Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy (Technology, Telecommunications, and Media Issues)

Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy (Technology, Telecommunications, and Media Issues) (Remote) 

*** COVID vaccination required. Exemption requests considered on a case-by-case basis. ***

Organizational Profile: Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (“AAJC”) works to advance the Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC ("AAJC") is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991. Our mission is to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. For 30 years, we have served as the leading Asian American voice on civil rights issues in our nation’s capital – fighting for the rights of our communities through policy advocacy, litigation, research, public education, and community engagement.

Based in Washington, DC, Advancing Justice | AAJC is a member of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) affiliation. With our affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, we work together as equal and independent partners, operate under one name, and strive to speak with one unified and powerful voice to promote justice, empower our communities, bring local and national constituents together, and strengthen our multi-racial democracy.

Title: Sr Dir of Public Policy and Advocacy (Technology, Telecommunications, and Media Issues)

Reports to:    President and Executive Director

Supervises:   2 full-time staff members

Term:              Immediately

Status:            Full-time, Remote, Exempt Employee, 40 hours/week

Salary:            $120,000-$175,000

This is a unionized organization, and this position is not in the collective bargaining unit.

Position Summary: The Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for Asian American Technology, Telecommunications, and Media Issues (“Senior Director”) will be primarily responsible for developing and providing public policy research, policy strategies, policy analysis, and community education on Asian American technology, telecommunications, and media topics. An advocate for fair and equal representation of Asian Americans in the media, and fair and equal access to telecommunications and technology law and policy, the Senior Director will work to advocate for policy and legislative reforms that will benefit the broader Asian American community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership and Strategic Planning 

• Act as thought partner to the President and Executive Director on issues related to these policy areas as the affect the Asian American community.
• In consultation with the President and Executive Director, identify, organize, and implement strategies related to these policy areas.
• Work closely with the executive team, AAJC staff, and board to provide leadership and direction in setting budgets, program goals, and strategies, and advance new ideas and innovations that align with AAJC’s mission and strategic plan.
• Serve as a senior-level mentor and a bridge-builder for AAJC, ensuring collaboration between departments and strengthening partnerships with affiliates and key external partners.

Activities Related to Technology, Telecommunications, and Media Policy

• Work with key legislators and executive branch officials to advance fair laws, regulations, guidelines, and policies that benefit Asian American communities.
• Provide public policy research and analysis on issues related to telecommunications, technology, and media issues as they affect Asian Americans.
• Monitor and analyze legislation, regulations, and other policy developments, prepare testimony, comments, and other relevant material.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic communications plans related to telecommunications, technology, and media diversity, including providing content support, responding to press inquiries, and making public speaking appearances as appropriate.
• Draft blog posts, press releases, testimony, agency comments, and legal briefs and memoranda.
• Other duties as assigned.

Develop, Implement, and Maintain External Relationships and Partnerships 

• Build and maintain excellent relationships with affiliates and the relevant legal and advocacy groups within the civil rights and Asian American communities nationally and locally.
• Develop community education materials and conduct community outreach and education.
• Coordinate program planning and implementation with AAJC affiliates to identify areas for potential legislative or administrative reform.
• Administer and organize the AAPI Technology and Telecommunications Table that is made up of 10+ AAPI non-profit organizations uniting to raise AAPI voices in associated conversations.
• Build strong and effective relationships with key industry stakeholders, allied organizations, coalitions, and Congressional Members and staff.

 Fundraising 

• Contribute to the formulation and implementation of a development supported growth strategy for the program, including identifying donor prospects through work with peer organizations and other contacts, and identifying opportunities to engage prospective funders.
• Support fundraising, grants, and relationship management with funders and supporters.
• Work with the finance and development teams to craft project budgets and help develop grant proposals relating to public policy pertaining to telecommunications, technology, and media.
• Provide content/information for donor communications and materials (donor newsletters, action alerts, special and annual reports, social media postings, etc.).
• Attend meetings with prospects/donors as requested.

General AAJC Roles  

• Live and exhibit the Values of AAJC, by contributing to an environment that promotes trust, teamwork, and transparency among staff, board, National Advisory Council, affiliates, and community partners.
• Contribute to, establish, and follow policies and procedures, including maintenance of confidentiality, to ensure that the principles of AAJC are implemented.
• Participate in and lead decision-making processes, understand outcomes, and be accountable for decisions made in or affecting their area.
• Understand the values and principles of AAJC and apply them fully in work responsibilities.
• Participate in other activities and serve on ad hoc committees as requested.
• Attend and contribute to AAJC and Board of Directors’ meetings as requested.
• Be available to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s Degree. Master’s Degree in Public Policy or a J.D. Degree preferred.
• At least seven years of relevant experience in government policy, public policy, or advocacy organizations preferred.
• Knowledge of telecommunications, technology, and media diversity issues, particularly as they pertain to Asian American communities preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to operationalize vision, think strategically, creatively problem solve, exercise good judgment.
• Successful track record of forging alliances, working in coalitions, and moving people from diverse groups and various sectors to take collective action.
• Facilitative and collaborative leadership style, with strong people skills.
• Excellent communicator and writer with experience as a spokesperson who can articulate messages to different audiences, including the media.
• Strong supervisory skills with proven ability to manage, coach and mentor staff and work collegially with management team members.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities and balance competing assignments.
• Experience navigating administrative and legislative processes.
• Ability to plan, organize, and help to oversee a comprehensive program.

Application Process

Send resume with references, short writing sample, and a cover letter to Hiring Manager at hiring@advancingjustice-aajc.org or 1620 L Street NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20036. Only applications with all four items may be considered.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is an equal opportunity employer.

Send resume with references, short writing sample, and a cover letter to Hiring Manager at hiring@advancingjustice-aajc.org or 1620 L Street NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20036. Only applications with all four items may be considered.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is an equal opportunity employer.