Public Policy Specialist

ABOUT VIOLENCE FREE COLORADO

Violence Free Colorado is recognized as the state’s Domestic Violence Coalition. Our mission states- “Advancing the well-being of all Coloradans through relationships free from abuse and oppression”. We work at the local, state, and national level to create system-wide change by influencing policy and supporting direct service organizations with resources, training and technical assistance. We are committed to working in partnership with survivors and other anti-oppression movements to address the root causes and overlapping dynamics of violence. Violence Free Colorado has experienced significant transition over the past few years and is excited about our trajectory. We are a progressive organization fostering a workplace culture rooted in equity, transparency, liberation, and care.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Working with the Public Policy Director, the Policy Specialist will support the work of the Policy Committee, help implement Violence Free Colorado’s public policy initiatives, work to build the capacity of the state’s domestic violence programs and widen our network of policy partners. This position includes significant administrative duties, and the Specialist will provide technical assistance to member domestic violence programs and allied partners. This position requires the ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound independent judgment, multi-task, take initiative, and meet deadlines. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, and strong organizational skills. A commitment to anti-oppression policy development and knowledge of the root causes of gender-based violence is essential.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Policy Implementation

• Assist the Public Policy Director in implementing a just policy agenda focused on the direct and indirect impacts of legislation and funding on survivors of domestic violence with particular attention to survivors who have historically been ignored or underserved by the anti-domestic violence movement.
• Develop an annual policy publication that supports member and stakeholder engagement and that broadly informs about Violence Free Colorado policy and advocacy goals and accomplishments.
• Cultivate local, state and national alliances to further policy advocacy efforts of the Coalition.

Communications and Outreach

• Build, maintain and nurture relationships with community partners including culturally specific service providers, activist groups and policy makers.
• Creating materials—drafting alerts, fact sheets, and legislative updates for local domestic violence programs and other helping professionals.
• Working with other Violence Free Colorado team members to organize events—helping to plan and complete legislative events such as external stakeholder meetings, Congressional briefings, press conferences, and receptions by handling logistics.  Events will be both in-person and virtual.
• Updating content for sections of Violence Free Colorado website regarding policy—does not require html or other coding experience or usage.
• Working with Violence Free Colorado Community Impact Team to develop social media and other timely communications.

Administrative Support to Policy Team

• Provide logistical and administrative support to the Public Policy Team including managing correspondence, calendars, meetings, appointments and keeping track of important tasks and deadlines.
• Tracking legislation and writing memos or providing briefings for Public Policy Director.
• Assist the Policy Director in implementing a just policy agenda focused on the direct and indirect impacts of legislation and funding on survivors of domestic violence with particular attention to survivors who have historically been ignored or underserved by the anti-domestic violence movement.

Capacity Building

• Provide technical assistance to and consultation with local domestic violence service providers and allied professionals throughout Colorado. Technical assistance may include on-site support as well as telephone consultation, research and provision of resource materials such as policy advocacy training resources.
• Support member programs and survivors to effectively mobilize and testify during legislative session.
• With Public Policy Director, work to ensure member programs have meaningful access to legislators and elected officials through a variety of planned events.
• Work with culturally specific and BIPOC-led organizations and groups to build internal knowledge and collaboration on policy decisions.

Other Duties:

• Provide staff support for other Coalition programs, such as the annual Colorado Advocacy in Action conference, membership meetings, etc. as needed.
• Some early, late and weekend hours will be necessary, especially during legislative session.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative processes and procedures; CO legislative processes preferred.
• Commitment to engage in anti-racism and anti-oppression work.
• Excellent communication skills.  Ability to communicate complex data clearly across knowledge bases and with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple priorities/deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to new situations and change focus unexpectedly.
• Ability to give and receive feedback in a manner that fosters healthy relationships.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs and databases, skilled with Excel and comfortable with large data set volumes.
• Understanding of the issue of relationship abuse, including trends, opportunities, challenges for the field, and how domestic violence intersects with other forms of oppression.
• Due to our funding sources, all staff must submit an I-9 at time of hire.
• Due to our funding sources, a background check and fingerprinting are required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA, advanced degree OR equivalent work experience in policy, social work and/or advocacy.
• Candidates who identify as bicultural and bilingual are strongly recommended to apply.

DETAILS

Reports to: Public Policy Director

Classification: Part Time, (.55 FTE, 20 – 25 hours/week)

Compensation: $30/Hour

Benefits include:

• Paid leave
• Monthly internet stipend
• RTD EcoPass
• Flexible & remote work options

Note to potential applicants: The final candidate must have the ability to perform the majority of duties in this role. Having said that, we acknowledge that individuals who have experienced systemic oppression tend to undervalue what they can contribute to an organization. We encourage you to apply for this job if it sounds like a good fit for you, even if you aren’t confident you meet every single one of the requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

E.O.E. – Violence Free Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on any protected status and enthusiastically welcome applications from people of all genders and gender expressions, all sexual orientations, members of BIPOC communities, the formerly incarcerated, and persons in/of any other protected class, such as religion, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, pregnancy status, or genetic status. Survivors of systemic oppression and/or gender-based violence are highly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Send a cover letter and resume, in a single PDF attachment with the subject line “(your last name) Public Policy Specialist” to Roshan Kalantar at jobs@violencefreeco.org  Please speak to how your experience and qualifications match what we are looking for in this role in your cover letter. We invite candidates to include chosen names and pronouns on documents. Please let us know in your application if you need a reasonable accommodation to apply. Application review starts immediately and will be open until filled.