Policy Director

Make the Road States (MRstates) is the national home for the second-generation Make the Road family of organizations in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Nevada, this in addition to New York, that serves to uplift the voices of working-class, immigrants, women, LGBTQIA people, and people of color across the Make the Roads umbrella. From an operational spectrum it serves as the Finance and Human Resources Compliance Officers for the umbrella at large.

Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) builds the power of immigrant and working-class communities to achieve dignity and respect through community organizing, the provision of high quality legal and support services, transformative education, and policy innovation. MRNJ is a project of Make the Road States. Founded in 2014, MRNJ operates centers and organizing hubs in the cities of Elizabeth, Passaic, Perth Amboy, and Newark, that reach thousands of immigrants and working-class people of color each year. Our member-led organizing committees -- which work on the issues named above-- implement strategies to combat shared problems and develop leadership and the capacity for civic participation. In the past four years, MRNJ has won more than 10 pro-immigrant and pro-worker policies, including the nation's first guaranteed severance law, landmark anti-wage theft legislation, occupational and drivers' license for undocumented immigrants and a $15 minimum wage. We also provide an array of high-quality bilingual services including ESOL, legal services in the areas of immigration and workplace rights, workplace safety training and college access.

Current Opening:

MRNJ is seeking a policy director to lead MRNJ's policy development and implementation in support of community organizing campaigns relating to immigrant, workers, tenants and youth rights.

Key Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Oversee policy development for Make the Road New Jersey's community organizing campaigns in conjunction with community organizing, legal and services department and MRNJ membership base in the areas of immigration, tenant, workers, and youth rights;
• Identify policy research and advocacy opportunities in alignment with the vision, mission and core values of MRNJ and grow our pool of coalition allies in those efforts;
• Liaise with coalition partners in labor, community, academia, advocacy and other partners to develop coalitions;
• Support development of campaign plans to advance policy goals with the organizing department;
• Develop strategic litigation plans to advance campaign and policy goals with MRNJ's legal department;
• Conduct presentations to MRNJ membership base and community stakeholders;
• Produce reports, memorandum and other materials in English and Spanish to educate the public and MRNJ membership base on the policy priorities of the organization;
• Engage membership in community meetings to develop policy priorities;
• Conduct Know Your Rights trainings to educate membership base on policies;
• In conjunction with communications department develop public facing materials and talking points to advance campaign and policy goals
• Workplace Maintenance: Ensure work space(s) and common areas maintained in a clean and tidy manner at all times; perform office opening and closing protocols.
• Campaign and Membership Support: Assist with recruitment efforts, civic engagement, and statewide/national campaigns and rapid response needs.
• Database Management: Complete detailed data entry and maintain accurate records maintaining confidentiality and ensures compliance with organizational policies and databases.
• Events & Outreach: Participate in events including in-person large indoor/outdoor community events, rapid response events and street outreach. Plan and participate in organization-wide events throughout the year; lead and support rapid response efforts.
• Follow Make the Road New Jersey administrative guide and all protocols.
• Safety Compliance: Follow safety and COVID-19 protocols as needed.
• Equipment Monitoring: transport & Monitor MRNJ equipment and ensure it is returned.
• Mission and Values: Uphold and promote the organization's mission and values.
• Stay updated on program, department or organization related matters, events and practices to provide clients, guests and volunteers with accurate information;
• Support the implementation and recruitment efforts to grow our membership base throughout the state;
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Eligible to work in the US;
• Fully vaccinated with a FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine prior to first day;
• 7 years of relevant experience preferred;
• Proficiency (fluency preferred) in English and Spanish;
• Possess a commitment to collective action and community organizing.
• Have experience working in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic work environment
• BA , JD or MA preferred

Job Competencies:

• Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, problem solving and organizational skills;
• Manages shifting priorities and unexpected challenges effectively.
• Self-motivated; detail oriented, well-organized, and be able to prioritize assignments and workload;
• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, as needed;
• Comfortable multitasking and prioritizing tasks without guidance;
• Microsoft Office or Google Suite proficiency;
• Strong communication skills in person and by phone;
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn database and communication platforms;
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills;
• Willingness to grow professionally through learning, participate in trainings and accepting direction;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges facing immigrant communities, communities of color, and low-and moderate-income families;
• Commitment to racial, social, and economic justice; Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse client population as well as with community members, co-workers, and the public;
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Be highly professional and team oriented with a passion for excellence and eagerness to help the department meet our goals.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and complete assignments under strict deadlines with minimal supervision in a fast paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High level of accountability and initiative; needs to be a self-starter and eager to do team work to support the organization as a whole
• Valid driver's license and vehicle (preferred).

Salary and Benefits:

MRStates offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance, 401K, and generous paid vacation, sick, personal days. The salary range for this position is from $107,000 to $120,000

How to Apply:

Please attach cover letter/resume and submit all documents to the Make the Road New States career center.

Make the Road believes that social change is best achieved through grassroots community-based organizing that flows directly from and engages the community demanding the change. As a membership-based organization, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, criminal history, or Veteran status. We strongly encourage those from historically excluded groups to apply.