Policy Associate

The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KyPolicy) seeks to hire a Policy Associate to conduct analysis and advocacy on drug policy issues in the state. The position will work collaboratively to improve lives and address racial and economic inequities through policies that reduce overdose deaths in Kentucky including through public spending, criminal legal system changes and harm reduction policies and programs.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary, with a range of $45,226 - $67,140 depending on experience. A full list of benefits available can be reviewed here - https://mtassociation.org/careers/. Application review will begin on November 25, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

The position’s location is flexible within Kentucky and surrounding areas, between home office and KyPolicy’s office in Berea, with regular travel to Berea for staff work/meetings, Frankfort and other Kentucky locations as well as occasionally national travel. This position will be supervised by KyPolicy’s research director, Ashley Spalding. Our hiring process typically includes two rounds of interviews and a skill-based activity. We will ask candidates selected for second interviews to provide contact information for three references. Once the priority review date has passed, application review will continue until the position is filled. For more information about KyPolicy visit www.kypolicy.org.

Successful applicants will demonstrate capacity to advance drug policies that reduce overdose deaths by conducting research and engaging with grassroots and other advocacy partners in a variety of ways.

They will demonstrate:

• Capacity to track and analyze data, assess legislation and policy ideas, and develop strategic policy options.
• Understanding of the role of research and data in advancing policy advocacy campaigns.
• Ability to produce high-quality research-based strategic communications materials such as policy briefs, fact sheets and talking points.
• Ability to build relationships and engage productively with a range of community partners, including grassroots organizations and individuals directly impacted by related policies including people who use drugs.

Position Description

The duties and responsibilities of the policy associate include the following:

1. Research and analysis of drug policy issues (40%)
   • Build expertise on drug policy issues, including through analysis of data, reports, legislation, laws and regulations; track drug policy developments in the state and around the country; and communicate with key resources and experts both in-state and nationally.
   • Write analyses focused on Kentucky’s drug policy issues, including documenting how current policies and systems are contributing to overdose deaths, as well as analyses of legislative and policy proposals. Research products include policy briefs and reports, shorter analyses, fact sheets and other publications to post on the KyPolicy website and/or to use with other advocacy organizations and/or decision maker meetings.
   • Collaboratively develop policy options to reduce overdose deaths, incarceration and criminal legal system involvement in Kentucky.
2. Partnership Building and Advocacy (35%)
   • Build strong, collaborative relationships with advocacy partners in the drug policy advocacy ecosystem in Kentucky.
   • Support partner organizations and related coalitions and campaigns with research and associated communications including fact sheets and other materials as well as public presentations.
   • Help develop policy campaigns and other initiatives that advance strategic goals and combat threats.
   • Help ensure KyPolicy’s policy goals and strategies are informed by engagement with grassroots and other aligned advocacy organizations, including with individuals directly impacted by drug policies.
3. Communications and Public Education (15%)
   • Work with partners and the communications director to create compelling communications products including social media, press releases and op-eds, and advocate for media coverage.
   • Prepare and deliver clear public presentations that help everyday Kentuckians understand and build support for better drug policy.
4. Other/General (10%)
   • Support other staff analysts and researchers through feedback on draft reports and assistance with data analysis and map making.
   • Carry out administrative tasks as needed, including related to KyPolicy mailings, events and other activities.
   • Assist with keeping KyPolicy systems, such as our contact database, up to date.
   • Assist with fundraising activities as needed.
   • Engage with and participate in KyPolicy’s efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion both in our workplace and our external work.
   • Participate in organization-wide activities, meetings and training programs as required.
   • Participate in planning processes and the implementation of plans as it relates to this role.
   • Practice safety in all aspects of the job.
   • Perform all other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Strongly articulated interest in and commitment to social, economic and racial justice.
• Ability to conduct policy analysis and build policy expertise.
• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent research or work experience.
• Basic familiarity with data and strong analytical skills.
• Understanding of the role of research and data in advancing policy advocacy campaigns.
• Basic familiarity with drug policy, or related issues.
• Computer skills, including the ability to use spreadsheets to analyze data sets and word processing.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work constructively in teams and build trusting relationships.
• Strong writing skills and the ability to write clearly for a general audience.
• Self-motivated, creative thinker with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to perform assigned duties in a time-efficient manner.

Preferred Qualifications and Characteristics

• Two years of experience in policy, advocacy, research, drug policy or related work.
• Personal experience with the criminal legal system, harm reduction and/or related issues.
• Experience with community engagement and/or working with grassroots organizations.
• Graduate degree in a related field.
• Some familiarity with statistical software.