Advocacy Coordinator

The Advocacy Coordinator will develop, lead, and coordinate JAC's advocacy and policy initiatives aimed at eliminating systemic barriers faced by individuals with criminal records. This role focuses on legislative, regulatory, and policy work driven by the needs of impacted communities. The Advocacy Coordinator will collaborate with coalitions, engage with policymakers, and amplify the voices of clients to push for systemic change.

This role will also represent clients in Louisiana court hearings.

Key areas include ending solitary confinement, promoting fair chance hiring, reducing criminal legal fees, and expanding access to occupational licensing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advocacy strategies for legislative sessions, including drafting policy briefs, amendments, and testimony.
• Coordinate statewide and local campaigns to advance reforms in occupational licensing, solitary confinement, fines and fees reduction, and expungement processes.
• Build and maintain relationships with coalition partners, government entities, and impacted communities to support JAC’s advocacy agenda.
• Provide policy research, analysis, and support for task forces such as the Safe Alternatives to Segregation Task Force.
• Represent clients and advocate for policy changes that address systemic injustices.
• Manage social media outreach and public engagement to amplify advocacy efforts.
• Support community education initiatives by creating “Know Your Rights” materials and organizing workshops.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• JD required with the ability to practice law in the State of Louisiana.
• At least 3 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative work, or community organizing.
• Strong understanding of the criminal legal system and a commitment to social justice.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Proven ability to build partnerships, manage coalitions, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.

Job Title: Advocacy Coordinator

Organization: Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana (JAC)

Location: 4035 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Executive Director

About the Organization

The Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana (JAC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating systemic barriers that prevent individuals impacted by the criminal legal system from thriving. We focus on direct legal services, policy advocacy, and public education to drive transformative change in Louisiana. By working closely with community members, nonprofits, and government partners, JAC has been at the forefront of criminal justice reforms, particularly in areas such as solitary confinement, expungements, and criminal legal debt reduction.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Advocacy Coordinator to lead JAC’s legislative, policy, and advocacy efforts. This role is central to advancing our mission to dismantle the structural barriers faced by individuals with criminal records. The Advocacy Coordinator will work closely with coalitions, impacted community members, and legal partners to drive systemic policy changes in Louisiana. This position is ideal for someone who is skilled in policy advocacy, community organizing, and legislative strategy, and who is committed to social justice and criminal justice reform.

Key Responsibilities

1. Legislative Advocacy & Policy Development (50%)

• Develop and implement JAC’s advocacy strategies during state legislative sessions, including monitoring all relevant bills and amendments that impact individuals with criminal records.
  • Analyze legislation, draft policy briefs, develop amendments, and prepare testimony to influence policy outcomes.
  • Track hearings, deadlines, and legislative developments to advance JAC’s proactive and reactive priorities.
  • Draft public statements, talking points, and reports for policymakers, stakeholders, and coalition partners.
  • Represent JAC in legislative hearings, committee meetings, and public forums to advocate for systemic policy changes.
• Coordinate advocacy campaigns focused on reducing criminal legal fees, expanding access to occupational licenses, and ending solitary confinement.
  • Draft and distribute advocacy materials, such as op-eds, issue briefs, and educational guides, to support campaigns.
  • Prepare impacted individuals to provide testimony at hearings, empowering them to share their stories.

1. Coalition Building & Community Engagement (30%)

• Build and maintain relationships with coalition partners, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and government agencies to advance shared policy goals.
  • Collaborate with the Louisiana Stop Solitary Coalition to reduce the use of solitary confinement, particularly for individuals with mental health conditions.
  • Lead efforts to expand coalitions focused on fair chance hiring, criminal debt elimination, and occupational licensing reform.
  • Facilitate meetings with community partners, ensuring alignment on advocacy strategies and campaign goals.
• Coordinate with the Outreach & Engagement Director to organize Advocacy Days, rallies, and public education events to raise awareness of JAC’s advocacy efforts.
  • Engage community members in advocacy campaigns, particularly those directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
  • Mobilize stakeholders to participate in grassroots advocacy, focusing on empowering marginalized communities.

1. Research, Data Analysis & Policy Support (10%)

• Conduct policy research and data analysis to inform JAC’s legislative strategies and advocacy priorities.
  • Analyze state laws, regulations, and case studies to support policy recommendations.
  • Draft reports, policy briefs, and white papers on issues such as solitary confinement, criminal fines and fees, and expungement processes.
  • Track the implementation of newly enacted laws to assess their impact and identify areas for further advocacy.
• Collaborate with the legal team to connect policy issues with direct client services, ensuring alignment between legal advocacy and systemic reforms.

1. Community Education & Outreach (10%)

• Develop and distribute “Know Your Rights” materials, including guides, videos, and workshops, to educate the community on legal rights and available resources.
  • Organize and participate in community legal clinics, workshops, and outreach events to increase awareness of JAC’s services.
  • Coordinate with the Outreach & Engagement Director to maximize digital engagement through social media, newsletters, and action alerts.

1. Administrative & Program Management (10%)

• Manage internal advocacy programs, including setting goals, planning meetings, and ensuring deadlines are met.
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation of legislative activities, coalition efforts, and community outreach.
  • Contribute to grant reporting and funding proposals related to advocacy initiatives, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
  • Support the Executive Director in identifying new funding opportunities to sustain and grow advocacy programs.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
  • JD required with a license to practice in Louisiana.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative affairs, community organizing, or nonprofit management.
  • Proven experience in managing advocacy campaigns, drafting legislative materials, and building coalitions.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong commitment to social justice, racial equity, and decarceration.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Excellent research, data analysis, and policy analysis skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and CRM tools.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently as well as collaboratively in a team.
  • Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders and mobilize communities.
• Personal Attributes:
  • High level of initiative, creativity, and flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and opportunities.
  • Empathy and a client-centered approach, with the ability to build trust with marginalized communities.
  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to sherie@jaclouisiana.org. Please include “Advocacy Coordinator Application” in the subject line. In your cover letter, explain your experience in policy advocacy, community engagement, and your commitment to social justice.