JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Outreach Coordinator

The Washington State Budget & Policy Center seeks an experienced, effective, and motivated Outreach Coordinator.

This position has two primary functions. The first is to provide policy analysis and advocacy on federal budget and tax issues. The second is to play a lead role in the state outreach efforts of the Budget & Policy Center.

The Budget & Policy Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, statewide policy research organization.

The organization provides independent, credible analysis of Washington’s state budget, tax, and related policy matters with attention to the effects of current or proposed policies on low- and moderate-income persons. These analyses are disseminated through a range of methods – written reports including short fact sheets and longer briefing papers, electronically through various forms, and oral presentations to policymakers and other organizations.

The Outreach Coordinator will be the organization’s primary point person on federal budget and tax issues and is responsible for tracking relevant legislation, providing timely analysis, directing advocacy efforts, working with state partners and the Congressional delegation and working with the Communications Manager to secure earned media.

The Outreach Coordinator will work closely with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington D.C. as a participant in the

Federal Budget Initiative.

The Outreach Coordinator will also work with the Executive Director, Communications Manager and research staff to effectively disseminate the analysis of the organization to help maximize its value in shaping policy decisions. This includes developing materials like one-pagers and talking points, increasing the Budget & Policy Center’s public presence by seeking out opportunities to present the organization’s research and offer constructive policy solutions, and representing the organization in various coalitions and campaigns.

Principal Responsibilities 

• track federal budget and tax issues and maintain a close relationship with CBPP;

• cultivate and maintain relationships with state partners, key staff to members of Congress, donors and other “grasstops” individuals with influence;

• provide timely analysis of key federal budget and tax issues and disseminate effectively to partners;

• develop public campaigns on key issues and direct advocacy efforts with various constituencies;

• work with state partners to identify opportunities to present the organization’s research and analysis;

• work with Communications Manager and Executive Director to plan and facilitate briefings, Webinars, community discussions and grasstops engagement strategies;

• assist in developing and maintaining relationships with the Community Advisory Board;

• assist Communications Manager in drafting opinion pieces and doing media outreach;

• prepare timely materials based on the organization’s research and analysis for advocates to use during the legislative session and on relevant campaigns;

• work with Executive Director on state lobbying strategies;

• work with partner organizations to incorporate the framing of the Progress Index – a key Budget & Policy Center publication – into their legislative work, particularly around the budget.

Knowledge and Skills

 

The Outreach Coordinator should have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience in outreach, advocacy, coalition, legislative or campaign work.

In addition, the Outreach Coordinator should:

• be a strong communicator with excellent writing skills;

• be able to analyze complex policy issues and translate information into effective advocacy materials;

• be comfortable working with a broad range of individuals and organizations, including Members of Congress, high level donors, staff at partner organizations, and members of the media;

• be able to work independently and efficiently on multiple projects;

• be able to set and meet deadlines;

• have a commitment to social and economic justice.

Knowledge of economic policy, federal and state budget and tax issues and the Washington State government is a plus; ability and desire to gain such knowledge is a must.

This is a part-time position with the potential to go full-time. The salary is commensurate with qualifications and is competitive. The Budget & Policy Center offers a comprehensive benefit package including health insurance and pension plan.

Applications must be received by 4/30/2010. To apply, submit a resume, writing samples and a 1-2 page cover letter specifically addressing your interest in and qualifications for this position by email to jobs (at) budgetandpolicy.org.