Policy and Advocacy Manager

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Overview:
We are looking for an organized, experienced, and driven individual to work closely with our Executive Director and program staff on leading the development of public education and policy campaigns to advocate for good public policy today and in the future, all with a focus on equity. The Policy and Advocacy Manager understands how policy, communications, and coalition-building work together to drive policy outcomes. Our focus is primarily at the local level, but we sometimes work with our partners to advocate for state and federal policies that align with and advance our goals.

What we do:
Sustain Charlotte is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that informs, engages, and empowers residents to address the numerous sustainability challenges that have accompanied our rapid population by advocating for smart growth. Smart growth is an approach to development that encourages a mix of building types and uses, diverse housing and transportation options, development within existing neighborhoods, and community engagement. This approach supports local economies, protects the environment, and furthers opportunities for all.

Our mission is to inspire choices that lead to a healthy, equitable, and vibrant community for generations to come. Founded in 2010, Sustain Charlotte has become the metro area's leading voice for sustainability through smarter growth.

Opportunity:
Why join us? We have an expansive vision, and the work matters to improving people’s lives. We believe in the power of storytelling, advocacy, and campaigns to create needed and lasting change. Our staff and board care about the work and about developing the skills of our people. And we’re growing and could use someone as passionate as we are to be part of the team.

Responsibilities:
• Develop campaigns and coalitions that advance Sustain Charlotte policy priorities, which currently focus on transportation choices and smart, equitable growth
• Partner with other community organizations to understand their needs and priorities
• Demonstrate public demand for policy changes to decision-makers by activating our base of support
• Attend public meetings and summarize key takeaways to inform our programmatic work and advocacy efforts
• Represent Sustain Charlotte through public meeting comment periods, presentations to various groups, media interviews, and participation in task forces / working groups
• Collaborate with other program staff to help recruit and develop grassroots advocates
• Develop webinars, workshops, and other events to support campaigns and help build our base of supporters
• Working with our Communications staff, help develop content for website, blog, and social media
• Collaborate with other Sustain Charlotte staff to implement aspects of our adopted racial equity goals
• Demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Work with national and local partners to identify opportunities to collaborate
• Help identify potential campaign funding sources and work with the Executive Director on fundraising
• And because we are a small staff – other activities as needed in support of Sustain Charlotte's mission

Experience required:
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in advocacy/public policy, including strategic campaign planning and management, community organization/mobilization, media/communications, and grassroots advocacy tactic development and implementation
• Knowledge of and passion for smart growth, transportation policy, and nonprofit organizations
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, law, journalism, and relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of structural racism and the role it plays in public policy and experience working in/with historically and/or systemically oppressed and marginalized communities
• Organizational, project management, and prioritization skills with the ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• A self-starter who excels at working in a team environment and is comfortable working with external stakeholders, including community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, agency leaders, and news media
• Expert facilitator: can bring together a diverse group of stakeholders and host policy and process discussions focused on relationship building, shared values, and policy goals

Compensation:
• Salary commensurate with experience and in the Charlotte market
• Sustain Charlotte supports a flexible work schedule and prioritizes work-life balance
• Our flexible schedule allows staff to work from home and at our office at 1100 S. Mint Street, Charlotte, NC
• This is a 30-40 hour/week contract-to-hire position; after an initial three-month contract period, and if both parties agree, full-time employment will be offered with the following benefits:
• 50% medical insurance paid, vision and dental plans are also available
• 3% Simple IRA company contribution
• Competitive PTO plans
• 11 additional paid office holidays
• Reimbursement for employees who commute to the office by bike, scooter, or transit

Sustain Charlotte prioritizes diversity and inclusion. Women, non-cis gendered people, people of color, and individuals from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Sustain Charlotte welcomes applicants to share anything about their life experience that has prepared them for the position they are applying for.

Employment at Sustain Charlotte is based upon individual qualifications without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital, or veteran status, political ideology, gender identity, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, and social/recreational programs.