Policy Advocate

~ Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) is a San Diego/Tijuana non-profit social and environmental justice organization dedicated to the prevention and cleanup of toxic pollution threatening our health, our community and the environment. ~

Position Overview

The Policy Advocate (PA) promotes policy change to reduce impacts and benefit low-income communities of color in the San Diego region by advocating to influence local governments and state regulatory and legislative bodies.

The PA will advocate to and work with local, regional, and state entities including San Diego Unified Port District, City of National City, City of San Diego, other San Diego County cities, California Legislature, and any regulatory bodies related to environmental justice, land use, air pollution, climate change, and public health.

The PA is responsible for representing the interests of EHC members before decision-making authorities and ally groups in order to change or enforce public policies. Working with Community Organizers and Leaders, the PA will serve as EHC’s lead advocate in National City and work on issues related to air pollution, transportation and land use with our base of resident members.

Primary Responsibilities

• Organize and advocate for the development and implementation of land use, transportation, and community development policies that advance public and environmental health, equitable development, land use compatibility, affordable housing, climate and transportation justice, jobs and health;
• Conduct issue research and policy advocacy activities regarding transportation, climate change, air pollution, and related environmental justice issues affecting low-income communities of color;
• Understand government systems and laws, and effectively monitor and advocate with those entities;
• Develop written analyses, position papers, and correspondence;
• Conduct effective networking and ally development activities with individuals, groups, organizations, and governmental entities in the San Diego region;
• Work with community organizing efforts to ensure coordination;
• In collaboration with the EHC National City Organizer develop an empowered and effective Community Action Team composed of EHC community leaders;
• Manage the National City Healthy Cities/Healthy Residents Project to include liaison with the County of San Diego; coordinating and facilitating an effective collaborative with key stakeholder organizations and residents and ensuring project scopes are accomplished;
• Work with EHC team members to develop strategic plans for key projects and activities; and
• Participate in statewide environmental justice networks to secure state policy to meet local goals.

Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• 3 to 5 years’ experience in grassroots organizing and policy work;
• Experience working with local and state government policy makers;
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of environmental justice;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent policy analysis skills;
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills including PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel;
• Reliable transportation to enable attendance at meetings throughout the region;
• Ability to work flexible hours including some nights and weekends;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work under pressure, and maintain attention to detail; and
• Cultural competence.

Preferred:

• Background in environmental justice, land use, climate and air pollution, or other related fields;
• Experience in research including data and GIS;
• Bilingual (English/Spanish); and
• Familiar with San Diego regulatory bodies and state and local government.

Compensation

• Salary range is $53,000 – 63,000, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include health, dental, 401k, LTC, generous vacation and wellness leave, professional development, and other benefits.

To Apply     

• Please email cover letter, resume, 3 references, and salary requirements to frontdesk@environmentalhealth.org.
• Subject line should read: "POLICY ADVOCATE 2019" followed by your name.
• Target Start Date: Position to remain open until filled.

EHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage people of color and women to apply.