Position Summary
Western Center offers a unique opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic advocate to join our health team. This position provides an exciting opportunity to advocate on a variety of health-related poverty law issues throughout the state. We seek an advocate who will work in the state legislature to analyze, sponsor, and pass legislation that benefits our client communities and influence health policy and legislation.
We seek a team member who has experience practicing in diverse forums, thrives in a collegial and dynamic team environment, and is committed to addressing race-based inequities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in California's health policies and programs for people who are low income. Our health team’s work includes: Medi-Cal, Covered California, the Affordable Care Act, medical debt, county health safety net programs, eligibility and coverage gaps, improving delivery of care, social determinants of health, health disparities, behavioral health, oral health, and the intersection of these issues with racial justice.
This position is located in our Sacramento office and the person hired must be available to be in Sacramento a substantial amount of the year. However, it is possible for a successful candidate to live outside of the Sacramento region if able to commute to the office daily, as needed. This position reports to the Director of Policy Advocacy.
Responsibilities
• Collaborate with the Western Center health team and community partners to identify and develop legislative and budget strategies to ensure that every person has access to affordable, quality health care.
• Analyze, monitor, and advocate for and against pending legislation, budget proposals, and administrative policies and regulations.
• Develop relationships with legislators and their staff.
• Testify for or against relevant legislation.
• Respond to requests for information from public officials, agencies, and the media.
• Create and disseminate legislative reports, analyses of bill and statutes, and administrative materials to our partners.
• Work with team to implement legislation after passage, including work with administrative agencies on guidance and training as appropriate.
• Participate in and manage health policy meetings with local advocates.
• Answer technical assistance inquiries from local legal services advocates in areas of expertise.
• Provide trainings for legal services staff members related to advocacy work.
• Work within a team while engaging in most work independently.
• Represent Western Center in various coalitions.
• Some travel, including overnight travel, may be required. NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no travel will be allowed until March 31, 2022, maybe longer.
Compensation
Salary is very competitive and commensurate with experience. We provide a generous benefits package, including leave policies, vacation, and December holiday office closure at full pay. We provide numerous opportunities and support to ensure our staff are able to grow and develop their professional skills. The salary range for the Policy Advocate position is $87,000 - $100,000 depending on experience. The salary range for the Senior Policy Advocate position is $100,000 - $125,000 depending on experience.
Qualifications
• At least 6 years of experience in legislative, legal or policy advocacy, preferably in California. The Policy Advocate title applies to those with less than 9 years of experience; Senior Policy Advocates have 9+ years of experience.
• A commitment to the mission of Western Center, available at www.wclp.org.
• Ability to think creatively, be strategic, and exercise good judgment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to develop and work in diverse coalitions in which participants may have multiple interests.
• Ability to work in a team setting but independent enough to be able to implement team objectives effectively outside the team setting.
• Ability to work under time pressure.
• Exemplary ethical standards.
• Ability to travel, as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with or coming from historically marginalized communities.
• Experience with community-based organizations or nonprofit legal services agencies.
• Knowledge and understanding of California health law and policy.
• Deep commitment to economic and racial justice work centering BIPOC communities.
Application Process
To promote racial and social justice and achieve our mission, Western Center is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. Western Center strongly encourages applications from persons of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups whose background may contribute to effectively representing low-income people and underserved communities.
Applications received by March 15, 2022 will be prioritized but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. In your cover letter, please explain how you think your personal and/or professional experience or background has prepared you to contribute to a work environment with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Please email a cover letter, résumé, two writing samples, and a list of references to the Search Committee at [email protected].
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