Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Public Policy Director will develop and implement CAST’s public policy initiatives. The highly responsible position oversees and conducts legislative activity, local, state, and national research relating to slavery and human trafficking, and represents CAST on policy implementation projects. The ideal candidate is highly-dedicated and resourceful, committed to creating positive social change, and passionate about abolishing slavery and human trafficking. The position requires extensive experience in program development and management, policy and systems advocacy, grassroots coalition building, and staff/intern supervision. Qualified candidate will have strong written and oral communications skills, and a minimum 5 yrs policy experience. The position located in Washington, DC with national and some international travel. Full-time, exempt position.

Essential Duties:

1. Provide overall policy direction. Develop annual legislative agenda and work plan for public policy program- determining strategy and targets, creating appropriate materials and messaging, and meeting and following up with legislative staff. Advocate for state and federal appropriations.

2. Strategize to advance CAST’s policy agenda—following state and federal policy developments and working with the Executive Director to determine how to best influence the policy process.

3. Supervise Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator. Advance coalition building with local and national partners—attend meetings and work in coalition with other state and national organizations toward shared goals.

4. Create effective policy materials—producing engaging action alerts, fact sheets, and legislative updates for both grassroots and legislative staff.

5. Draft legislation, Congressional testimony, and other substantive policy analyses. Review and track relevant legislation to ensure appropriate actions are taken and bill charts are current and updated.

6. Establish and build relationships with legislative staff and Administration officials—developing a network of contacts within Congress and the Administration by communicating regularly and serving as a resource to staff.

7. Support the development of emerging leaders and community organizing to strengthen grassroots participation in the CAST Survivor Caucus. Prepare and present testimony to lawmakers on legislative and funding issues; and coordinate witnesses for legislative hearings. Support development of building a global Survivor’s Network.

8. Organize events—helping to plan and carry out legislative events such as legislative briefings, press conferences, and receptions by handling logistics and liaising with Congressional offices, developing materials and messaging, and working with event speakers and funders.

9. Advance coalition building with national partners—attend meetings and work in coalition with other state and national organizations toward shared goals.

10. Develop solid working relationships and work closely with government agencies toward shared goals.

11. Bring visibility and thoughtful leadership to important issues, policies, and funding decisions that support the work of CAST and its coalition programs.

12. Develop policy internship program and ensure intern support year-round by managing the application process and coordinating intern orientation and management. Coordinate and manage contract lobbyists.

13. Coordinate the development of a statistical collection/reporting system and generate quarterly and annual reports. Provide Executive Director with monthly status updates on legislation.

14. Work with Executive Director and Development Director to identify and apply for funding for advocacy initiatives.

15. Provide members/partners with information on legislation via fax alerts and electronic mail.

16. Other duties as identified and assigned.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in related field. Extensive experience and demonstrated skills and aptitude considered in lieu of education.

2. Significant experience, a minimum of five years, with lobbying, grassroots organizing, and coalition building. Knowledge of the legislative process (authorizing and appropriations process, and executive branch); experience at the state and/or federal level. Knowledge of anti trafficking statutes, executive branch or administrative measures, and appropriations required.

3. Experience working on a grassroots, advocacy, or political campaign highly desirable.

4. Demonstrated program development and project management skills. Extensive supervisory and management experience in a non-profit setting. Demonstrated sensitivity to issues involved in working in a multicultural environment.

5. Excellent organizational, oral communication, interpersonal and writing skills. Successful track record in establishing and maintaining positive and productive working relationships with a cross section of the public. Demonstrated ability to engage diverse people and groups in working toward common goals.

6. The ability to work in a bipartisan environment, take initiative and be self-directed, work as part of a collaborative team and share tasks with the Executive Director, manage tasks under tight deadlines, handle multiple projects, and problem-solve to overcome setbacks. Able to work under pressure and to work flexible hours in order to meet deadlines.

7. Knowledge of slavery and trafficking issues and experience working in direct service highly desirable.

8. Ability to travel. Active passport required without restriction on travel.

9. Competence in basic computer skills in order to be self-sufficient when unstaffed and to use systems to communicate with large network of stakeholders. (sending out alerts, posting to websites, social networking sites, bill tracking systems, etc.)

10. Attention to detail. Strong organizational, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Ability to establish priorities that align with a strategic plan and manage multiple agendas and programs effectively.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes medical, life, disability, sick/vacation leave, and a 403(b) plan. Opportunity to work with a team of committed individuals, be supported, and given every chance to succeed.

CAST is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply online or send resume, cover letter, salary history and three references to:

Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking at info@castla.org