Position Summary:
The Public Affairs Manager collaborates directly with the Executive Director and our committed Embrace Boston team, playing an instrumental role in formulating and advancing our public policy strategies, particularly surrounding reparations. Reparations are more than just a policy interest for us; they're a defining commitment. This means the individual stepping into this role will be our primary voice and expert on reparations. Their responsibility is to knowledgeably and confidently represent Embrace Boston's position and dedication across a multitude of platforms and gatherings. We're seeking someone ready to champion our mission and vision at the forefront of reparations discourse.
Essential Functions:
- Spearhead Embrace Boston’s reparations initiatives across higher education sectors, the City of Boston, and at both state and federal levels;
- Align public policy objectives with Embrace Boston's strategic priorities;
- Act as Embrace Boston’s liaison to state and federal governments, collaborating closely with city government contacts;
- Cultivate and nurture active relationships with local, state, and federal officials, while orchestrating annual public affairs engagements and briefings;
- Stay attuned to and track pivotal legislation and policy shifts;
- Coordinate and energize task forces and leader coalitions across various sectors, ensuring public policy agendas are rooted in Embrace Boston's research findings;
- Work within Embrace Boston’s programs and initiatives as the policy liaison; and
- With the Executive Director and other Embrace staff, lead Embrace Boston’s advocacy agenda.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Individuals assigned to this position may perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Preparation, Knowledge, Previous Experience:
- Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience; and
- 2 to 5 years’ experience working with government, preferably at the state and local level, either directly in government or as a lobbyist or public affairs practitioner.
Skills, Abilities, Competencies:
- Commitment to anti-racism and social justice;
- Superior relationship building and networking skills;
- Ability to work as part of a team, and serve as a team leader;
- Excellent knowledge of public policy issues;
- Proven project management skills;
- Ability to work under the pressure of tight deadlines and manage own workload;
- Ability to shift gears seamlessly and be able and know when to represent Embrace Boston and when to defer to the ED;
- Ability to steward key relationships and partnerships with elected officials, staffers, partners, and nonprofit leaders;
- Ability to build consensus around a legislative issue including contributing to various coalitions and working groups;
- Ability to represent the organization proficiently, always prepared to address and understand the diverse characteristics of a social justice community;
- Sense of humor;
- Knowledge of the Massachusetts State House workings preferred; and
- Connections to key partners in the non-profit sector a plus.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands:
- Ability to work at workstation for long periods of time;
- Ability to use a computer keyboard for extended periods of time;
- Ability to commute to the Massachusetts State House in person; and
- Ability to work remotely and onsite as required.
The content is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents, who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act or applicable state law, must be able to perform the essential functions of the job (including those listed above) either with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation, if any, will be determined by management in consultation with the employee on a case-by-case basis.
This job description is intended to be general and may be revised from time to time. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time.
