Michigan Government Affairs Manager

Location: Michigan
Reports to: Managing Director, Government Affairs
Start Date: ASAP – Position open until filled
Position type: Full time, exempt

Background

Founded in 2016, the Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ), a project of the Tides Center, is a multi-state organization that aims to win new safety priorities in large incarceration states across the country. At a time of immense opportunity, ASJ partners with leaders and advocates to advance state criminal justice reform through policy advocacy, coalition building, research, education and strategic communications. ASJ also brings together diverse crime survivors to advance policies that help communities most harmed by crime and violence. ASJ’s sister organization, Californians for Safety and Justice (CSJ), also a project of Tides Center, has been leading state advocacy efforts to replace over-incarceration in California with new safety priorities for the last six years. With a substantial California staff and a strong track record, CSJ operates as ASJ’s flagship state advocacy effort. Additionally, the Alliance for Safety and Justice Action Fund, a project of Tides Advocacy, is the 501 (c) 4 arm of both ASJ and CSJ. Combined, ASJ and CSJ operate with over 60 staff.

Position Summary

In recent years with local partners ASJ supported the historic passage of Objective Parole (HB 5377) into law, establishing objective criteria for release upon a first parole hearing for people assessed as low risk—the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) estimates this will lead to a savings of $40 million and the reduction of thousands of prison beds. ASJ also helped to secure the passage of HB 5243, a medical probation bill to give greater flexibility to counties to move medically frail individuals to treatment from jail. ASJ will continue to work in Michigan to advance ambitious policies that improve public safety and outcomes for crime survivors. The Alliance for Safety and Justice seeks a Government Affairs Manager who will be responsible for the success of 1) legislative advocacy efforts to advance smart safety solutions and reduce incarceration, 2) advancing and supporting the implementation of justice reform policy to maximize impact, and 3) developing strong and positive partnerships in the state in support of legislative and implementation strategies—with a particular focus on building partnerships with law enforcement leaders from across the state. Legislative and implementation efforts include building bipartisan coalitions and partnerships with law enforcement, business, crime survivor stakeholders, community leaders and associated agencies.

The Government Affairs Manager will represent the Alliance for Safety and Justice in the state capitol and local jurisdictions, manage key in-state partner relationships and shepherd ASJ’s role in day-to-day coordination with in-state advocates. The Government Affairs Manager will report directly to the Managing Director for State Campaigns and be a part of the Programs team.

Primary Responsibilities

Reporting to ASJ’s Managing Director of Government Affairs, the Michigan Government Affairs Manager will focus on the following:

Michigan Policy Development & Strategy (70%)

Assist with managing the lobbying team by overseeing the execution of lobbying strategy; writing lobbying reports and tracking the activities of lobbying activities with respect to implementation and legislative advocacy work plans
Develop and execute legislative and policy implementation advocacy strategies at the state and local level with guidance from the Managing Director
Develop and maintain a working understanding of the political, policy and criminal justice landscape in Michigan, including but not limited to key legislative activities; key grassroots organizations and activities; government and program innovations;forward-thinking criminal justice leaders and state influencers
Represent the Alliance for Safety and Justice in public forums and before legislative and other government bodies
Develop an understanding of what role each of our key partners will play, establish effective partnerships between ASJ and local officials, government agencies, key stakeholders (such as local law enforcement), business leadership and in-state advocates
Develop and manage coalitions and coalition partners
Identify decision points, analyze relevant information and make recommendations to the ASJ leadership team about changes in advocacy strategies

Relationship Management and Information Sharing (20%)

Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships and relationships with allies and key stake holders in law enforcement, the community and government
Represent ASJ in public forums and before legislative and other government bodies

Planning and Prospecting (10%)

