Policy Director, Louisiana

The SPLC is seeking a Policy Director for Louisiana committed to racial justice and passionate about public policy advocacy.  

The Policy Director is a results-driven and experienced advocate, who is passionate about advancing civil rights for society’s most vulnerable members and communities.  The Policy Director works under the supervision of the Regional Policy Director to advance SPLC’s policy objectives in Louisiana via multi-strategy campaigns.  The Policy Director works with colleagues across the policy department, advocates and members of the SPLC Legal, Communications, Learning for Justice and Intelligence Project departments. The Policy Director supervises the Policy Associate and Community Organizer, directs state contract lobbyists and liaises directly with state and local elected and appointed officials, agencies, judges, non-profit organizations and allies, directly impacted individuals and communities. 

Who You Are

Experienced. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing public policy advocacy campaigns, specifically executing local and state strategies on issues related to securing democracy, eradicating poverty, reimagining the youth and adult criminal legal system, and opposing hate and extremists ideologies that impact Black and Brown communities.

Supervisor. Demonstrated experience supervising a team.

Knowledgeable. Operational understanding of laws governing 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) permissible lobbying and electioneering activity.

Effective Communicator. Skilled in listening and persuasive communication to articulate ideas, problems and solutions, in both written and oral presentations, to diverse audiences, including elected officials across political ideologies, directly impacted community members, stakeholders and the media, among others.

Strategic, thoughtful and analytical. Ability to develop, manage and execute strategic and effective advocacy initiatives that engage intra- and inter-departmental to achieve organizational priorities.

Efficient. Ability to effectively manage time while working in a fast-paced environment often with competing deadlines and adjusting deadlines. Must be able to pivot from one assignment to another to accomplish goals and timely complete assignments.

Collaborative. Demonstrated ability to work in partnership with people of diverse backgrounds, including internal departments, external organizations, and stakeholders, to execute specific policy strategies to advance the work of the policy department.

Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC's mission, vision and values.

What You'll Do

Direct local- and state-level policy engagements in Louisiana.

Develop and execute a strategic workplan to achieve organizational objectives in Louisiana.

Manage the Louisiana Policy team, providing mentoring and coaching, as well as contract lobbyists.

Hire, train, establish, and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign duties, and conduct performance reviews.

Develop and maintain relationships with elected legislators and their staff, allied organizations and community partners, and the media.

Serve as a spokesperson for Louisiana policy priorities.

Identify, secure, and prepare opportunities for SPLC to influence legislation and policy at the local and state levels, including commenting on proposed ordinances, legislation and rules, submitting statements and letters, preparing advocacy materials, and organizing and conducting meetings with elected and administrative officials and their staff.

Secure, draft, and deliver or coordinate delivery of legislative testimony and model legislation at the local and state level.

Assist the Chief Policy Officer and Regional Policy Director with preparing the Policy Department’s annual budget.

Research, monitor, review, and summarize the constitutional and practical impact of proposed legislation and develop strategies to defeat or advance legislation.

Assume a strategic role in coalition campaigns, ensuring diverse representation including the voices of directly impacted individuals, on advocacy issues consistent with SPLC’s  priorities.

Manage SPLC’s state-based lobbyists, including annual contract renewals, processing monthly retainer and expenses for payment, and directing their engagements.

Represent the SPLC interests and cultivate relationships with partners to advance our policy priorities.

Prepare documentation and reporting to the Chief Policy Officer and Regional Policy Director as directed.

Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Minimum Qualifications 

We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• At least five (5) years of policy advocacy experience, including track record of developing, managing, and implementing campaigns to pass and oppose legislation as well as government agency rules and regulations; experience in a deeply partisan environment is a plus;
• At least two (2) years of experience in social justice/civil rights work;
• At least two (2) years of proven managerial experience of staff to include hiring, training, performance evaluation, discipline and mentoring;
• Demonstrated leadership in building and maintain an innovative and positive working culture, including commitment to JEDI principles within a policy department; and
• Highschool diploma or GED.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $148,500.00 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where & How You'll Work 

This role the following work designations options:

• Local Remote: Will work remotely, but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
• This role reports to the Regional Policy Director.

Other Special Considerations 

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.