Public Policy Specialist

Position Summary

The Public Policy Specialist supports the Public Policy Director in advancing PCAR’s public policy priorities and organizational goals. The primary responsibilities of this position are monitoring and tracking Pennsylvania General Assembly and other state government activity, conducting policy research and analysis, and developing advocacy and public policy communications. The Public Policy Specialist monitors relevant legislation, committee activity, hearings, amendments, votes, state government developments, and news; provides timely updates and analysis; and helps translate complex policy information into clear, accessible materials for PCAR’s constituents, policymakers, partners, and the public. The position contributes to public policy advocacy campaigns, policy alerts, newsletters, talking points, speeches, op-eds, press releases, and other advocacy materials. The Public Policy Specialist also provides support for the PASAC Public Policy Committee and other public policy initiatives and events. This is an on-site position with a hybrid work schedule requiring 2 days in our Harrisburg, PA office per week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Research and Legislative Monitoring:

• Track and monitor the progress of sexual violence-related legislation and PCAR priority bills.
• Monitor relevant Pennsylvania General Assembly developments, including committee activity, hearings, votes, amendments, and other legislative activity related to PCAR’s policy priorities.
• Monitor relevant state government and policy developments that may impact sexual violence services, survivors, and rape crisis centers.
• Conduct research on legislation, public policy issues, and emerging issues relevant to PCAR’s legislative agenda and policy priorities.
• Prepare summaries and updates regarding legislation, policy developments, and other public policy issues for PCAR staff, constituents, and partners.
• Monitor the Pennsylvania state budget process and relevant appropriations and funding developments and provide timely updates to the Public Policy Director and relevant PCAR staff.

Policy Advocacy and Communications Materials:

• Disseminate timely policy updates and alerts to constituents through newsletters, social media, and other platforms.
• Write, edit and/or publish accessible, web-based materials pertaining to PCAR’s legislative agenda and priority bills.
• Write and/or edit talking points and speeches for rallies, press conferences, hearings, and other public policy events.
• Write and/or edit op-eds and press releases to advance PCAR’s public policy agenda.
• Write and/or edit quarterly public policy newsletter.
• Assist with PCAR public policy advocacy campaigns and related activities.

Committee and Public Policy Support:

• Assist with PASAC Public Policy Committee meetings.
• Assist with preparation for public policy meetings, hearings, briefings, advocacy events, and other public policy activities.
• Assist with tracking and maintaining information, calendars, and other resources related to PCAR’s legislative and public policy activities.
• Support communications and follow-up with rape crisis centers, coalition partners, and other stakeholders regarding legislative and public policy priorities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university in public policy, political science, public affairs, public administration, legal studies, human services, education, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Two to four years of relevant experience in policy development, legislative or systems advocacy, community organizing, coalition building, social justice or social change, or work directly related to sexual and/or domestic violence. Demonstrated ability to independently research legislation and policy issues, identify relevant developments, synthesize complex information, and communicate findings clearly and accurately.
• Experience or knowledge of adult learning techniques, community education, prevention, and/or sexual violence issues is preferred. This position requires strong research and analytical abilities; a demonstrated understanding of Pennsylvania state government and the legislative process; familiarity with statistics and