Title:  Policy Manager, DC, Office of National Affairs             
Type:  Full-time
Department:  Public Policy
Supervisor:  Director, Office of National Affairs
Location:  Washington, DC        
Last Day to Apply:  Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Drug Policy Alliance has an immediate opening for Policy Manager in its Washington, DC office reporting directly to the Director, Office of National Affairs

Drug Policy Alliance

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is the nation's leading organization of people who believe the war on drugs is doing more harm than good.  In its vision of the future, individuals will not be punished simply for what they put into their bodies, only for harm done to others.  DPA fights for drug policies based on science, compassion, health and human rights and seeks to promote dialogue on cutting-edge drug policy issues around the country. Its work spans issues from ending marijuana prohibition and promoting more honest and effective drug education to reducing the many harms of drug use and drug laws.  DPA works to ensure that our nation’s drug policies no longer arrest, incarcerate, disenfranchise and otherwise harm millions of nonviolent people, especially people of color.

DPA’s work encompasses a wide array of policy issues, including:

• Sentencing reform and alternatives to incarceration
• Harm reduction (HIV, hepatitis C and overdose prevention)
• Ending marijuana prohibition, marijuana decriminalization, medical marijuana
• Drug education, youth and drugs
• Race and the drug war
• Effective drug treatment
• Civil liberties and rights
• International drug control
• Alternatives to prohibition and pragmatic steps for ending the drug war

In the last 14 years, DPA has expanded from its New York headquarters to include eight offices, 55 staff, an annual operating budget of approximately $10 million, 26,000 dues-paying members and more than 200,000 online subscribers.  It has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles.  (For more information, see www.drugpolicy.org)

The Position

The Policy Manager in the Drug Policy Alliance’s Washington, DC office reports to the Director of National Affairs and works with DPA staff to end the federal war on drugs. Broad responsibilities include:

• Formulating and managing policy initiatives, both within Congress and Executive Branch agencies;
• Analyzing legislation and the federal drug war budget;
• Meeting with and influencing staff for Congress, the Administration, and NGOs

Primary Responsibilities

• Lobbies congressional staffers and the Administration to reform U.S. drug laws, regulations, and appropriations
• Identifies opportunities and develops strategies for undoing existing, and prevent the creation of, policies that perpetuate the war on drugs
• Assembles coalitions and coordinates legislative campaigns to advance DPA’s approach to U.S. drug policy
• Reports on the status of the federal drug budget, appropriations and other bills, regulatory matters, congressional debates, and the efforts of other organizations to impact drug-related policies
• Prepares and edits fact sheets, backgrounders, and other lobbying and education materials
• Assists with special events and projects
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least four years experience in public policy advocacy, government relations or legislative affairs.
• Excellent writing, speaking and analytical skills.
• Ability to analyze legislation, spending bills, regulations and related-policy matters.
• Ability to be a self-starter and to be detail-oriented.
• Proven track record of success in building support for policy change.
• Ability to build and cultivate relationships with people and organizations of various orientations and backgrounds.
• A demonstrated passion for issues DPA addresses.
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity and a good sense of humor.

Compensation

DPA offers a competitive salary, based on experience, and a benefits package including health, dental, long-term disability and life insurance; a generous 403(b) plan; and 25 days paid time off.

Deadline

Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Process

It is important that you submit a cover letter with your resume and salary requirements by email to hr [at] drugpolicy [dot] org.  Reference (Policy Manager, DC-ONA) in the subject line – or by mail to:

Lina Mingoia
Human Resources Manager
Re:  (Policy Manager, DC-ONA)
Drug Policy Alliance
131 West 33th Street
15th Floor
New York, NY 10001

The Drug Policy Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in hiring those who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.

Note: Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.