Senior Attorney or Senior Policy Advocate for California Policy
Justice in Aging seeks an attorney or policy advocate with at least three years’ relevant experience, and a strong commitment to advancing equity and improving the lives of low-income older adults, to join our organization in California. Our work addresses the systemic and intersectional inequities faced by older adults of color, older women, LGBTQ older adults, older adults with disabilities, and older adults who are immigrants or have limited English proficiency. The successful candidate will work with our California attorneys on administrative and legislative advocacy in Sacramento, including advancing our advocacy on California’s Master Plan for Aging.
Justice in Aging uses the power of law and our expertise in health care, long-term services and supports, economic security, and elder justice to fight senior poverty. We pursue systemic change in law and policy to improve the lives of low-income older adults who experience inequities rooted in historical, persistent, and structural racism, ageism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and xenophobia. Founded in 1972, we have a rich tradition of successful, high-impact, and strategic advocacy on behalf of the more than 7 million seniors living in poverty nationally. In California, we act as a support center for California’s qualified legal services programs.
Justice in Aging has offices in Oakland, CA, Los Angeles, CA, and Washington, DC, as well as staff who work fully remotely. This position is focused on policy advocacy in Sacramento, and we anticipate the staff member will work remotely from Sacramento or the surrounding area or could be based in our Oakland office with frequent travel to Sacramento. Most of Justice in Aging’s staff are currently working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Justice in Aging is a federal contractor and will be subject to the federal contractor vaccine mandate.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with application review beginning on November 15, 2021. Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. If you have questions about the position or need an accommodation for the application process, please inquire at hiring@justiceinaging.org.
Responsibilities:
Represent Justice in Aging in Sacramento with the state legislature and administrative agencies, including building and maintaining relationships with state legislative leaders and staff and state administrative agencies such as the Department of Health Care Services and Department of Social Services.
Work closely with the members of Justice in Aging’s Health, Economic Security, Elder Rights, and Equity teams, as well as the Executive Director and Deputy Director, to develop and advance our California policy priorities.
Coordinate and manage Justice in Aging’s advocacy around the California Master Plan for Aging.
Collaborate with partners and coalitions, including state and local legal organizations and coalitions, aging network members, civil rights groups, and other stakeholders.
Work with the Communications Director and Communications Team to develop media and/or social media strategies to advance California policy objectives.
Work with other Justice in Aging team members to advance organizational objectives, including our new Advancing Equity Strategic Initiative.
Limited travel for state and national conferences and meetings will be required when public health conditions permit.
Compensation:
Salary for this position will be based on a fixed salary scale based on experience level. For example, the salary for this position with 5 years of experience would be $80,000, and the salary for this position with 12 years of experience would be $101,500. Justice in Aging offers a competitive benefits package, including fully paid health, dental, and life insurance; flexible reimbursement plan; 403(b) retirement savings plan with 8% automatic employer contribution; paid parental leave, sabbatical leave, and compensatory time; federal holidays, sick time, and generous vacation policy.
Requirements:
Any combination of applicable educational/professional credentials and experience that will enable you to perform the above duties successfully, including but not limited to a JD, Master’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree.
At least three years of relevant policy experience, with a focus on issues that affect low-income populations and people experiencing inequities.
Passion for social justice, including interest in working on behalf of older adults of color, older women, LGBTQ older adults, older adults with disabilities, and older adults who are immigrants or have limited English proficiency.
Desired:
Experience in Sacramento, such as working on legislative or administrative advocacy, working as legislative staff, or working for a state agency.
Experience with programs and services for low-income older adults and/or people with disabilities in California, such as Medi-Cal, SSI/SSD, CalFresh, IHSS, housing services, aging and disability services, and/or legal services.
Strong interpersonal and communications skills, including ability to communicate effectively about equity.
Ability to think strategically and to lead and work collaboratively with others, including building internal and external relationships, and working with and leading coalition partners.
Professional or personal experience working with communities of color and/or advancing racial equity.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and lead multiple projects, activities, and actions.
To Apply:
Please submit the following to hiring@justiceinaging.org:
(1) Cover letter that describes your interest in this particular position;
(2) Resume;
(3) One writing sample; and
(4) Three professional references.
In your cover letter, please address the following in order for your application to be considered:
To promote social justice and best achieve our mission, Justice in Aging is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. How do you think your personal or professional experience or background has prepared you to contribute to a work environment with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion? Feel free to think broadly about your response to this question, applying various aspects of your life and personal experiences to your response.
Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. We accept applications on a rolling basis, with review beginning on November 15, 2021