Position Title: Environmental Justice Policy Director

Reports To: Co-Executive Director of Programs

Employee Classification: Regular, Exempt

Hours: 1.0 Full time Equivalent (40hrs per week)

Compensation: $73,002-89,864 based on experience

Benefits: 90% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401K plan with employer match; subsidized transit pass; cell phone reimbursement; paid time off & up to 14 paid holidays annually. 

 

Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  

 

About APANO CUF:

APANO Communities United Fund unites Asians and Pacific Islanders to build power, develop leaders, and advance equity through organizing, advocacy, community development, and cultural work. We envision a just world where Asians and Pacific Islanders and communities who share our aspirations and struggles have the power, resources, and voice to determine our own futures, and where we work in solidarity to drive political, social, economic, and cultural change. APANO Communities United Fund (CUF) is a 501(c)(3) organization that works closely with its affiliate 501(c)(4) organization, APANO. 

 

About the Position:

APANO CUF is looking for a Environmental Justice Policy Director to lead policy analysis, development, and implementation.  Major job duties include developing and leading APANO’s c3 environmental justice policy work, coordination with coalition partners, and working towards systemic change through a racial equity lens. This position will have a particular focus on advancing climate and energy justice priorities as our organization responds to the ongoing climate crisis. The Environmental Justice Policy Director reports to the Co-Executive Director of Programs and will manage a small team of 1-3 full time staff, interns, and/or fellows.

 

The successful candidate will have a range of opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, and confidence in working for social justice. They are  movement-oriented, and are excited to work to build a dynamic, queer-friendly, multi-ethnic, API-centered and led, intergenerational organization.  They will be results-oriented, responsive and responsible, self-aware, dynamic and a passionate individual who values and practices direct communication with their colleagues and team.

 

Position Responsibilities:

 

Policy Development: 75% Climate Justice

  • Leads development, coordination, and understanding of APANO CUF member’s priorities. Synthesizes community feedback into concrete policy proposals, particularly for APANO CUF’s energy/climate justice goals and priorities.
  • Lead advocacy campaign planning and implementation, alongside partner organizations, for a Greener East Portland and other place-based initiatives.
  • Facilitates the development of policy priorities for the organization and implements advocacy strategies to pass these policies through research and some limited lobbying.
  • Develops and nurtures relationships with ally organizations and represents the organization at coalition tables or trains and coaches junior staff on how to do so.
  • Collaborates with other APANO CUF programs and our sister 501c4 organization through our Policy Advocacy Civic Engagement (PACE) team, Community Development program, Cultural Work program, and works closely with our admin team.
  • Takes statewide leadership climate and environmental justice policy by:
    • Researching and developing climate mitigation and clean energy policy initiatives and conducting analysis and monitoring priority legislative, regulatory and administrative proposals.
    • Analyzing current developments in local, state, and federal energy justice policy.
    • Creating educational materials to make energy and climate policy accessible to a wide range of APANO CUF members and stakeholders. Support organizational campaigns in collaboration with our PACE team.
    • Engaging in rulemaking processes at administrative agencies such as the Public Utilities Commission and those related to the Governor’s Executive Order on Climate Change.

 

Staff and Program Management 25%

  • Lead policy planning and program development to anticipate and respond to challenges and opportunities, and propose program and resource shifts to meet those challenges/opportunities;
  • Direct supervision of the environmental justice team and offer coaching, training, and leadership for junior staff. 
  • Develop, manage and supervise budget for APANO CUF’s environmental justice program staff and goals. Includes leading on grantwriting and fundraising efforts to support organizational priorities in policy development and implementation.
  • Draft, manage, and review budgets for program events, activities, and staff.

 

The ideal candidate will have most of the following skills and experience:

 

Qualifications:

  • Have a solid understanding of the issues involved in organizing for justice, and a strong commitment to meeting the particular challenges facing communities experiencing oppression. 
  • Research and develop public policy that centers racial equity and community experience.
  • Ability to explain technical terms and ideas in a clear and concise manner.
  • Ability to adjust quickly, to learn on the fly, and to write in a variety of formats.
  • Project and team management experience.
  • Ability to identify, set priorities, work plan and move teams of staff and volunteers in line with established goals and strategic direction
  • Commitment to racial justice, advocacy, and environmental justice work.

 

Preferred, but not required:

  • Extensive knowledge of Asian and Pacific Islander communities and issues.
  • Highly organized, serious attention to detail and adherence to deadlines
  • Excellent team player who is also capable of self-direction.
  • Community Organizing experience.

 

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and this position will be open until filled. 

 

Applications should be emailed as an attached document (PDF preferred) to jobs@apano.org with subject line “EJ Policy Director”.  

 

Complete applications include:

  • Cover letter (1 page max) clearly outlining the specific skills, knowledge, and experience you bring to the job and how those are a good fit with the responsibilities of the position.  
  • A complete resume (2 pages max) detailing relevant experience, work history, education and accomplishments.
  • [If advanced to finalist stage] 3 references, with contact information, and your relationship to the reference 

APANO and APANO Communities United Fund are actively seeking to increase representation and develop the leadership of women, LGBTQ people, people with lived experience of economic injustices, and other underrepresented groups, including diverse API communities, both within the organization and the broader racial justice movement in Oregon and API communities. APANO and APANO Communities United Fund are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other legally protected classification.