Deputy Director of Policy & Advocacy

POSITION DESCRIPTION
Deputy Director of Policy & Advocacy

DIVISION: Department

DEPARTMENT: Policy and Advocacy

REPORTS TO: Director of Policy and Advocacy

CLASSIFICATION: At-Will

PAY SCALE: Volunteer

WORK DAYS: ~10–15 hr/week

FLSA STATUS: N/A

START DATE: As Soon As Possible

OUR MISSION

We are building a Gen Z-led movement seeking to empower young leaders to advocate for transformative policy and bold political action, predominately at a state and local level. We are committed to a bottom-up movement that prioritizes the needs of the communities we represent and seeks to reclaim our future by advocating for social, economic, environmental, and other kinds of political reform.

POSITION SUMMARY

Beyond the Ballot is committed to an employee-orientated, high-performance culture that emphasizes empowerment, education, continuous improvement, and the recruitment and ongoing development of a superior workforce. The Deputy Director of Policy & Advocacy is considered a Department position and reports to the Director of Policy & Advocacy. The Deputy Director aids in developing policies and objectives involving local, state, and primarily federal legislative affairs—including the development of the organization’s public legislative agenda alongside the department and administrative team’s leadership.

Further, the Deputy Director is responsible for assisting in the direction and oversight of policy research, public impact, and public policy analysis of all legislation prior to the organization giving express support, especially through lobbying efforts. In addition, the Deputy Director, alongside the Director, monitors advocacy efforts corresponding to the organization’s approved legislative agenda and provides support to the Director in the development of relevant advocacy-related training materials.

The Department is responsible for regularly tracking the progress of varying pieces of legislation, formulating a strategy to advocate for those policies, and hiring/recruiting the necessary workforce to fulfill such goals. Due to the remote nature of work at Beyond the Ballot, this position can be performed in different time zones than the organization’s central branch. Finally, in the event of a vacancy in the position of Director of Policy and Advocacy, the Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy shall assume the position of Director of Policy and Advocacy.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or technical school preferred

Familiarity with Google products (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.)

Work Experience & Skillsets

Expansive knowledge in progressive policies, advocacy materials, and understanding of how the federal legislative process operates

Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality

Exemplary communication and cooperation skills

Preferably, a minimum of 1 year experience in a supervisory or administrative position (leading team members)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Assist the Director of Policy & Advocacy in the development, maintenance, and oversight of advocacy-related affairs and strategies of the organization’s approved legislative agenda

Support the continuing development and execution of policy formulation and execution

Monitor and advise on legislative tracking at local, state, and federal levels

Ensure timely information flow to respond to proposed legislation

Collaborate with department members and the Director of Communications to ensure the public understanding and defense of policy stances

Represent the organization’s policy positions with clarity to elected officials and the public

Attend community and governmental meetings as needed

Meet biweekly with the Director of Policy & Advocacy (or more as needed)

Fulfill additional tasks assigned by the Director

PHYSICAL ABILITIES & WORKING CONDITIONS

Vision: Able to read small print and use a computer for long periods

Hearing: Tolerant of noisy environments

Speech: Able to communicate clearly in-person and online

Environment: Must efficiently handle consistent interruptions, work well independently and with teams, and adapt across virtual/in-person settings

Travel: Some required; must be flexible in adapting to multiple work sites

Remote Work: Subject to change—ask for current policies

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT & NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Beyond the Ballot does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military/veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status.

We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate based on job-related qualifications and abilities. Discrimination complaints may be directed to the Executive Director, Chief Human Resource Officer, or any Board member.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and ensuring equity across all systems and processes. Beyond the Ballot was founded on the free expression of ideas, and we strive to ensure every employee has a voice at the decision-making table.