Policy Associate

Do you have an appetite for turning research into results and helping uncover gaps, craft solutions, and stand up for policies that matter? This role engages with partners, policymakers, and rural residents to transform ideas into action and ensure every voice is heard in shaping the future of our communities.

If this is you, read on, we might be looking for you!

The Center for Rural Affairs is seeking two Policy Associates. These positions will provide key support for advancing the Center’s policy priorities through research, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. Regional travel is required.

Location: In your cover letter, please clearly indicate the position of interest. 

• Policy Associate - Clean Energy: Location is flexible to the regions of northeast Nebraska, northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota, or southeast South Dakota.
• Policy Associate –Agriculture & Conservation: Location is flexible to the regions of central and eastern Nebraska.

Who we are

The Center for Rural Affairs is a dynamic, energetic non-profit organization working to build a better rural future for all. We’ve done this work for 52 years and we do it from rural places with a flexible work environment. Our work creates opportunities for beginning farmers, new business owners, and first-time advocates. The Center’s work is rooted in values we’ve held close since 1973. We welcome all applicants and believe that a diversity of people and ideas strengthens our work, our workplace, and our communities.

What you'll do

The Policy Associate reports to a Senior Policy Associate, Policy Manager, or Senior Policy Manager and is responsible for the following:

• Conducting research to identify policy gaps, analyze potential solutions, and stay informed on relevant media and policy developments.
• Engaging with constituents, partners, and stakeholders to gather input that shapes and informs policy priorities.
• Supporting advocacy efforts by working with legislators, county officials, and other decision-makers to promote the Center’s policy agenda.
• Developing written materials to include reports, white papers, blogs, opinion pieces, and action alerts and to communicate policy research and recommendations.
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with partner organizations to support the advancement of policy campaigns.
• Integrating the Center’s Values into policy work, partnerships, and organizational practices.

Who you are and keys to success (the must-haves)

To be successful in this job, you will excel in five areas:

• Relationship building: You know how to talk with people to learn what needs they have through conversation and inquiry. People trust you because you’re efficient with their time and have their best interests in mind. You’re able to build networks, as well as alliances, and find points of collaboration even when there are competing interests on your time. You develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders and can bring in allies and partners.
• Drive to achieve results: You know how to work to your strengths to achieve your own ambitious goals, and you anticipate hurdles as merely a momentary inconvenience. You possess a competitive drive. You set a high bar and meet it because you think three (or 30) steps ahead to come up with pragmatic, yet innovative, solutions.
• Inclusive leadership and management: You approach leadership in your work with a mindset of “power with” rather than “power over” and regularly include others with lived experience and/or expertise in decision-making. You use resources wisely and can provide clear direction to clients, partners, and contractors to leverage time and resources for impact.
• Setting and managing priorities: You have experience managing multiple projects and keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. You use resources wisely and can provide clear direction to staff, partners, consultants, and volunteers to leverage time and talent for impact. You understand the importance of effective delegation and empower others by assigning responsibilities that align with their strengths to maximize efficiency and results.
• Commitment to social justice: You recognize that investment in communities, people, and entrepreneurship are pathways to better outcomes. You’re a leader (or willing to become a leader) in incorporating the Center's values effectively into internal processes, external programming, and work relationships. 

If you were here right now, you would be:

• Collaborating with your manager and colleagues to turn research and community insights into meaningful policy solutions.
• Connecting with local leaders, partners, and constituents across the region to understand their needs and amplify rural voices.
• Diving deep into emerging policy issues, analyzing data, and crafting clear, persuasive materials that drive change.
• Engaging with legislators and decision-makers to advance policies that strengthen rural communities.
• Contributing your ideas and energy to a mission-driven organization where our values shape every conversation and outcome.

You have experience with the following:

• Translating complex information into clear, compelling written and verbal communications.
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships across diverse teams and organizations.
• Prioritizing and managing multiple projects to meet deadlines and organizational goals.
• Monitoring policy developments, media coverage, and trends to inform strategy.
• Engaging communities and stakeholders to gather input and foster inclusive participation.
• Applying analytical and problem-solving skills to identify actionable solutions.

What else you should know

This is a full-time non exempt position. This position will require occasional travel to meet with community partners and individuals and include both overnight and out-of-state travel on occasion.

Compensation and benefits:

This position has a salary range of $50,000 - $64,000 with top-notch benefits that have a cash value of $10,000 to $29,500, depending on family status and tenure with the Center. Benefits include a 97% employer-paid family health insurance that includes a contribution to a Health Savings Account, retirement options, a fantastic Employee Assistance Program, 12 paid holidays plus paid time off between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, Friday Summer Hours, and vacation and sick pay.

The Center for Rural Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify, is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals, and takes steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

How to apply

If you would like to work for an organization that has a national reputation as one of the top organizations in the country working to make rural communities more vibrant, apply by sending your resume, cover letter, and three professional references by clicking here. In the cover letter, please include how your personal and/or professional experiences have positioned you for success in this role and any Equity-related work, skills, or expertise you want us to know about. Let us know how you heard about this position and why you want to work for the Center.