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Drug Policy Alliance

Southern Regional Advocacy Campaign Manager

Drug Policy Alliance, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30383


Job Title:

Southern Regional Advocacy Campaign ManagerDepartment:

Campaigns & OrganizingReports To:

Managing Director, Organizing & Strategic RelationsWho We Are:The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is the leading organization in the U.S. working to end the drug war, repair its harms, and build a non-punitive, equitable, and regulated drug market. We envision a world that embraces the full humanity of people, regardless of their relationship to drugs.We advocate that the regulation of drugs be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements and at every policy level, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives.DPA has 40 staff across the U.S. an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, and 200,000 members, activists, and supporters. The organization has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles.Recognizing the broad reach of the drug war, DPA works across issue areas to engage more deeply with organizations and leaders in immigration, family policing, education, reproductive justice, housing, and other aligned spaces. This commitment to building power across movements and building a base contributes to and works in tandem with DPA’s work on policy and legislative change.Learn more about working at the Drug Policy Alliance here and learn about our work to end the drug war here.The Role:The Southern Regional Advocacy Campaign Manager is the primary strategist and organizingcoordinator in the American South region, working within the Drug Policy Alliance’s Organizingand Campaigns Department.This role presents the opportunity to build out a new regional response to drug policy in the South.Works closely with allies and partner organizations on the ground in the region, particularly in our key states.Engages in campaign development and management, policy development and advocacy, organizing and movement building, and movement and public education in the local and state jurisdictions in which DPA is activeExpect to navigate managing a large portfolio of work with the support of local consultants but without DPA support staff in the region; there is significant collaboration within the DPA Campaigns and Policy teams.Opportunities for growth include utilizing or developing leadership skills and engaging in high level strategic planning within the program area, deep collaboration with other senior leaders, leaning into or becoming nationally recognized expert withing drug policy movementThe Campaign Manager reports to the Managing Director, Organizing & Strategic Relations.Key Responsibilities :Develop and articulate a vision for identified drug policy goals that are consistent with theorganization’s overall mission, philosophy, and strategic plan and objectivesImplement strategies to achieve DPA’s core priorities at the state level in key states in the regionOversee the development and direction and management of key state and local legislative campaigns including engaging in direct lobbying and education of policymakers and other officials, managing hired lobbyists and other consultants, building campaign-specific coalitions, and coordinating strategic communicationsMonitor and respond to emerging issues that impact DPA’s regional and state policy agenda including fighting back against regressive policies in the media and legislatureCreate and maintain solid relationships including travel to visit with diverse partners, including state agencies, community-based organizations, elected officials, coalition allies, and local DPA members as related to work on such issues as: criminal legal reform, civil system reform, marijuana legalization, and harm reduction reform such as authorizing overdose prevention centersDraft materials related to DPA’s priorities, including reports, policy briefs, blog posts, and op edsRepresent DPA as a spokesperson in regional and local media and at communityevents, conferences, and other forumsWork collaboratively with other DPA departments, such as Communications, Policy, Research, and Development, to further organizational goals and projectsOversee the administration of DPA’s work in the region, including developing and managing work plans and budgets and meeting state lobbying and ethics requirementsContribute to DPA fundraising activities, both locally and nationally, in partnership with theDevelopment department, enhancing DPA’s fundraising capacity in the region with Development Department guidanceAssist with planning and facilitating DPA-hosted meetings and conferencesPresent at events such as conferences, universities, coalition meetings and community eventsSkills and Experience:PassionStrong commitment to DPA’s mission to end the war on drugsEmbrace harm reduction as a core value and principle of substance use disorder treatment and recoveryDemonstrated commitment to social and racial justiceEnthusiasm and motivation to lead on cutting-edge issuesExperienceFive years of experience in organizing campaigns, public policy, legislative and/or governmental affairs, political campaigns, or ballot initiatives; criminal justice and/or public health experience preferredExperience managing consultants, lobbyists, and staffExperience building and leading coalitions in pursuit of an activist agenda with measurable resultsFamiliarity with drug policy is highly preferableSkillsLeading and maintaining portfolio of work with minimal day-to-day supervisionWorking with diverse partners, including community-based organizations, communitymembers/constituents, and people directly impacted by the war on drugsUnderstanding of the Southern Regional and key state (Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, etc.) political landscapeExcellent writing and oral advocacy skillsA proven track record of successful campaignsCommunity organizing experience is strongly preferredStrong interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity, and a good sense of humor essentialCompensation:This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range for this position is $81,000-$88,000, depending on the level of experience. Benefits for DPA staff include comprehensive health insurance and coverage (including dental and vision), 403b retirement plan with 10% employer matching contribution after completion of one-year, paid time off including 20 days of vacation, plus national holidays, sick days, organizational closure at the end of December, and year-round early dismissal on Fridays.Terms of EmploymentLocation:The Southern Regional Advocacy Campaign Manager is focused on the South, but all applicants must reside in the Atlanta Metro area.Hours:Full-time, remote, flexible schedule. Travel to key states throughout the region, (1-2times monthly) and periodically nationally (3-4 times annually) is expected.How to Apply:To apply, please submit the following three things:1. Your resume.2. A cover letter that includes brief responses to the following prompts:Why do you want to work in drug policy/for the Drug Policy Alliance?Briefly describe one previous work experience and how it has prepared you for this role.Briefly describe your career goals; and which state you are able to work from within the region.Your salary requirements.3. Share at least two examples of your past organizing and campaign work that demonstrateyour ability to build coalitions and manage and execute campaigns.Equal OpportunityDrug Policy Alliance (DPA) is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforceand an inclusive culture. DPA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction. Drug Policy Alliance is particularly interested in hiring people who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs