Policy Associate

Position Description

The Policy Associate is a new position that will be responsible for day-to-day grassroots and statewide advocacy operations and activities to further AAPI New Jersey’s primarily local and statewide policy agenda, with an emerging national reach. The position will participate and build coalitions within the pan-AAPI community and play a vital role in coalition partnerships. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, entrepreneurial individual to join us at a critical time of growth, with strong potential for advancement as our organization grows. We anticipate this position providing the ideal candidate with ample opportunities for growth.

Reports to: AAPI New Jersey’s Policy & Advocacy Advisor and Co-Executive Directors

Primary Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Policy & Advocacy Advisor, responsibilities include::

Policy & Advocacy

• Serve as a day-to-day point person on key advocacy and legislative priorities, as assigned by Policy & Advocacy Advisor and Co-Executive Director
• Help develop and manage advocacy and campaign strategy
• Monitor legislation, draft memoranda and correspondence
• Help build relationships with legislative offices, government agencies and Governor’s Office
• Help develop and manage advocacy and campaign strategy
• Help identify and support campaigns within the larger advocacy landscape
• Draft a variety of written materials including policy memos, letters, and outreach
• Research and develop messaging tools, social media posts, e-blasts, and web content to support advocacy efforts in coordination with the Communications lead
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate student or graduate degree a plus
• Strong research, analytical and writing skills
• Ability to communicate to a variety of audiences and represent organization
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and assignments in a faster pace environment
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to work with diverse communities, groups, and individuals
• Ability to navigate and work in a startup environment
• Self-directed and ability to work with minimal supervision
• Previous experience as advocate and demonstrated commitment to racial justice and intersectional advocacy
• Ideal candidate will excel in developing social media content
• Proficiency in an Asian language is a plus
• Proficiency in or ability to learn software skills including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Canva, Slack, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, and Gmail).
• Frequent travel within New Jersey required. Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive own vehicle preferred (mileage will be reimbursed).
  
  

Location

• This will be a hybrid (mainly work from home) with travel throughout New Jersey and to AAPI NJ’s office in Montclair.
  
  

About AAPI New Jersey

AAPI New Jersey (formerly AAPI Montclair) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2021 to advocate for Asian American and Pacific Islander rights and representation and to promote awareness and education around AAPI culture and history throughout New Jersey. Through various initiatives, AAPI Montclair seeks to create structural change, build solidarity among communities, fight for equity for all oppressed groups, while celebrating AAPI cultures. Since its founding, AAPI Montclair has grown from a small group of dedicated volunteers responding to the rise of anti-Asian hate to a nationally recognized organization supported by thousands, implementing the teaching of AAPI curriculum through its impactful program TAAS (Teaching Asian American Stories) and creating a model for AAPI community mobilization. Learn more about our organization at aapimontclair.org.