Public Policy Advocate I or Public Policy Advocate II

Public Policy Advocate

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

The Public Policy Advocate (I or II) is part of the policy unit for Disability Rights California (DRC) and is responsible for legislative and budget advocacy activities as well as community education, engagement, and empowerment. DRC Public Policy Advocates identify, monitor, and advocate on legislative and budget activities that affect disabled Californians.

Job responsibilities include:

• Leading DRC's policy work in at least one or two subject areas.
• Engaging in advocacy activities at the Capitol and within the disability community.
• Representing DRC through the legislative process.
• Analyzing and developing recommendations on legislative and budget proposals.
• Drafting position letters and amendments on bills and budget items.
• Testifying at legislative committee hearings in Sacramento.
• Acting as a liaison and representative of DRC and building relationships with selected agencies, task forces, committees, coalitions and community-based organizations.
• Developing easy-to-understand materials and training California grassroots constituencies to understand and respond to state and national policy issues.
• Supporting Disability Rights California's efforts in the media on assigned issue area(s).

Other duties include limited travel, as assigned, and performing other duties as assigned.

Supervisory responsibilities are not required for this position. Travel requirements include the need to live in or around Sacramento, California, with occasional travel for out-of-town meetings, trainings, or policy activities up to 10% of the time.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations and individuals with diverse perspectives, the public, elected and appointed officials, people with disabilities, and governmental agencies, especially at the state and local levels.
• Demonstrated understanding of legislative process and protocols and public policy issues regarding rights of and services for persons with disabilities, and other public interest areas.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze legislation and draft related statements on behalf of the organization, independently or with support.
• Knowledge of public policy developments and laws at the local, state, and federal levels regarding rights of and services for people with disabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other DRC staff, community organizations, agencies and the Legislature.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, develop solutions, and explain legislation so it is easily understood by people in the Legislature and the general public, independently or with support.

For Policy Advocate II, additional qualifications include:

• At least one year of experience as a legislative staffer or advocate.
• Two years of additional experience in any of the following areas: legislative advocacy or legislative staffing; community organizing; or advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
• A BA or BS degree in a relevant field plus two years of additional legislative experience can be substituted for a degree.

For Policy Advocate I, additional qualifications include:

• Two years of experience in any of the following areas: legislative advocacy or legislative staffing; community organizing; or advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
• A BA or BS degree in a relevant field (two years of additional experience as a legislative staffer or advocate can be substituted for a degree).

Desirable qualifications include:

• Bilingual: Spanish, American Sign Language, or an Asian language.
• Life experience as a person with a disability or connection to disability.
• Experience working in a California legislative office, legislative or budget committee, or working for the state in a legislative or budget development capacity.
• Experience working with and/or sensitivity to disabled people and/or experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons from multi-ethnic communities.
• J.D. or post graduate degree in related fields such as political science, public administration or other subjects that provide foundation for legal analysis, lobbying and drafting of legislation for people with disabilities.
• Experience with CapitolTrack or other legislative tracking platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to draft bill language, budget trailer bill language and bill amendments.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in stakeholder meetings and build relationships with government officials/offices to influence public policy.
• Contacts with disability organizations or within disability communities.

The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability related reasonable accommodations. Duties are generally performed in an office environment and also in the State Capitol, in legislative offices and public hearing rooms.