Policy Associate
Reports to: Director of Public Policy
Location: Washington, DC
Annual Salary: $58,500
About GLSEN
GLSEN works to create safe and affirming schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We have been doing this work since 1990, and we are the only national organization dedicated to transforming K-12 education systems to affirm LGBTQ+ students, particularly those who are trans, nonbinary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, people with disabilities, and from other communities that experience marginalization. With 44 Chapters in 40 states across the country, we work at the national, state, and local levels to form GSAs (Gay Straight Alliances or Gender and Sexuality Alliances), supportive networks of educators and other adult allies, develop inclusive curriculum, and pass policies that prohibit victimization, including discrimination, bullying, harassment, and punitive discipline that puts young people at greater risk for entering the school to prison pipeline. Our work has produced measurable improvements in the lives of LGBTQ+ students in the United States and internationally and helped establish new norms of safety and affirmation for LGBTQ+ students in K-12 schools.
For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, school-based programs, research, and professional development for educators visit www.glsen.org.
About You
We are looking for individuals who are willing to think boldly about the future of K-12 education and how best to serve students. The GLSEN team seeks colleagues committed to addressing the needs of all LGBTQ+ students and advancing equity in education, particularly in terms of promoting racial justice. We need individuals that work to build community with colleagues and volunteers and have a track record of working across differences to advance social causes.
We need not just your passion, but your talents, skills and willingness to do the hard work to build a more equitable future.
Overview
The GLSEN Public Policy Office leads the development of safe and inclusive national, state and local policies that create positive school climates for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. GLSEN’s policy work strives to dismantle all identity-based oppressions including but not limited to, race, ethnicity, ability, and immigration status. Staff serve as the primary government affairs liaisons for the organization. The Office supports the leadership of a network of volunteer policy coordinators from local GLSEN Chapters around the country.
The associate works closely with the director and the state and local policy manager to execute strategies to advance federal, state, and local priorities. The associate is motivated by analyzing public policy, particularly in K-12 education, and LGBTQ+ civil rights fields. In a fast-paced environment, they will need to support federal legislative and administrative advocacy projects. To advance and implement affirming policies during the state legislative cycle, the associate will help organize webinars and events that advance GLSEN’s recommendations and thought leadership. The associate authors and reviews resources and government affairs correspondence, produces email action alerts, manages the website, and helps strengthen relationships with GLSEN Chapters, coalition partners, and policymakers.
Responsibilities include:
Operations and Policy Analysis
- Provide support to volunteer policy coordinators in states across the country in partnership with the State and Local Policy Manager;
- Organize briefings, webinars, meetings, and other events that advance GLSEN’s public policy agenda;
- Respond to requests from policymakers, educators, parents, coalition partners, and other community members;
- Track and summarize regulations published in the federal register and federal legislation;
- Draft and proofread documents, including memos, testimony, and other official correspondence to partner organizations, as well as state and local government agencies.
Resource Development and Thought Leadership
- Work collaboratively with the director and managers to develop new policy recommendations;
- Update website content, draft agendas for briefings, and represent GLSEN at external meetings and conferences;
- Disseminate policy recommendations in support of GLSEN’s role as the national thought leader on LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and related experience;
- Knowledge of, and a passion for, working on LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education;
- 1-3 years of professional experience in a policy role, such as working in government, government affairs, advocacy organization, or similar;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to quickly build relationships and respond proactively to feedback;
- Demonstrated experience working in diverse communities and commitment to advancing racial, gender, and disability justice;
- Ability to manage and advance multiple projects;
Benefits:
GLSEN offers a generous benefits package, including paid time off in addition to 10 paid holidays per year – two weeks off provided in addition to paid time off (July and December); 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for staff and optional benefits for family members (including domestic partners); life insurance; and a 401k plan with increasing employer contributions based on staff tenure.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Interns as assigned.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a letter of interest at www.glsen.org/apply-work-glsen. Please do not email, fax, or mail applications.
GLSEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage people of color, people of diverse gender identities, people with disabilities, women, and non-LGBTQ people to apply.
