The Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) Job Announcement

Higher Education Policy Advocate    The Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) is seeking a highly skilled individual with strong background in policy analysis and advocacy to join a dedicated team of passionate professionals working on social justice issues impacting Southeast Asian American communities. The ideal candidate will have expertise in higher education issues affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and underserved communities and will be able to effectively manage and produce program outcomes as well as work productively in large coalitions and partnerships.   The Higher Education Policy Advocate reports to the Director of Education Policy as a member of SEARAC's policy team. This full-time position is based in Washington, D.C.

Major Roles The Higher Education Policy Advocate is a new position that will support SEARAC's Director of Education in developing and implementing the infrastructure, process, and programs for SEARAC's expanded work in higher education policy. S/he will be primarily responsible for leading policy analysis, advocacy strategies, training and technical assistance, and community engagement as they relate to increasing college access, affordability, and attainment, with a focus on addressing the unique challenges and needs of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) students, first-generation college students, and English language learners. The Higher Education Policy Advocate will work with national partners, local SEAA community partners, and institutes of higher education (IHEs) in advocacy campaigns at the national and local level.  Responsibilities Policy and Advocacy Conduct policy analysis and advocacy on select federal and state legislation, regulations, and guidance affecting AAPI students. Participate in national coalition committees in higher education policy and grassroots campaigns. Educate legislative, administrative, and community decision makers on higher education policy issues affecting AAPI communities. Training and Grassroots Support Manage partnerships with student and local community-based organizations across the nation.  Develop and manage a network of local advocates interested in higher education policy.  Conduct and coordinate research that focuses on educational barriers in AAPI communities, including best practices for supporting SEAA students to attain a college degree.  Organize and conduct national and regional trainings about educational challenges in AAPI communities and ways to address them. Develop education advocacy training materials and training modules.  Develop education policy document(s). Communications and Administration Disseminate education policy information to community members on a consistent basis. Support media strategies including but not limited to drafting media statements, developing a speaker's bureau, and implementing social media campaigns. Assist with reporting for programs. Work with other SEARAC staff in support of SEARAC's overall mission. Experience/Skills Required Legislative advocacy and policy analysis, including familiarity with the federal legislative process, experience communicating with policy makers, and ability to communicate complex policy issues to local communities and community-based organizations. Knowledge of higher education policy issues as they pertain to AAPIs, specifically SEAAs. Group facilitation and training. Program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Superior verbal and written communication abilities, including writing press releases and op-eds Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Cultural knowledge of SEAA communities. Experience/Skills Preferred Community engagement through community-based organizations.  Demonstrated effective grassroots public policy strategies. Experience with research design.  Budgeting and project reporting. Ability to travel and work occasional weekends as required. Education Advanced degree or equivalent in public policy, education, community organizing, or other relevant fields. Minimum 3 years of experience with nonprofit organizations, education policy, issue campaigns, or other relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.   Compensation Competitive, plus a strong benefits package.     Application Deadline Apply by December 31.  Start date: negotiable, preferably by February 2015   Application Process Those interested in this position may apply by submitting a letter of interest, a current resume, and a brief writing sample (preferably policy-related, no more than 5 pages). Electronic application packages are encouraged and should be sent in PDF or MS Word format. Please include "Higher Education Policy Advocate Position" in the subject line of e-mails and faxes. Please address all application materials to: Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) ATTN: Rita Pin Ahrens, Director of Education Policy 1628 16th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20009 Fax: 202/667-6449 E-mail: education@searac.org