DEPARTMENT: Advocacy SUPERVISOR: Poverty Action Manager

FTE: 1.0 SALARY GRADE: 27/28

All employees working at Solid Ground have the responsibility for developing and safekeeping a workplace that values and supports a culturally diverse work environment. Openness to new ideas and ways, compassion, flexibility, and respect are valued and encouraged attributes for our employees. We believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our mission of creating "a just and caring community, free from poverty, prejudice and neglect." As our workforce evolves to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, our agency and workplace will be enriched and strengthened.

JOB SUMMARY: The Statewide Poverty Action Network is a coalition of over 5,000 individuals and organizations taking action to eliminate the root causes of poverty through influencing state and federal public policy decisions. The Public Policy and Communications Coordinator is responsible for directing Poverty Action's public policy campaigns, as well as working with the news media to encourage and foster coverage around poverty.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND TASKS:

30% Meet with, educate and work to influence state and federal elected officials to support Poverty Action's public policies priorities. Provide testimony and public comment on proposed decisions on behalf of Poverty Action;

20% Conduct the media communications work on behalf of Poverty Action, including writing press statements and guest columns, developing press briefings and events, and setting up meetings with editorial staff. Build relationships with reporters and editors of papers around the State, and track their coverage on issues around poverty;

20% Develop and write legislation, as well as track, analyze and write briefs on state and federal public policies of interest. Provide comprehensive and in-depth analysis of public policies so that staff, advisory board and Poverty Action members can make informed decisions about policies to select as Poverty Action's priorities;

20% Direct and develop efforts to mobilize Poverty Action's 5,000 volunteers/members around the State to attend public forums, testify at hearings, write letters, and take direct action on public policy decisions;

5% Organize and conduct presentations to educate stakeholders and the public about Poverty Action's policy priorities with the objective of recruiting volunteers and organizations to join and financially contribute to our work;

5% Coordinate and staff the Public Policy Committee of Poverty Action's Advisory Board. Participate in program, Department and agency meetings and relevant trainings as required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

Requires one of the following:

(a) Four years of experience in community organizing; OR

(b) Bachelor's degree in a related field and two years experience in community organizing; OR

(c) Any combination of education, experience and measurable performance which demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of this position.

Also requires:

· One year experience lobbying and working directly with elected officials;

· One year experience with media communication;

· Experience coordinating campaigns or projects, including coordinating coalitions and facilitating committees, and recruiting and supervising large numbers of volunteers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the skill and ability to be persuasive and to advocate effectively with elected officials;

· Knowledge of the legislative process and the ability to help bills get passed or to block negative proposals;

· Knowledge of major social policies, state budget and fiscal issues;

· Excellent organizational abilities, initiative and attention to detail;

· Ability to work individually in a self-directed manner and as part of a team;

· Willingness and ability to work with people from a variety of racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, with various lifestyles, sexual orientations, and of all ages;

· Ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours to attend meetings, hearings;

· Access to reliable transportation, valid driver's license, vehicle insurance that meets Washington State's minimum guidelines and the ability and willingness to travel throughout the State.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS: This position works in an office setting, performing general office duties 50% of the time and 50% of the time in the field. Employees spend 20% of office time on the computer, 20% of the time answering the phone, and 10% meetings. Work outside the office (50%) is 40% meetings, and 10% driving. Position requires employee to lift/carry up to 20 pounds rarely, 5-10 pounds occasionally and push/pull 15pounds seldom, 1-5 pounds frequently. Position has the ability to sit/stand as needed. Stairs not required.

HOURS and COMPENSATION: This is a full time union position paying $19.00 per hour plus benefits. Benefits include earning 16.3 paid personal leave hours per month to start, medical, dental, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays, 401 K employer contributed profit sharing plan and tax-sheltered health care and dependant care accounts.

TO APPLY: Applicants must complete a standard Solid Ground application form, which can be obtained at 1501 North 45^th Street, Seattle, WA; by calling our job line at (206) 694-6840; or by applying on-line at www.solid-ground.org. Please return completed applications to: Solid Ground, Attn: Human Resources Department, 1501 North 45^th Street, Seattle, WA 98103-6708. Please attach a cover letter and resume.

CLOSING DATE: 5 PM on February 11, 2008

WOMEN, PEOPLE OF COLOR AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. THE SOLID GROUND IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.