The GLSEN Public Policy Office leads the development of safe and inclusive national, state and local policies that create positive school climates for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. GLSEN’s policy work strives to dismantle all identity-based oppressions including but not limited to, race, ethnicity, ability, and immigration status. Staff serve as the primary government affairs liaisons for the organization. The Office supports the leadership of a network of volunteer policy coordinators from local GLSEN Chapters around the country.
The manager works closely with the director to drive strategy to advance state and local priorities. The manager is motivated by and experienced in analyzing public policy, particularly in K-12 education, and LGBTQ+ civil rights fields. In a fast-paced environment, they will need to actively engage in providing technical assistance to advocates and policymakers, as well as rapid response communications on policy matters. To advance and implement affirming policies, the manager will be in ongoing communication with coalition partners, including national and state advocates and key education policymakers. The manager tracks legislation during the annual state cycle, coordinates the activities of the chapter policy coordinators, produces timely action alerts, and develops critical resources that GLSEN chapters, coalition partners, and policymakers use to create positive school climates.
Responsibilities:
Chapter Policy Coordinators and Public Policy Advocacy
- Manage virtual meetings and other activities that support the leadership of the network of volunteer chapter policy coordinators;
- Maintain and develop relationships with coalitions of peer organizations that work on state and local policy;
- Respond to requests from policymakers, educators, parents, coalition partners, and other community members
Policy Analysis
- Track and summarize legislation, regulations, and other policies;
- Make recommendations on positions on state and local policies, in addition to potential resources to amplify policy recommendations;
- Draft and proofread documents, including memos, testimony, and other official correspondence to partner organizations, as well as state and local government agencies.
Resource Development
- Work collaboratively to develop new policy recommendations;
- Manage and advance the local education agency anti-bullying and harassment policy assessment project;
- Disseminate policy recommendations in support of GLSEN’s role as the national thought leader on LGBTQ issues in K-12 education.
Qualifications:
- Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and related experience;
- Strong knowledge of, and a passion for, LGBTQ issues in K-12 education;
- 5-7 years of professional experience in a policy role, such as working in government, government affairs, advocacy organization, or similar;
- Experience working on related policy issues at the state and/or local level;
- Experience working within and/or leading coalitions;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to quickly build relationships and respond proactively to feedback;
- Demonstrated experience working in diverse communities;
- Ability to manage and advance multiple projects;
- Experience in workshop facilitation and public speaking.
- Ability and willingness to travel as needed (10% of time);
Benefits:
GLSEN offers a generous benefits package, including: five weeks paid time off for new employees in addition to 10 paid holidays per year; 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for staff and optional benefits for family members; life insurance; and a 401k plan with increasing employer contributions based on staff tenure.
Salary range: $70,000-$78,000
This position will be located in GLSEN’s Washington, D.C. office. During the Coronavirus pandemic this role is 100% remote while social distancing orders are in place.
To apply, submit your resume and letter of interest at: http://www.glsen.org/apply-to-work-at-glsen
GLSEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage people of color, people of diverse gender identities, people with disabilities, and women to apply.