SUMMARY

The Policy Coordinator (PC) provides leadership, supervision, and coordination of the organization’s local and statewide policy initiatives. This role is responsible for advancing policy priorities through strategic planning, campaign coordination, stakeholder engagement, and legislative tracking, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and advocacy goals. The Policy Coordinator directly supervises a Local and Statewide Policy Initiatives Organizer, a Policy Associate, and Policy Interns, providing guidance, accountability, and professional development to support effective policy implementation and community mobilization efforts. Reporting to the Manager of Policy and Training, this position plays a key role in strengthening policy infrastructure, maintaining strategic partnerships with advocacy coalitions and public stakeholders, and ensuring cohesive execution of local and statewide policy strategies.

This position will have a six-month probationary period upon hiring for performance purposes. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attendance and punctuality.

• Be available to work at least forty hours per week.

• Participate in TLC’s events, staff meetings, trainings, and staff development opportunities on an ongoing basis.

• Plan and implement legislative strategies; analyze and draft policy initiatives and legislation; advocate with state and local policymakers; and engage The TransLatin@ Coalition members, the broader TGI community, community stakeholders, and leaders to advance the organization’s strategic priorities.

• Other activities as required to conduct agency objectives related to policy making and advocacy.

• Ability to synthesize complex issues and communicate them effectively to diverse audiences, including elected officials, attorneys, advocates, impacted communities, TGI Latin@s and other immigrant groups, other supporters, and the public.

• Set up appointments and organize events with elected officials to address issues affecting TGI people across California.

• Other duties assigned by the Manager or the executive leadership team, as needed.

• Exercise public relations strategies and work with earned media to garner attention to issues.

• Must have legitimate transportation and current insurance to be able to run occasional errands, appointments, and out-of-office site visits as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

• A master’s degree is preferred in public policy, Social Work, Psychology, or Public Health-related fields, or at least five years of working with TGI people, understanding their experiences and the policy needs of TGI people.  

• Proof of employment eligibility, a valid California Driver’s License, and/or California Identification, and yearly automobile insurance.

• Updated annual tuberculosis test – read, reviewed, and dated by a nurse clinician before employment and provided annually to Human Resources.

• Ability to coordinate multiple projects & tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.

• Ability to master a wide range of information, take the initiative, be organized and strategic, and adapt and work in a team environment.

• The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in English & Spanish is always preferred.

• Ability to work with diverse communities (e.g., multi-gender, ethnic, generation, monolingual Spanish speakers, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, substance, homeless, disabled, etc.).

• Ability to conduct trainings, presentations, workshops, and coordinate policy-related activities competently.

• Ability to respond quickly and timely to emerging issues as required and requested by the Manager of Policy & Training and any members of the executive leadership team.

• Ensure that all high-priority messages are highlighted and responded to promptly.

• Identify and highlight critical timelines and responses.

• Ability to handle multiple projects and incoming requests from supervisor(s); experience taking the initiative and using independent judgment in non-routine matters.

• Excellent time management with the ability to prioritize and work with a high level of accuracy within a fast-paced environment.

• Exceptional attention to detail, highly organized, and proactive in anticipating the department's needs; able to track long-term strategies/projects.

• Strong communication skills: oral, written, and strong interpersonal communication skills to work effectively with high-level donors and stakeholders.

• Work on weekends, evenings, and at special events as needed.

EXPERIENCE, COMPETENCIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Understanding relevant community issues to influence policy.

• Able to articulate organizational needs to stakeholders and grant funders.

• Experience and knowledge of MS Access and Outlook Software.

• Bilingual in Spanish and English Preferred.

• Knowledge of specific policy needs and issues of Trans and gender-expansive people.

• Excellent communication skills, including writing and reading skills.

• Knowledge of and experience in non-profit business models and sustainability.

• Knowledge of and experience with trans and gender-expansive people is highly desirable.

• Deep understanding of the principles and activities of delivering influential people services, talent management, financial management, contracting, grant management, and facilities and administrative services.

• Experience implementing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in practices and processes related to staff, products, services, and partnerships.

• Experience in outreach and strategic development.

• Experience leading organizations through transformational change.

• A passion for working in a high-impact, mission-focused organization.

• A strategic and business mindset; a curious, creative, and versatile thinker; comfortable with ambiguity in a complex environment.

• Highly collaborative, with an inclusive and team-oriented work style.

• Excellent communication skills, making complex ideas and concepts clearly and easily understood by others.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; adept problem solver; data-driven decision-maker.

• Uses various problem-solving tools and techniques; brings wisdom and experience to decision-making.

NON-ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS - Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience and knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

• Bilingual in Spanish and English is highly preferred.

• Knowledge of specific policy needs and issues of TGI people.

• Excellent writing and reading skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Policy Coordinator directly supervises a Local and Statewide Policy Initiatives Organizer, a Policy Associate, and Policy Interns occasionally, providing guidance, accountability, and professional development to support effective policy implementation and community mobilization efforts.

• Drive people strategies, programs, and processes to be competitive and effectively support the recruitment, hiring, development, compensation, and retention of a diverse, talented, and successful workforce.

• Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and ensure they are implemented throughout the organization.

• Set strategy for and manage the implementation of communications to build visibility for The TransLatin@ Coalition's mission and advance partnerships and other business initiatives.

• Maintaining compliance with all operational functions and aligning with industry standards and best practices.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• While performing this job, the candidate typically spends time sitting, standing, walking, frequently driving, carrying (max. 20 lbs), lifting (max. 20 lbs), listening, and speaking.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Ergonomically safe office environment with a desktop computer, desk, chair, and natural light from windows.

• As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and productive work environment, candidates for this position may be required to undergo random drug tests. The drug test may be conducted at any stage of the hiring process and will comply with applicable laws and regulations.

• Occasional attendance at community events, conferences, and other meeting venues. Must be comfortable with environmental conditions at the event locations, such as noise level, aggressive patrons, and substance use and abuse.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• This must accommodate all the following: constant distractions and interruptions, uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules, availability for on-call/duty after regular working hours, and exposure to inappropriate behavior and language from others.

BENEFITS

The following benefits are offered for full-time employees:

• Employee Paid Medical – after a 60-day probationary period.

• Employee Paid Dental – after a 60-day probationary period.

• Employee Paid Vision – after a 60-day probationary period.

• 403 (b) 100% with a match by the organization – after 90 days.

• Sick Time – after 90 days.

• Vacation Time – after 90 days.

• Sabbatical Time – eligible after six consecutive years of employment.