Director Public Policy & Advocacy

Lamp Community is an innovative Los Angeles based non profit organization that permanently ends homelessness, improves health and builds self-sufficiency among chronically homeless individuals with a severe mental illness. It also serves as a leading advocate for the civil and human rights of homeless people living with severe disabilities through advocacy and activism, community organizing and education.

Job Summary
Under the leadership of the Executive Director and Board, the Director, Public Policy & Advocacy will develop Lamp Community’s policy and advocacy plan and conduct policy analysis, advocacy, and strategy development to support the mission of the organization. This newly created position is designed to enhance the organization’s visibility and image among diverse constituents, further its advocacy and policy goals, and generate new revenue/resources.

Job Responsibilities
Develop and provide credible and timely information and local expertise to elected officials and other key decision-makers on issues relating to permanent supportive housing and other strategies to end chronic homelessness. Translate the organization’s overall mission into strategic communications that support advocacy goals, programmatic activities, and fundraising. Prepare brochures, fact sheets, position papers and other written materials. Analyze the impact and economies of service models and policies from across the country, drawing on cost benefit studies, laws, government data and academic research. Disseminate information on Lamp Community and evidence-based innovations. Work closely with staff to integrate advocacy and communication goals across all departments to ensure consistency and quality of Lamp’s message and image. Write issue briefs on key policy matters that poignantly and succinctly frame complex policy issues. Present oral and written messaging for internal and external events, speaking engagements, and external appeals.

Develop and oversee on-line communications utilizing a robust website. Direct media efforts such as key messages and pitch story ideas, field inquiries from print and broadcast reporters, write press releases, op-eds, generate local and national news coverage. Position Lamp Community as a leader in its field with regional media outlets.

Develop strategic alliances with key elected officials, community groups, neighborhood and business leaders, community residents, consumers and others. Attend public and private meetings involving major projects; keep management team informed of new developments and outcomes. Create and manage an internship program for graduate students in public policy and/or journalism. Help facilitate advocacy and community organizing activities in collaboration with clients, staff, and volunteers. Track and report on new public funding opportunities; make recommendations and assist in preparation of application narratives.

Coordinate Lamp Community’s Advisory Board and leverage expertise and support from other networks of individuals and organizations to address advocacy goals and critical mission-related needs. Work closely with local stakeholders including government agencies, business associations, advocacy groups, housing developers and service organizations to increase awareness of permanent supportive housing and is efficacy and encourage adoption.

Minimum Job Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required with a Masters in Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field preferred. Minimum six years proven success in policy, advocacy and/or policy related communications required, ideally within the nonprofit sector or government agency. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community regarding complex organizational and social issues. Excellent analytical, policy research and written and oral communication skills with a record of influencing public opinion, promoting systems change and achieving concrete policy outcomes. Strong project management success, including planning, organizing and responding to dynamic priorities. Self-starter with the ability to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in fast-paced work environment. Knowledge of the legislative processes at the federal, state and local levels. Knowledge of how the various media are engaged and conduct work. Demonstrated ability to engage and lead networks. Advanced computer skills including database applications, Excel and PowerPoint. Strong relationship-building skills, demonstrating flexibility and finesse to influence a range of constituents. Commitment to agency’s social mission, values and policy goals. Downtown Los Angeles location. Salary commensurate with experience/excellent benefits.

Please send resume, cover letter and salary history to:
Lamp Community
HR Department
510 E 4th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013.
Email: jobs@lampcommunity.org
Fax: 213.327.0557.
www.lampcommunity.org