Tech, Telecom, and Media Policy Associate (State, Local, and Community Policy) Two-Year Term Position

Organizational Profile: Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC ("AAJC") is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1991. Our mission is to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. For 30 years, we have served as the leading Asian American voice on civil rights issues in our nation’s capital – fighting for the rights of our communities through policy advocacy, litigation, research, public education, and community engagement.

Based in Washington, DC, Advancing Justice | AAJC is a member of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) affiliation. With our affiliates in Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles, we work together as equal and independent partners, operate under one name, and strive to speak with one unified and powerful voice to promote justice, empower our communities, bring local and national constituents together, and strengthen our multiracial democracy.

Title: Technology, Telecommunications, and Media Associate (Term: Two Years)

Reports to: Senior Director of Technology, Telecommunications, and Media Policy

Term: Immediately

Status: Full-time, Remote, Exempt Employee, 40 hours/week

Salary: $75,000-$90,000

This is a unionized organization, and this position is in the collective bargaining unit.

Position Summary: The Technology, Telecommunications, and Media Policy Associate will be primarily responsible for supporting the technology advocacy work of AAJC in promoting digital equity for the nation’s diverse Asian American communities. The Associate will provide public policy research, analysis, community education, and advocacy on technology policy issues impacting Asian Americans and engage in community outreach to support coordination with state and local advocates nationwide.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan and Execute Activities Related to Technology Policy

• Work with the Technology, Telecommunications, and Media team to identify, organize and implement strategies related to technology policy.
• Provide advocacy and research support in engagement with key legislators and executive branch officials to advance laws, regulations, guidelines, and policies that benefit digital equity and the Asian American community.
• Monitor news, research publications, and newsletters; and attend policy briefings, academic lectures, and other events to stay afloat of newly developing technologies, emerging issues, and trends and provide regular updates to team and other policy areas as needed.
• Track and analyze legislation, regulations, and policy developments; provide support in the preparation of testimony, agency comments, legal briefs and memoranda, and other relevant material.
• Contribute to ongoing technology policy research projects on topics including the digital divide, mis/disinformation, immigrant surveillance, artificial intelligence, and data privacy.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic communications plans related to technology policy, including providing content support, drafting blog posts and press releases, responding to press inquiries, and making public speaking appearances as necessary and appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Develop, Implement, and Maintain External Relationships and Partnerships

• Engage in the development and implementation of Community Partners’ Network strategies and activities on technology policy, as well as in other areas of policy work, as necessary and appropriate.
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with affiliates and the relevant legal and advocacy groups within the civil rights and Asian American communities nationally and locally.
• Develop community education materials; provide technical assistance to community-based organizations nationwide; conduct community training, outreach, and education.
• Facilitate relationships with the Asian American Tech Table, lead administrative logistics of it, plan its meetings, and coordinate its education and advocacy priorities.
• Coordinate program planning and implementation with Advancing Justice affiliates and state and local partners to identify areas for potential joint efforts.
• Support the Technology, Telecommunications, and Media team in the management of subgrants; and
• Build strong and effective relationships with key stakeholders in the technology policy arena, allied organizations, coalitions, and policymakers.

Fundraising

• Provide content/information for communications and other materials (donor newsletters, action alerts, annual reports, special reports from the executive director, social media postings, etc.).
• Attend meetings with prospects/donors as requested.

General AAJC Roles

• Live and exhibit the Values of AAJC, by contributing to an environment that promotes trust, teamwork, and transparency among staff, board, National Advisory Council, affiliates, and community partners.
• Contribute to, establish, and follow policies and procedures, including maintenance of confidentiality, to ensure that the principles of AAJC are implemented.
• Participate in and lead decision-making processes, understand outcomes, and be accountable for decisions made in or affecting their area.
• Understand the values and principles of AAJC and apply them fully in work responsibilities.
• Participate in other activities and serve on ad hoc committees as requested.
• Attend and contribute to AAJC and Board of Directors’ meetings as requested.
• Be available to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Three years of relevant experience working in technology, government, or advocacy organization preferred. Additional experience a plus.
• Experience in and knowledge of technology policy, particularly in its impact on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, civil, and/or human rights issues preferred.
• Experience in policy advocacy, campaigns, and/or field organizing preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to operationalize vision, think strategically, creatively problem solve, exercise good judgment, and lead change.
• Ability to meet internal and external deadlines in a fast-paced, rapidly-changing environment is required.
• Successful track record of forging alliances, working in coalitions, and moving people to take collective action and engage in advocacy.
• Facilitative and collaborative leadership style with strong people skills.
• Experience working with diverse groups from various sectors.
• Excellent communicator and writer with experience as a spokesperson who can articulate messages to different audiences, including the media.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, initiative, ability to work independently, and discretion and sound judgment in sensitive matters.
• The ability to plan, organize, and help to oversee a comprehensive program is required.

Application Process

Send resume with references, short writing sample, and a cover letter to Hiring Manager at hiring@advancingjustice-aajc.org. Applications with all four items will be considered.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC is an equal opportunity employer.

COVID vaccination required. Exemption requests considered on a case-by-case basis. ***