Policy Coordinator Position

Employment Application Form: https://form.jotform.com/210263818292051 

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Policy Coordinator

FreeState Justice

Baltimore, MD

FreeState Justice is seeking a courageous, collaborative, and organized Policy Coordinator who cares deeply about LGBTQ+ people to support the policy advocacy efforts of a growing legal services non-profit.  Applicants should possess a deep passion for social justice and a commitment to bringing lived equality to Maryland’s LGBTQ community. 

Position Summary: The Policy Coordinator will work under the supervision of the Executive Director to design and implement policy initiatives that center the issues of low-income LGBTQ+ Marylanders. Working closely with the FreeState Litigation Team and other organizations, they will coordinate, oversee, and evaluate all advocacy activities, including policy research, policy analysis, bill drafting, relationship management, community organizing, communications, and social media management. They will be supported by interns, fellows, and other staff members in their advocacy efforts.

About FreeState:  FreeState Justice is a 501(c)(3) social justice organization that envisions a Maryland where people across the spectrum of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer identities are free to live authentically, with safety and dignity, in all communities throughout our state. Our work brings to the forefront the experiences of those of us at greater risk for discrimination, such as youth, communities of color, individuals with low and limited incomes, and transgender and gender non-conforming people.  FreeState Justice provides free legal representation and policy advocacy in areas arising from a person’s LGBTQ status, such as health care discrimination, safe and equal access to school services, family law matters, name and gender changes, and discrimination in places of public accommodation.  More information about the organization can be found at www.freestate-justice.org.

Reports To: Executive Director

Supervises: Interns, Fellows

Responsibilities:

Civic Engagement

• • Effectively identify, recruit, and manage individual, organizational, & coalition advocacy partners
  • Help manage relationships with public officials, legislators, and press
  • Plan and implement advocacy activities including, but not limited to, phone and text banking, data entry, canvassing, and tabling opportunities
  • Design, plan, & implement policy briefings and public education activities
  • Coordinate communications and logistics for advocacy-related events and activities
  • Cultivate and facilitate power-building activities through regular meetings with community members

Policy Development & Tracking

• Assist FreeState’s engagement with a broad cross section of policy issues, including but not limited to, decarceration, decriminalization, violence prevention, non-discrimination protections, trans rights,  youth rights, elders rights, health equity, and income inequality
• Schedule, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, calls, or emails with elected officials and key stakeholders
• Represent FreeState Justice on advocacy coalitions
• Manage and maintain databases and data related to advocacy activities
• Track relevant floor votes, committee mark-ups, and hearings, as necessary
• Deliver testimony on behalf of FreeState and LGBTQ+ Marylanders regarding pending legislation
• Conduct research on key issues, support bill drafting processes, and prepare advocate toolkits
• Track national, state, and local policy activities relevant to FreeState issues & priorities

Strategic and Operational Planning                                                                                                                                      

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic thinking to the short-term and long-term development plans in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors
• Set ambitious and achievable annual goals and tasks
• Meet all staff requirements for reporting, goal setting, and professional development
  

Qualifications:  An ideal candidate will possess the following qualities:

• 1-3  years of successful experience in community organizing, civic engagement, lobbying, or other related activities.
• Bachelor’s Degree OR 4-7 equivalent years of work experience
• Demonstrated commitment to serving communities with low incomes, including experience working with transgender people, people of color, and other marginalized populations
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to juggle multiple deadlines and tasks while staying organized
• Demonstrated ability in written and oral communications, public speaking, and interpersonal relations
• Demonstrated abilities in strategic thinking and creative problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with external stakeholders
• Ability to travel throughout the state of Maryland, in compliance with local, state, and federal COVID-related guidelines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including MS Excel, & Google Workspace
• Proficiency in CRM database use and management, Airtable preferred but not required

Salary:  FreeState Justice offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience.  The salary range for this position is $45,000 to $51,000 annually.

Schedule:  The Policy Coordinator will have flexible work hours between 9AM-5PM. Occasionally evening and weekend hours may be required. 

Location: Office is located in Baltimore, Maryland with a hybrid work environment. A minimum of one work day per week in office is desired but not required.

Benefits:  FreeState Justice offers a competitive benefits package.  Benefits include: medical, dental, and vision benefits; 403(b) retirement savings account; 41 paid leave days (11 paid holidays, 20 days of paid time off annually, and 10 days of paid sick leave).

How to Apply:  Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and list of 1-3 references utilizing our online form found at www.freestate-justice.org/careers.  If necessary, questions may be directed via email to info@freestate-justice.org. No calls, please.  More information about the organization can be found at www.freestate-justice.org.

Target Timeline: Applications will be accepted until October 15th. Candidates will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.  Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We hope to make an offer shortly thereafter with a target start date of November 1.  

Equal Opportunity Employer: FreeState Justice is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, HIV status, pregnancy status, parental status, or any other status protected by applicable law.  Transgender people, people of color, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

About FreeState:  FreeState Justice is a 501(c)(3) social justice organization that envisions a Maryland where people across the spectrum of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer identities are free to live authentically, with safety and dignity, in all communities throughout our state. Our work brings to the forefront the experiences of those of us at greater risk for discrimination, such as youth, communities of color, individuals with low-incomes, and transgender and gender non-conforming people.

FreeState Justice provides free legal representation and policy advocacy in areas arising from a person’s LGBTQ status, such as health care discrimination, safe and equal access to school services, family law matters, name and gender changes, and discrimination in places of public accommodation.  Services, both legal and policy-focused, are provided by staff attorneys, as well as by volunteer attorneys who serve on FreeState’s pro bono panel, and student interns.

More information about the organization can be found at www.freestate-justice.org.