Senior Policy Attorney

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Policy Attorney is a member of the Alliance’s Policy team, focusing on strategic systemic reform advocacy across the Alliance’s areas of focus, to ensure our child welfare system is child- and-family-centered. Located in Sacramento or Los Angeles, the Senior Policy Attorney will help develop the organization’s state and local government policy agenda and priorities, draft and track legislation and regulations, and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, the public and the media about the Alliance’s work. This is an exempt, full-time paid position.

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE

We are a nonprofit organization that provides free, holistic legal services and advocacy to youth and families impacted by child welfare and juvenile justice systems in Los Angeles County and works to enact policy changes statewide. Our lawyers, advocates, and social workers, together with hundreds of pro bono attorneys and community volunteers, work together to ensure that those we serve have the tools to overcome barriers to stability and success and can access the education, healthcare, and financial supports they need. Since 1992, we have helped over 165,000 children and young adults.

WHAT YOUR IMPACT WILL BE

Reporting to the Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, the Senior Policy Attorney will:

• Research and analyze legislative and regulatory proposals and develop and provide written and oral testimony before various legislative and administrative bodies.
• Design and execute integrated advocacy campaigns in collaboration with internal staff and external partners and allies that leverage rigorous policy analysis, strategic communications, coalition-building, and grassroots organizing.
• Provide technical assistance and information to elected officials and staff,
providers, agency staff and other key child welfare stakeholders about the Alliance’s programs and initiatives.
• In concert with Alliance program staff and pro bono counsel, assist with development of targeted impact litigation to advance these priorities.
• Act as a resource for other Alliance staff on policy and impact litigation initiatives.
• Prepare and present community trainings on topics of high interest or impact.
• Build, maintain and participate in coalitions with other child welfare advocacy groups related to policy reforms and impact litigation of mutual interest.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS

•  J.D. degree required.
•  License to practice law in California Bar (or pending).
•  Strong academic credentials.
•  Preference for candidates with experience in juvenile dependency or delinquency courts.
•  Preference for candidates with experience directly related to public policy, legislative advocacy or related experience.
•  Knowledge of the child welfare system and policies is beneficial.
•  Knowledge of legislative process and procedures is beneficial.

This job description is of a general nature and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties of the position.

Experience and Skills

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills to convey complex policy positions in simple terms and preparing documents and presentations.
•  Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically.
• Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant, professional, and motivating manner.
• Able to adjust to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Some travel required.

This job description is of a general nature is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties of the position.

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS:

This position will temporarily work remotely due to COVID-19. This position may be asked to return to work in the office at any time at the employer’s discretion. In person presence will be required as needed to participate in legislative, regulatory and other meetings or hearings and to facilitate training and departmental activities.

Vaccination Requirement 
The Alliance is committed to prioritizing and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our employees, their families, our clients, and members of our community against COVID-19. In response to COVID-19 and the increased transmissibility of recent variants, and to support a safe environment for everyone, all new Alliance employees must provide original documentation confirming they are fully vaccinated, and or evidence of an approved qualifying medical exemption or religious held belief exemption at the time of hire.

Salary Range

This is an exempt, full-time paid position, with target starting annual salary in the range of $75,000 to $90,000 DOE. Benefits include generous vacation and paid holidays; comprehensive health plans covering 100% of the employee cost of medical, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; flexible spending accounts for childcare and health expenses; generous retirement savings plan with company contributions to your 403(b) after one year of employment, and discounts on fitness memberships and other activities.

TO APPLY

Email resume and cover letter to Kristin Power at kpower@alliancecr.org. Due to a high volume of interest, we are not able to contact each interested applicant. If selected for consideration, candidates will be contacted to discuss our recruitment process and next steps. No calls please.

The Alliance for Children’s Rights is committed to building and supporting a culturally diverse and inclusive environment that values all staff members’ backgrounds and perspectives in our work. We strongly encourage individuals from all traditionally underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and prohibit discrimination against employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other unlawful basis.