Job Opportunies: Drug Policy Alliance, NYC & Sacramento

The Drug Policy Alliance is seeking applications for two positions, one in New York and one in Sacramento, California:

Director, Public Affairs, New York:

This new position will bear primary responsibility for design and execution of comprehensive communications, marketing, and brand-building strategies to promote DPA and its mission, communicate its policy agenda, and enhance the organization's visibility and image among internal and external stakeholders, including DPA supporters, the media, policymakers, and the public at large. The Director, Public Affairs will have supervisory authority for eight staff comprising all of DPA's communications functions, including: media relations, Internet advocacy and the DPA website, publications, and the Lindesmith Library. The Director will also serve on the DPA management team.

Primary responsibilities include: Ensure that DPA's drug policy reform agenda is persuasively framed for multiple and diverse audiences, advantageously positioned in the context of other social policy issues, and effectively communicated through a wide range of existing and emerging media channels; Ensure consistent messaging and communication of DPA's image and policy positions both internally and to DPA's external stakeholders; Oversee relationships with broadcast, electronic and print media, to build understanding of DPA's work and policy positions, encourage recognition of DPA spokespeople, and promote coverage of DPA activities; Manage the writing, design, and production of all print and electronic publications; maintain systems to process distribution of all publications; Supervise the design of issue-based and other advertisements and coordinate their placement in appropriate media; Coordinate DPA's representation at regional, national and international conferences, symposia and other events; Oversee the design and production of DPA merchandise; Manage and mentor program staff and oversee budgets for all DPA communications functions; Train agency staff on communications strategies, key messages and use of materials.

The ideal candidate will be a collegial, self-motivated advocate who thinks conceptually, creatively, and strategically. Specific qualifications include: Ten years progressively senior experience in advocacy-oriented communications; criminal justice and/or public health experience preferred; Proven track record of designing and implementing sophisticated communications and marketing strategies; Experience managing one or more departments, overseeing budgets, and motivating creative teams; Thorough understanding of drug policy reform issues; Advanced degree in journalism or communications preferred but not required; Strong analytic ability and superior communication skills, including writing and public speaking; Direct experience with drug policy preferred; commitment to harm reduction philosophy essential; Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends and to travel periodically.

Director, California Capital Office, Sacramento:

This position bears primary responsibility for DPA's California legislative advocacy, supervises a small professional office, and serves on the DPA management team.

Primary responsibilities include: Identify opportunities to promote DPA institutional priorities, and respond to policy issues that emerge in the California legislature; Develop and maintain relationships with key legislative allies; educate and lobby legislators and staffers on drug policy issues; Supervise professional lobbyists and manage lobbying contracts; Collaborate with coalition partners on legislative strategies and public messaging; Mobilize statewide grassroots support at key times to communicate with legislators; Serve as DPA spokesperson in the media, and at community events, conferences, and other forums; Contribute to DPA management, oversight, quality control and internal communications through participation in management team; Ensure that California Capital office's programs and practices are consistent with DPA's overall mission and philosophy, strategic approach, goals and objectives; Manage small office, including the supervision and mentoring of staff, student interns, and volunteers; Contribute to DPA fundraising activities, both locally and nationally.

The ideal candidate will be a collegial, self-motivated advocate who thinks conceptually, creatively, and strategically. Specific qualifications include: 7-10 years progressively senior experience in public policy, legislative and/or governmental affairs, political campaigns or ballot initiatives; criminal justice and/or public health experience preferred; Thorough understanding of California legislative and ballot initiative processes; Advanced degree in public policy/administration, public health, law or related field preferred but not required; Strong analytic ability and superior communication skills, including writing and public speaking; Direct experience with drug policy preferred; commitment to harm reduction philosophy essential; Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends and to travel periodically throughout the state and nationally.

These positions are open until filled. Send cover letter describing interest, résumé, and writing sample (unedited by others) to: Derek Hodel, Deputy Director, Drug Policy Alliance, 70 West 36th Street, 16th floor, New York, NY 10018, (212) 613-8021 fax, [email protected]. E-mail submissions are encouraged (please use the position title in the subject field) -- no phone calls, please.

DPA offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance; a generous 403(b) plan; and four weeks paid vacation. Drug Policy Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Visit http://www.drugpolicy.org to learn more about DPA.