Program/Facilities
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Assists the Director of Policy to manage the organization’s participation in campaigns, including acting as lead organizational representative on assigned campaigns.
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Creates action plans for advocacy campaigns that the organization is leading and manages campaign activities.
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Facilitates participation in campaigns by Consumer Advocates.
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Schedules meetings and educational site visits with elected officials, and coordinates and prepares appropriate participation by Urban Pathways staff and consumers.
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Acts as organizational representative in external meetings with coalitions, community groups, elected officials, and government partners.
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Conducts research and gathers data on relevant topics, including internal information gathering.
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Drafts white papers and policy memos to further advocacy campaigns and to detail organizational legislative and budget priorities.
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Coordinates policy communication strategies with Urban Pathways Marketing and Public Relations Manager and other Communications staff.
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Writes testimony for City Council and State Legislature hearings and presents testimony, as needed.
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Facilitates frontline staff participation in advocacy, including helping staff to draft testimony and remarks, and leading committee meetings and educational workshops on advocacy.
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Assists with coordinating and facilitating Consumer Advocacy Program.
Administrative
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Maintains and submits all necessary documentation, reports, and data accurately in a timely manner and as required by Urban Pathways.
Community Relations
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Develops and maintains ongoing relationships with elected officials, consumer advocates, community groups, government partners, Urban Pathways staff and consumers.
Communication
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Communicates verbally and in writing in a professional manner at all times.
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Facilitates/attends staff meetings, training, and supervisory sessions, as required.
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Responds to all communications including telephone, email and other oral and written inquiries in a timely manner.
Performs all other duties as assigned and as required.
Education and Experience
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Master’s degree in Public Policy, Social Work, or related field required.
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Minimum of one year of experience in policy, advocacy, or campaign work.
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Knowledge of New York City and State political processes, including legislative and budget.
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Experience in government/non-profit contracting, local government procurement, and/or non-profit law required.
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Knowledge of policy issues in New York City’s human services field, as well as a firm understanding of City State and Federal government and legislative processes preferred.
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Experience with homeless, mentally-ill and substance abuse population preferred.
Skills
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Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Strong policy analysis and critical thinking skills.
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Ability to distill complex ideas into clear, easy to understand communications.
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Excellent research and writing skills.
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Excellent computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.)
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Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as both part of a team and independently.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Group facilitation skills preferred.
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Flexibility in schedule required to occasionally work evening and weekend hours. Occasional travel to Albany and Washington D.C. required.
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Comfortable with travel by public transportation throughout New York City.
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Commitment to Urban Pathways’ mission and to uplifting the voices of people with lived experiences of homelessness and mental health disorders.
Other
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Required to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings.
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Valid driver’s license with clean driving record a plus.
Physical Capabilities
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All programs require fieldwork, home visits, client escorts, and use of public transportation.
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Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.), type, write, read, speak, see, and hear.