Research and analyze state legislation, state budgets and public safety administrative procedures and develop a strong understanding of best practices in criminal justice and public safety policy
Provide recommendations for ASJ leadership and produce memos, briefs and powerpoint presentations on those findings.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; advanced degree preferred
Impeccable written and verbal communication skills required
Sound judgment and decision-making skills
Strong public speaking and persuasive communication skills with great attention to detail and an ability to explain complex ideas in a simple way
Strategic and critical thinker able to focus on diverse internal and external stakeholders
Demonstrated awareness of related laws and regulations that govern the state of Michigan and the legislative process, including related legislative committee structures and the roles of other important influencers
A self-starter who is well-organized and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and independently
Able to work efficiently and adapt to rapidly evolving climates with limited oversight
Strong project management skills
A demonstrated commitment to meeting a high bar and a history of getting things done even in the face of obstacles
Dynamic comprehension skills with a keen ability to analyze, summarize, draw conclusions and problem solve
Flexible, goal-oriented and able to work long hours and travel extensively when necessary
Expertise and experience in Michigan criminal justice and public safety policy and/or systems
Strong community ties in Michigan, preferably downstate
Experience with policy advocacy, coalition building, community outreach and organizing
Demonstrated experience working directly with government officials to advance policy reform objectives
Experience with law enforcement or victim advocacy is strongly preferred

Physical Demands

Must be able to sit at a computer for extended periods of time. Travel will be required.

Work Environment

This is a remote telecommute position that requires travel, especially within Michigan. Work hours, depending on circumstances may sometimes be odd and include an occasional night or weekend assignments.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with experience. The Tides Center offers a competitive benefits package including health/vision/dental insurance, retirement 403b match benefit and paid sick, holiday and vacation leave.

How to Apply

Applications should be sent to jobs@safeandjust.org with a reference to the job title, “Michigan Government Affairs Manager” in the subject line. Please send a cover letter indicating your match to the stated job requirements and your resume as well as 3-4 references.

Position open until filled. The Alliance for Safety and Justice, a project of Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

Web & Data Manager

Location: Oakland, California, Bay Area, or New York City area preferred
Reports to: Digital Director
Start Date: ASAP – Position open until filled
Position type: Full time, exempt

Background

Founded in 2016, Alliance for Safety and Justice (ASJ), a project of the Tides Center, is a multi-state organization that aims to win new safety priorities in large incarceration states across the country. At a time of immense opportunity, ASJ partners with leaders and advocates to advance state criminal justice reform through policy advocacy, coalition building, research, education, and strategic communications. ASJ also brings together diverse crime survivors to advance policies that help communities most harmed by crime and violence. ASJ’s sister organization, Californians for Safety and Justice (CSJ), also a project of Tides Center, has been leading state advocacy efforts to replace over-incarceration in California with new safety priorities for the last six years. With a substantial California staff and a strong track record, CSJ operates as ASJ’s flagship state advocacy effort. Additionally, Alliance for Safety and Justice Action Fund, a project of Tides Advocacy, is the 501 (c)4 arm of both ASJ and CSJ.

Position Summary

At the directions of the Chief Communications Officer and Digital Director, and in close collaboration with a team of peer Managers, the Web & Data Manager oversees ASJ’s suite of WordPress-based website and database in support of the organization’s day-to-day operations and programmatic activities.
With support from an outsourced web design/development consultant as needed, the position will manage the look and content of the website, develop and maintain data management systems, and undertake related duties. The position serves as the primary staff liaison to technology-related contractors; manages membership, donor, and event registration activity through the website; and will provide staff leadership on design, implementation, and ongoing user support.

Primary Responsibilities

Manage web projects from planning to execution, including development, editing and maintenance of websites, microsites, action forms and email template design/coding
Work with internal stakeholders to prioritize web projects, set expectations, and understand the requirements and resources
Train team members on the use of the WordPress content management system(s) (CMS) and Action Network, Salesforce or other customer relationship management (CRM) tools
Update website content and corresponding widgets and plugins, including information, images, videos, graphics, etc. in support of organization
Code front end for custom landing pages, organizational microsites, and external-facing reports
Develop and execute usability testing plans
Manage freelancers and vendor partners, as assigned
Design wireframes, mockups, and user interface elements
Manage or support the management of the CRM, including data cleanup, running reports and ensuring the proper functions of the CRM and/or additional platforms
Ensure ongoing compliance with industry web standards, including browser compatibility and ADA-recommended accessibility

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Monitor and analyze website metrics and key performance indicators to test and refine products and features continually, and provide project status updates often
Maintain quality control standards for all content published on the websites and other related assets
Manage and troubleshoot web users’ issues, and assist staff with content editing and publication
Identify areas on site to increase audience engagement and reach
Manage DNS for digital platforms
Troubleshoot bugs on website(s), CRM and Action Network systems
Ensure the use of best practices across all properties
Participation in the key organizational convenings that allow the work to be completed, such as staff meetings, staff retreats, weekly check-ins with the supervisor, team meetings, and other meetings as required by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with at least 5+ years related experience in a web development, HTML and/or web & data management role
Extensive web expertise, including strong familiarity with the front end, and at least some familiarity with the back end, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery
Knowledge of Action Network, Salesforce, site flow principles, WordPress, UX/UI, immersive design, the command line, CSS pre-processors a plus
A team player with the confidence to take the lead and guide other employees when necessary (ie: content development, creation and editing of content, and online reputation management)
Maintains a working knowledge of principles of SEO and SEM best practices, including keyword research
Possesses functional knowledge, the ability to troubleshoot and/or personal experience with WordPress
Has worked with and/or maintained the health and security of a CRM/constituency database
Non-profit experience, including execution of online advocacy, marketing and fundraising campaigns
Experience developing custom WordPress plugins and customizing WordPress themes
Familiarity with social media distribution strategies and constituent journeys/funnels
Project management and excellent communication skills, including the ability to write project plans, engagement memos, and reports
Knowledge of modern web analytics systems (e.g., Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager)
Strong problem solving and ability to work independently
Experience with A/B testing and user testing tools and methodologies
Knowledge of racial and social justice issues
Familiarity and comfort with rapid response and/or fast-paced environments

Physical Demands

Must be able to sit at a computer for extended periods of time. Travel will be required.

Work Environment

Bay Area, California, New York, Washington D.C. or remote telecommute. Downtown office environment with open seating areas and individual offices. Standard work desks and furniture, fluorescent lighting. There is an elevator in the building. Located close to a train station. Work hours, dependent on deadlines, may sometimes include an occasional night or weekend assignments.

Compensation and Benefits

How to Apply

Applications should be sent to Beth Kitzinger (beth@chaloner.com), Recruiter at Chaloner, with a reference to the job title, “Digital Manager,” in the subject line. Please send a cover letter indicating your match to the stated job requirements; your resume; and an example of digital campaign content you’ve developed in the past (social media content, email action, etc.).

The Alliance for Safety and Justice, a project of Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

Digital Manager

Location: Oakland, California, Bay Area, or New York City area preferred
Reports to: Digital Director
Start Date: ASAP – Position open until filled
Position type: Full time, exempt

Background

Position Summary

ASJ is hiring a full-time Digital Manager to support the organization’s national digital strategy to advance new narratives on crime, safety and justice, and engage in strategic advocacy for policy changes in states. The Digital Manager will lead the growth and mobilization of organized constituencies to amplify new voices in the public dialogue. They will provide strategic direction for the organization’s social media presence and assist in the distribution of high-impact digital content (e.g., videos, memes, infographics, etc.) online. The Digital Manager will work closely with a collaborative, high-impact team in a start-up organizational culture, reporting to the Digital Director.

ASJ seeks a creative, innovative, experienced digital professional with big ideas and a proven track record of building and empowering communities online, successfully sharing messages through a range of digital channels, engaging new supporters and deepening organizational reach online. The Digital Manager will join a fast-paced team of policy and program staff and consultants working to reform state criminal justice policy and transform the national dialogue on crime and incarceration. The Digital Manager will focus on implementing the digital strategy for the Alliance for Safety and Justice and supporting its numerous campaigns, including Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, a national network of crime victims.

Primary Responsibilities

Support ASJ’s online community-building and digital advocacy efforts, particularly as it relates to the Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) network
Support the Data & Web Manager as needed to acquire new users and attract them to our website(s)
Organize and amplify the voices of crime survivors in state and national criminal justice debates using digital advocacy and tools
Leverage “Survivors Speak” annual events to elevate the voices of crime survivors, increasing awareness of CSSJ, attracting new members and support, and driving our core narratives through digital media
Utilize cross-channel promotional strategies to promote our research, reports and earned media
Determine when and how to deploy the assets created by our story bank, using digital storytelling and compelling social and digital media content to reframe the narrative around crime survivors, public safety, healing, and stigma
Conceptualize and execute other high-impact visual and digital storytelling projects
Design and implement a wide range of multimedia to grow and engage ASJ’s supporters, influence policymakers, and raise the organization’s profile
Liaise with and/or manage vendors and contractors on social media and digital projects
Develop metrics for success for digital and social efforts, including benchmarking and KPIs specifically related to narrative-shifting and elevating the voices of crime survivors in the national dialogue on crime and incarceration
Develop and implement a plan for state “member” outreach, including email blasts, newsletters and/or blog
Support the management and maintenance of the organization’s social media accounts
Update and maintain the organization’s websites, as needed

Other Duties and Responsibilities
Participation in the key organizational convenings that allow the work to be completed, such as staff meetings, staff retreats, weekly check-ins with the supervisor, team meetings, and other meetings as required by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with at least 4 years of professional experience in online community management, communications, digital advocacy, and/or online organizing
Strong project management experience
Prior experience managing or working closely with contractors to maintain websites or online advocacy and list-building campaigns
Familiarity with criminal justice issues preferred, but not required
Experience working with diverse communities and a deep commitment to social and racial justice
Strong experience creating and leading digital campaigns (online advocacy, social media, paid media, etc.) and managing communities online
Ability to gather helpful insights from Facebook Insights, Google Analytics, and other analytics tools
Ability to frame ideas and synthesize complex policy issues to inform, entertain and persuade a range of audiences
Ability to translate complex ideas and policy issues into accessible and compelling digital content
Ability to work independently and collaboratively and listen and learn from feedback
Ability to thrive in a busy, multi-tasking, and time-pressured environment
Excellent writing skills and verbal communications skills
Proficiency using office productivity software, including Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with CRMs and social media management and digital advocacy tools like BSD, Hootsuite, Buffer, Action Network, Salesforce, NGP, MobileCommons/Upland, Hustle, ControlShift, Dasheroo, WordPress, etc.
Experience with WordPress and/or other website CMS
Experience with sophisticated audience segmentation and targeting, in political, non-profit, and/or corporate context
Graphic design and/or video editing experience, including familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite
Familiarity with Asana, Slack, FB Workplace and other project management and digital communication tools

Physical Demands

Must be able to sit at a computer for extended periods of time. Travel will be required.

Work Environment

Bay Area, California, New York, Washington D.C. or remote telecommute. Downtown office environment with open seating areas and individual offices. Standard work desks and furniture, fluorescent lighting. There is an elevator in the building. Located close to a train station. Work hours, dependent on deadlines, may sometimes include an occasional night or weekend assignments.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with experience. The Tides Center offers a competitive benefits package including health/vision/dental insurance, retirement 403b match benefit, and paid sick, holiday, and vacation leave.

How to Apply

Applications should be sent to Beth Kitzinger (beth@chaloner.com), Recruiter at Chaloner, with a reference to the job title, “Digital Manager,” in the subject line. Please send a cover letter indicating your match to the stated job requirements; your resume; and an example of digital campaign content you’ve developed in the past (social media content, email action, etc.).

The Alliance for Safety and Justice, a project of Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.