facilitating collaborations and partnerships; and investing in our own sustainability and capacity to lead as an organization with racial justice at the center.  

Position Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Manager, Public Policy & Government Relations, the Coordinator provides administrative, organizational, and legislative support for the Public Policy & Government Relations and Philanthropy California teams.  The Coordinator is an integral member of the Public Policy & Government Relations team and will play

a key role in contributing to the public policy strategy and the organization’s overall success.  This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate seeking increased responsibility and creativity, work experience in a proactive and teamoriented environment, and increased exposure to the intersectionality between the philanthropic and policy sector. 

Responsibilities

Communications

  • Research, draft, and prepare policy issue briefs and analyses for members, staff, and external publications.  
  • Assist with proofreading and reviewing the work of others for external publication.
  • Research, draft, and prepare articles for SCG’s Public Policy Round-up.
  • Draft letters and other materials for meetings with elected officials and partners.
  • Writing talking points, letters, and other communications.
  • Assist with external correspondence with public policy makers, members, and partners.

Programming and Events

  • Help organize annual advocacy trips for SCG members, Philanthropy CA, and community leaders, including producing leave-behind and other materials.
  • Support program, event, and conference planning and the execution of internal and external meetings, including logistical support such as invitations, registration lists, website updates, speaker tracking and confirmation, and additional administrative support.

Policy and Government Relations

  • Monitor, interpret, and summarize local and state legislative proposals, policies, and regional trends impacting our members and communities. 
  • Gather background and research on state and county legislation; maintain up-to-date awareness and deep knowledge of relevant legislative initiatives and policy developments.
  • Monitor the status of public policy priorities, including legislative and administrative actions, utilizing online legislative research, coalition meetings, and other tracking strategies.
  • Represents the organization through direct interaction with membership on state legislative issues.
  • Support Manager with regional and statewide policy crossover work.

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates who are:  

  • Self-motivated. Creative problem solvers who can prioritize projects under multiple deadlines, follow through in all areas of responsibility, and meet goals on time.
  • Committed to racial justice. Understands the role of public policy in dismantling systems of oppression and works to advance racial equity and liberation. 
  • Effective Communicators. Exceptional proofreading, editing, writing, and verbal communication skills with a strong emphasis on public policy analysis.
  • Adaptive. Able to handle complex projects in a fast-paced environment, requiring the ability to prioritize and respond to support relationships with senior-level decision-makers effectively.
  • Team-oriented. Collaborates with Public Policy team members  and greater organization staff, and seeks opportunities to assist colleagues in achieving team goals, requirements, and deadlines.
  • Relational. Able to cultivate and maintain relationships with colleagues and members; excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work with diverse people and in diverse groups.
  • Attentive to Detail. An attitude of “no job is too small” and attention to detail that ensures rewarding experiences and outcomes for supporters and other stakeholders.
  • Independent. Can plan, organize, and exercise good judgment with limited supervision to implement SoCal Grantmakers policy plans. 
  • Creative. Uses resources and tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe InDesign, PowerPoint, and Zoom to create content and support team’s work.
  • Emotionally Intelligent. Is self-aware and reflective, and able to read and respond appropriately to the energy in a room.
  • Tactful. Practices discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism in dealing with sensitive information and situations.

Preferred:

  • Previous professional experience, including internships, in federal or state legislative and executive offices, public affairs firms, local government, and/or advocacy organizations.
  • Basic knowledge of California’s government, including city, county, and state-level governmental structure.
  • Experience with the following applications or software:
    • Adobe InDesign
    • Salesforce
    • Zoom Meetings and Zoom webinars
  • Professional social media experience and/or graphic design skills are a plus.
  • Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, history, journalism, communications, or related degree.  This preference can be waived with candidates who have demonstrated experience in public affairs, including but not limited to legislative offices, advocacy, and community organizing.

Equal Opportunity Hiring Statement

SoCal Grantmakers (SCG) is an equal opportunity employer.  SCG is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.  All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

How to Apply

To apply: Send a cover letter and resume as a single document to talent@socalgrantmakers.org with the subject Coordinator, Public Policy. No phone calls please.