Policy Fellow, California

Who We Are: 

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. We advocate for a holistic approach to drugs that prioritizes health, social supports, and community wellbeing. DPA opposes punitive approaches that destabilize people, block access to care, and drain communities of resources. We believe that the regulation of drugs should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives. 

DPA has 40 staff across the U.S. an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, and 200,000 members, activists, and supporters. The organization has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles. 

Recognizing the broad reach of the drug war, DPA works across issue areas to engage more deeply with organizations and leaders in immigration, family policing, education, reproductive justice, housing, and other aligned spaces. This commitment to building power across movements and building a base contributes to and works in tandem with DPA’s work on policy and legislative change. 

The Position 

DPA seeks a highly motivated, collaborative, and result-oriented Policy Fellow to support the development and implementation of public policy campaigns. The Policy Fellow will play a key role in  advancing health-centered policy approaches to drugs with a primary focus on legislative and organizing initiatives in California    Reporting to the California State Director, the Policy Fellow will monitor and track legislation, engage in partnership development, and communicate about DPA’s policy priorities and organizing efforts. 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Advocate with members of California Legislature and their staff on legislation, regulations, and other policy issues. 

• Maintain relationships with advocates working on racial justice, health, criminal justice reform, immigration, civil liberties, anti-poverty, and other issues.  

• Participate in, strengthen, and support coalitions on behalf of DPA in support of major drug policy reform. 

• Draft and send communications to members of the Legislature and their staff on legislation, regulations, and other policy issues. 

• Educate the public and policymakers on health-centered drug policies.  

• Represent DPA at public meetings and as needed at conferences. 

• Partner with communications staff in drafting and editing email alerts, web page content, and social media messaging. 

• Track legislation in support of strategic priorities and coordinate with DPA staff and allies to respond to proposed legislation and represent DPA in hearings.  

• Identify opportunities for advancing drug policy reform at the state level. 

• Assist with communications, including drafting press releases, opinion editorials, and letters to the editor. 

• Assist in planning and hosting policy panels, briefings, and other events. 

• Draft and disseminate coalition sign-on letters, fact sheets, policy reports, and other lobbying materials. 

• Perform other duties as required. 

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will have: 

• At least three years of relevant experience in public policy advocacy, community organizing, and/or government relations. 

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. 

• Ability to build and cultivate relationships with people and organizations of various orientations and backgrounds. 

• Successful track record in building community and political support for policy change. 

• Familiarity with the legislative process (preferably in California) 

• Excellent writing, speaking, and analytic skills. 

• A demonstrated passion for issues DPA addresses.  

• Lived experience relevant to the drug war is preferred. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity and a good sense of humor. 

• Excellent writing, speaking, and analytic skills. 

• Willingness to travel for occasional meetings and events.  

Terms of Employment 

This is a full-time exempt position for a one-year appointment only and requires the candidate to live in the greater Sacramento area. The California Campaign currently operates remotely throughout California but the Policy Fellow may be required to work on-site one or more days per week in co-working office space near the Capitol in Sacramento. Occasional opportunities to travel and attend other in-person gatherings may be available.  

The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $75,000. 

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000