Title: Policy Manager, DC Office of National Affairs
Type: Full-Time
Supervisor: Deputy Director, Office of National Affairs
Department: Public Policy
Location: Washington, DC
Last Day to Apply: Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Drug Policy Alliance has an immediate opening for a Policy Manager working out of our DC Office and reporting directly to the Deputy Director of the Office of National Affairs in our DC Office.
Drug Policy Alliance
The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is the nation’s leading organization of people who believe the war on drugs is doing more harm than good. In its vision of the future, individuals will not be punished simply for what they put into their bodies, only for harm done to others. DPA fights for drug policies based on science, compassion, health and human rights and seeks to promote dialogue on cutting-edge drug policy issues around the country. Its work spans issues from ending marijuana prohibition and promoting more honest and effective drug education to reducing the many harms of drug use and drug laws. DPA works to ensure that our nation’s drug policies no longer arrest, incarcerate, disenfranchise and otherwise harm millions of nonviolent people, especially people of color.
DPA’s work encompasses a wide array of policy issues, including:
Sentencing reform and alternatives to incarceration
Harm reduction (HIV, hepatitis C and overdose prevention)
Ending marijuana prohibition, marijuana decriminalization, medical marijuana
Drug education, youth and drugs
Race and the drug war
Effective drug treatment
Civil liberties and rights
International drug control
Alternatives to prohibition and pragmatic steps for ending the drug war
In the last 15 years, DPA has expanded from its New York headquarters to include eight offices, 70 plus staff, an annual operating budget of approximately $14 million, 35,000 dues-paying members and more than 300,000 online subscribers. It has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles. For more information, visit our website at www.drugpolicy.org.
The Position
The Policy Manager in the Drug Policy Alliance’s Washington, DC office reports to the Deputy Director of National Affairs and works with DPA staff to end the federal war on drugs.
Broad Responsibilities Include:
Formulating and managing appropriations, regulatory and other policy initiatives, both within Congress and Executive Branch agencies;
Analyzing legislation, appropriations bills and the federal drug war budget;
Meeting with and influencing staff for Congress, the Administration, and NGOs
Primary Responsibilities Include:
Lobbies congressional staffers and the Administration to cut drug war expenditures;
Increase funding for treatment, prevention and harm reduction;
Authorize funding for specific initiatives;
Steer discretionary grants to positive programs and away from punitive policies;
Repeal or pass restrictions on how funding is spent; and reform U.S. drug laws;
Manages DPA’s efforts to shape federal regulatory policy in the areas of criminal justice and public health;
Tracks and engages in annual budget cycle and appropriations process, especially as they relate to funding for the U.S. Justice Department (DoJ), Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and U.S. Department of State;
Identifies opportunities and develops strategies for undoing existing, and prevent the creation of, policies that perpetuate the war on drugs;
Assembles coalitions and coordinates legislative campaigns to advance DPA’s approach to U.S. drug policy;
Reports on the status of the federal drug budget, appropriations bills, regulatory matters, congressional debates, and the efforts of other organizations to impact drug-related policies;
Prepares and edits fact sheets, backgrounders, and other lobbying and education materials;
Assists with special events and projects;
Performs other duties as required
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
At least four years experience in public policy advocacy, government relations or legislative affairs; experience dealing with appropriations or regulatory issues preferred.
Excellent writing, speaking and analytical skills.
Ability to analyze legislation, budgets, regulation, appropriations and related-policy matters.
Ability to be a self-starter and to be detail-oriented.
Proven track record of success in building support for policy change.
Ability to build and cultivate relationships with people and organizations of various orientations and backgrounds.
A demonstrated passion for issues DPA addresses.
Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity and a good sense of humor.
Terms of Employment
This position requires the candidate to live in the Washington, DC area. Telecommuting will not be allowed. Some travel required.
Deadline
Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled.
How to apply
Please submit a cover letter with your resume and salary requirements by email to: hr@drugpolicy.org.
Please include in the subject line the following: “Your First Name, Your Last Name – Policy Manager, DC-ONA”
Email submissions are preferred, but if you have a good reason for doing so, applications can be submitted by mail to:
Lina Mingoia
Human Resources Manager
Re: (Policy Manager, DC – ONA)
Drug Policy Alliance
131 West 33th Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10001
The Drug Policy Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in hiring those who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.
Note: Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted
Please Do Not Call