Company Description

Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. We offer lifesaving support in times of crisis and advocate for economic justice, gender equality, and climate action. We demand equal rights and equal treatment so that everyone can thrive, not just survive.

Job Description

COORDINTES WITH

US Domestic Program, broader Advocacy Alliances and Policy division with a focus on Government Relations and Public Policy, and Public Engagement division.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Working with the USDP Director, the Senior Policy Advisor, US Southeast Region is responsible for providing strategic guidance and implementation in support of Oxfam’s domestic policy agenda. The Advisor will work directly with the Labor Rights Policy Lead to build a bridge between Oxfam’s state and federal policy agenda. The Advisor will focus on issues specific to policy and implementation in the US Southeast. In each policy area, the Advisor will work with Oxfam’s partners and allies to advocate on policies at the intersection of inequality, racial equity, and gender justice for marginalized communities.

The Advisor will develop and implement a state level advocacy strategy, including conducting a gap and power analyses to inform USDP’s policy positions with a specific emphasis on workers’ wages, safety and voice; climate and food justice; fiscal justice; and other policies connected with increasing the economic security of workers and working families.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

State Level Advocacy:
•Build and implement an intersectional (e.g., race and gender) state-level advocacy strategy that encompasses a range of interconnected policies impacting the economic security of working families, including policies at the intersection of climate and food.
•Support internal collaboration and coordination of Oxfam’s public-facing legislative agenda at the national and state levels.

Relationship Building and Engaging Partners and Allies:
•Strengthen and nurture Oxfam’s relationships with relevant advocates, allies, and coalitions in MS, LA, GA, NC, and other southern states as appropriate.
•Develop and nurture relationships with state departments and agencies implementing key legislation to ensure marginalized communities and organizations receive resources that improve local infrastructure and economies.
•Develop and nurture relationships with ally organizations, key policymakers, and influentials at state levels.

•Support USDP staff with building the capacity of grassroots partner organizations to develop and implement a policy advocacy strategy.
•Collaborate and network with partners and allies to amplify and coordinate efforts, and to present a united front on issues and framing language.
•Contribute to fundraising for Oxfam’s programs and policy initiatives advocacy through donor cultivation and idea generation.

Knowledge Management:
•Manage USDP’s approach towards an equitable state-level policy agenda by tracking all domestic priorities and keeping abreast of changes that impact strategic direction.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS

•Will stay abreast of professional standards, trends and issues affecting this set of responsibilities, demonstrating continuous learning of the field.
•Will work effectively and collaboratively in support of building a team-based, problem-solving work culture treating all persons with dignity and respect and will be familiar with and committed to Oxfam America’s mission, values, and goals.
•Will have a fundamental understanding of gender justice and diversity within key areas of responsibility and a commitment to promoting gender justice, racial equity, and diversity in our workplace and programs.
•Within key areas of responsibility, will have a commitment to and be accountable for activities contributing towards a safe and accountable workplace environment, projects, and relationships for staff, partners, and the communities we serve.

•Strong understanding of historical, cultural, and social conditions in the US South that impacts marginalized communities.
•Understanding of state level politics and effective advocacy strategies.
•Travel up to 50% of time across the US South, primarily in MS, LA, GA, NC, VA.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

•Advanced degree (preferably in Public Policy, Government Relations, or related fields); or equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE AND CORE COMPETENCIES

•4-6 years of progressively direct experience in policy and advocacy issues relating to domestic poverty and/or economic inequality. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing legislative strategy at the state level.
•Deep knowledge of and/or direct experience working on worker rights, and/or economic rights, including strong human or civil rights legal or policy experience.
•Strong communication, policy analysis skills, and writing ability, including report, briefs, analysis, and written testimony.
•Experience working with multiple political parties or in a nonpartisan fashion.

•Experience working effectively with coalitions or large interdependent teams.
•Experience in advocacy, including research, policy, lobbying, coalition building, media work and public campaigning.
•Ability to communicate and work with culturally, politically, and educationally diverse audiences, including in a cross-cultural setting with long distance working relationships.

PREFERRRED QUALIFICATIONS

•Direct experience with state-level issue-based policy and advocacy.
•Understanding of intersectional approaches to equitable policy spanning economic, climate, racial and gender justice.
•Fluency in writing and speaking Spanish.

Additional Information

Job Ad # 1

Oxfam America is a Gender Just organization and an equal opportunity employer. We have a zero tolerance policy for any sexual harassment, exploitation, and/or abuse. We welcome all persons to apply and do not discriminate. We take measures to prevent discrimination against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

We are an E-Verify employer.

For more information, please click on the following links:
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / SpanishE-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish