Managing Director of Policy

Summary

The Managing Director of Policy at AAPI Equity Alliance (AEA) leads policy and advocacy efforts for the organization’s core issue areas and supports the policy priorities of its members and committees. They also co-lead the policy team at Stop AAPI Hate (SAH), a U.S.-based coalition advocating for racial justice and the largest center tracking acts of hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders nationwide.

The Managing Director of Policy is a key member of AEA and SAH leadership teams, driving decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic direction for the organization and coalition.

Key Responsibilities

Essential responsibilities and accountabilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Lead and Manage Policy Team

• Develop and implement a clear strategic vision for the AEA and SAH Policy Teams at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring alignment with overall goals and objectives and delivering impact. This involves staying informed about relevant policy issues, identifying emerging trends, and anticipating potential challenges across core issue areas such as governance reform, civic engagement, racial justice, civil rights, and immigration.
• Provide direction, guidance, and support to members of the Policy Team. This includes fostering a collaborative and productive work environment, promoting professional development, and addressing any team challenges.
• Manage the team's resources effectively, including budget allocation, staffing decisions, and the procurement of necessary tools and technologies.
• Plan and execute logistics for policy advocacy trainings, webinars, and other events.
• Represent the activities and needs of the Policy Team, as part of the management team at AEA and SAH.

Research, Analyze, and Report on Policy

• Research and analyze policy at the local (Los Angeles), state (California), and federal levels
• Monitor policy and practice environments on core issue areas and identify opportunities to respond and contribute to developments in the sector
• Develop and contribute to written research briefs, reports, recommendations, statements, letters of support/opposition, and proposed bill or budget language in alignment with policy priorities. Examples of reports: https://stopaapihate.org/tag/research-reports/
• Develop other tools and resources that make complex data and information accessible to a broad array of stakeholders
• Engage member organizations and the community on policy priorities, including providing updates, guidance, insights, and trainings

Represent AEA and SAH Before External Audiences

• Advocate for AAPI Equity Alliance’s position on key issues by representing AAPI Equity Alliance in coalitions and meetings with external stakeholders and developing relationships with key stakeholders and partners
• Work collaboratively with advocacy and community partners and coalitions to maximize AEA and SAH’s impact
• Communicate AEA and SAH’s progressive vision to audiences including community members, elected officials and other policymakers, and the media

Serve as Organizational Leader

• Support or lead cross-functional teams, projects, and plans within AEA and SAH
• Participate in high-level decisions shaping the organization’s strategic direction, internal governance, and organizational culture
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and government officials
• Ensure that the organization is achieving its mission and vision

Complete other responsibilities as assigned, including fundraising and communications efforts

Skills and Abilities

• Law degree (JD) and bachelor’s degree in public policy, social work, public health or a related field
• At least 10-15 years of experience working in policy, legislative, advocacy, or government affairs
• Superb communication skills, including ability to clearly and impactfully communicate AEA and SAH’s positions and quickly establish credibility and rapport
• Proactive, self-motivated problem solver who can take initiative, balance multiple priorities simultaneously, and use sound judgment in ambiguous, fast-changing, and unpredictable environments
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including proven ability to work effectively both in person and remotely with teammates and a diverse set of stakeholders
• True team player with excellent teamwork and collaboration skills; willing to support team members as needed across the organization for high-priority projects or events
• Strong analytical, research, and verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on an ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences using multiple mediums
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills, with impeccable attention to detail and ability to work under pressure with a high degree of accuracy
• Solid background in information technology, including proficiency in MS Office, G- Suite, Zoom, and Slack
• Ability to work flexible hours which include some evenings and weekends
• Knowledge of cultural norms and nuances affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of AAPI Equity Alliance and Stop AAPI Hate

About AAPI Equity Alliance

AAPI Equity Alliance (AAPI Equity) is dedicated to improving the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through civic engagement, capacity building, and policy advocacy. Learn more at https://aapiequityalliance.org/.

About Stop AAPI Hate

Stop AAPI Hate is a U.S.-based coalition dedicated to ending racism and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAs & PIs). We strive to advance the multiracial movement for equity and justice by building power for our communities, working in solidarity with other communities of color, and advocating for comprehensive solutions that tackle the root causes of race-based hate. As the nation’s largest reporting center tracking anti-AAPI hate acts, our coalition publishes data insights and research findings to paint a vivid and nuanced picture of racism and other forms of bigotry as it is experienced by our communities. Leveraging our core strategies – Data & Research, Policy & Advocacy, Community Capacity Building, and Narrative Change – we drive progress across three distinct issue areas to create a safer, more equitable future for all. Learn more at https://stopaapihate.org.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter, resume, and 3-5 page writing sample in one pdf to info@aapiequityalliance.org. In the subject line, please write “Managing Director of Policy.” In the cover letter, please propose 1) explain how you would advance AEA’'s work to address housing affordability and homelessness in Los Angeles, or 2) describe how SAH should position itself to fight anti-immigrant policies at the federal level

Benefits

Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, reimbursement for health and dental insurance, and a budget for technology. This position is currently hybrid (90% remote, 10% in-person). Position available immediately.

AAPI Equity Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, which does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, HIV status, disability, or marital status. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application.

Please visit https://aapiequityalliance.org/jobs/ for the most updated job description and if the position is still open.