Description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

STRIVE is a national leader with a mission to provide pathways to life-changing careers and opportunities through comprehensive professional training, intensive personal support, and self-empowerment for those who face societal barriers to advancement. Predominately operating in low-income, Black and Brown communities, STRIVE celebrates 85,000 graduates since its founding in 1984. STRIVE's purpose is to ensure that everyone can achieve upward mobility and financial empowerment for themselves and their families and offers free programs to adults of various ages, genders, and with justice-impacted backgrounds. See why STRIVE Works in this 2-minute video or learn more at strive.org.

STRIVE is active in 14 U.S. locations: in four directly-operated sites and through 10 licensed partners across the country. STRIVE is embarking on a growth plan in order to have the capacity to serve 10,000 individuals a year by 2033. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need to significantly expand our capacity in locations we are currently in and expand to new communities that are in need of our services.

POSITION SUMMARY

STRIVE is seeking a Public Policy Associate who will play a supportive and instrumental role in advancing the organization’s policy initiatives aimed at increasing public investment in workforce development and criminal justice reform. As a key member of the Strategy & Growth department, the Public Policy Associate will assist in the development and implementation of strategies to secure sustainable funding, engaging with stakeholders, and advocating for policy changes that align with STRIVE’s mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Conduct in-depth policy research to understand the landscape of workforce development at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Evaluate the effectiveness of current policy initiatives and identify areas for opportunity and innovation.

· Analyze a variety of data sources, including legislative texts, budget reports, and program data, to inform policy recommendations. Translate data findings into clear, actionable insights for policy development.

· Assist in identifying and mapping key stakeholders in the public policy arena at the federal, state, and local levels. Support the Director and STRIVE team in engaging with these stakeholders, preparing briefing materials, and coordinating follow-up actions.

· Draft policy briefs, reports, and position papers on issues relevant to STRIVE’s mission. Ensure all documentation is clear, well-researched, and aligned with STRIVE’s objectives.

· Monitor legislative and regulatory developments related to workforce development and reentry. Provide timely updates and analysis on potential impacts to STRIVE’s operations and goals.

· Prepare materials and talking points for advocacy initiatives, including testimony for legislative hearings and public forums. Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure consistent messaging.

· Identify potential grant opportunities and analyze their alignment with STRIVE's mission and programs. Provide support to the Fund Development team by evaluating the feasibility and strategic fit of grant prospects.

· Liaise with various departments within STRIVE, including Programs, Development, and Communications, to ensure policy efforts are cohesive and integrated with overall strategic goals.

· Assist in the coordination of policy-related projects, ensuring tasks are completed on schedule and objectives are met. Help organize policy events, roundtables, and strategy sessions.

· Stay informed of best practices in policy analysis and advocacy, as well as emerging trends in workforce development. Attend relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance professional knowledge.

· Provide administrative support as needed, including scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, and maintaining files related to policy work.

· Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business Management, Social Science, or a related field.

· 2 - 4 years of experience in policy analysis, research, or a related field. Experience in workforce development or economic mobility is highly desirable.

· Knowledge of municipal, state, and federal government operations and funding cycles. Experience engaging with government officials and stakeholders is a plus.

· Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex issues into clear, concise language.

· Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a demonstrated ability to use data and research to inform policy and practice.

· Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

· Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment remotely/ hybrid, as well as to take initiative and work independently.

· Competency with Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, POLITICO Pro or other policy research databases, and an understanding of social media platforms as tools for policy advocacy.

Location: The position operates within a hybrid workweek, with in-person days in our East Harlem, New York City office. There is the potential for occasional travel to existing STRIVE office locations and new expansion locations.

STRIVE considers applicants for all positions without regard to: race; color; religion; gender; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition, genetic information or handicap, unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status.

Compensation is based on relevant work experience and education level.