Senior Assoc, California State Policy

Department: California

Reports to: Director of California Strategy

Status: Full Time / Exempt

Location: Remote; Must reside and be authorized to work in the United States of America; Must reside in California.

About PolicyLink

PolicyLink is a national research and action institute working to build a future where all people in the United States of America can participate in a flourishing multiracial democracy, prosper in an equitable economy, and live in thriving communities of opportunity. 

Our disciplined approach for moving from aspiration to impact is reflected in an organizational-wide results-based accountability framework that articulates the future we are trying to achieve in the next 20+ years, the root causes, and how we would know if we are making progress. This strategy includes lanes of work to advance a new design, new values, and governing power:

• We are supporting a new design of the legal and regulatory framework of the nation so that it governs for all.

• We are advancing a values system and political philosophy that is grounded in love for, and the flourishing of, all.

• We are working to ensure that economically insecure people in our nation can build and exercise governing power at the scale necessary to change the rules.

Altogether, these fundamental changes in design, values, and power aim to help us collectively change the material reality for the nearly 100 million people living in or near poverty, so we can see all people flourishing. 

Position Overview 

PolicyLink is seeking a Senior Associate of California State Policy to join its California Team to advance transformative policy change through regional and statewide strategic advocacy, coalition-building, and policy research. This role will support the development of equitable policies in climate resilience, infrastructure and community development, housing equity, and democratic governance.

Reporting to the Director of the California Strategy, the Senior Associate will collaborate with community leaders, policymakers, and field partners to advance an ambitious policy agenda. The successful candidate will bring a racial justice lens to their work and have experience advocating for policies that uplift low-income communities and communities of color. This position will involve close collaboration with PolicyLink teams, including the Winning on Equity in Places program, to develop innovative governance models that position grassroots leaders as key decision-makers.

California is the wealthiest state in the nation and the fifth largest economy in the world — and yet a third of its residents live below or near the poverty line. PolicyLink understands that local leaders are instrumental to advance the governing systems that serve all.  That is why we are supporting an approach that aims to create a future where all people in California can thrive. With a focus on the 15 million people living in or near the poverty line in California, PolicyLink is leading strategies to support state-level impact while working alongside networks and community efforts across regions to support innovation and progress. This coordinated regional approach, which includes the Inland Empire, Bay Area, and the Central Coast, ensures that California’s policy landscape remains responsive, inclusive, and rooted in the experiences of its communities, serving as a model for other states aiming to cultivate a participatory democracy.

Responsibilities

Program Development and Collaboration

• Collaborate to develop tools, research, and policy recommendations to support movement leaders, policymakers, and funders in advancing equitable climate, housing, and community development policies.

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to align state and local policy strategies with PolicyLink’s broader goals in equity and democracy.

• Support cross-program collaboration on policies and initiatives related to climate justice, housing equity, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance - as part of the Winning on Equity in Places program.

Policy Research and Analysis

• Conduct independent research and data analysis on climate, housing, and infrastructure policies, focusing on their racial and economic equity impacts.

• Stay informed on emerging trends, policy developments, and legislative debates in California that intersect with the organization’s priorities.

• Author research briefs, legislative analyses, and policy memos to inform decision-making and advance PolicyLink’s policy agenda.

Thought Leadership and Policy Advocacy

• Develop and advocate for state and local policy proposals that promote equitable infrastructure investments, climate resilience, and housing solutions.

• Represent PolicyLink in meetings, conferences, and public forums to advance transformative policy change.

• Build and maintain strong regional and statewide relationships with policymakers, government staff, and other key stakeholders to support PolicyLink’s advocacy efforts.

Community and Coalition Building

• Cultivate and grow partnerships with community-based organizations, grassroots coalitions, and advocacy groups to advance shared policy goals.

• Build learning communities and support regional and statewide coalition efforts to promote equity-driven policy solutions in California.

• Position grassroots leaders and community stakeholders as key voices in policy development and decision-making processes.

Strategic Project and Grant Management

• Partner with colleagues to co-develop and manage grant proposals and reports, ensuring alignment with program goals and funding priorities.

• Execute high-impact projects, delivering results on time and with excellence.

• Manage project budgets and provide regular updates to funders and leadership teams.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge Required 

• Strong understanding of the California policy landscape, particularly in climate, housing, infrastructure, and equity issues.

• Demonstrated commitment to racial and economic justice and experience supporting low-income communities and communities of color.

• Exceptional research, writing, and analytical skills, with the ability to produce rigorous, accessible policy documents.

• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including grassroots leaders, policymakers, and funders.

• Strong project management and time-management skills, with experience meeting tight deadlines.

• Effective public speaking and facilitation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly.

• Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time, including travel to all staff convenings and convenings hosted by the organization.  

• Comfortable with results-based accountability and learning. 

Experience Qualifications                     

• Advanced degree in public policy, urban planning, environmental policy, or related fields with at least 7 years of experience in policy advocacy, research, coalition-building or community engagement.

Compensation and Benefits

PolicyLink offers competitive salaries commensurate with the experience and skills of our employees. The starting salary range for this position is $95,000-$125,000. 

Additionally, PolicyLink provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans.

• 401(k) with employer and employer-matching contributions that vest immediately. New employees are eligible to participate within one month of their date of hire.

• Flexible Spending Account.

• Short- and long-term disability insurance.

• Group term life insurance plus guaranteed-issue voluntary life insurance.

• Unlimited vacation and sick leave and other generous leave benefits.

• Three required organization reset weeks plus 13 paid holidays.

Work Environment

The position will involve leading and participating in frequent remote video and telephone conferences. It is a 100% remote position, though travel is required (approximately 25%). The Senior Associate must reside in California. This is a fast-paced, complex work environment that requires occasional weekend and evening work assignments.

To Apply

We accept online applications only. No phone calls please. Only those selected to participate in our hiring process will be contacted.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

PolicyLink strongly values equity and believes in a just and fair society where all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. We work toward a more inclusive world and as such we are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. PolicyLink is committed to maintaining a diverse and multicultural working environment.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.

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