Policy Advocacy Strategist

The Policy Advocacy Strategist will play a central role in advancing AAAF’s integrated advocacy and electoral strategy. This includes leading policy research, building coalitions, elevating community voices, and shaping AAAF’s candidate and policy endorsement work. The ideal candidate is deeply committed to advancing long-term power for Asian American communities and enacting policy change that addresses systemic inequities.

This role will focus on a range of state and local issues, including immigrant justice, economic justice, housing affordability, transit equity, education equity, reproductive freedom, and voting rights. The PAS will work closely with AAAF’s organizing and communications teams, community partners, and coalition allies to advance policies that improve the lives of AAPI and other marginalized communities in Georgia. This is a hands-on role that combines policy expertise with grassroots partnership, strategic planning, and public education.

This position is hybrid and Georgia-based. While some remote work is allowed, regular in-person work is required, including team meetings, legislative advocacy, and community events. Candidates must live in Georgia or be willing to relocate prior to the start date.

Responsibilities: Policy Research and Analysis (35%)

● Conduct research and analysis on local, state, and federal policy issues impacting Asian American and other marginalized communities in Georgia.

● Track and analyze legislation during the Georgia General Assembly session, identifying priority bills, monitoring their status, and preparing regular policy updates for the team.

● Support AAAF’s lobbying efforts, including preparing materials for legislative meetings, attending advocacy days and hearings, and coordinating testimony.

● Draft fact sheets, talking points, memos, and other policy materials for internal and public use.

● Assist the Policy Advocacy Manager in identifying strategic points of intervention across the legislative and administrative landscape.

Candidate & Policy Endorsements and Accountability (30%)

● Support the design and execution of AAAF’s candidate and ballot measure endorsement processes.

● Research candidate platforms, public records, and voting histories to evaluate alignment with AAAF’s mission and the priorities of the communities we serve. ● Assist in creating accessible and transparent tools, materials, and documentation related to the endorsement process.

● Contribute to AAAF’s accountability efforts by supporting the tracking of endorsed candidates’ actions while in office, and by helping build co-governing structures that foster shared responsibility between elected officials and the communities they represent.

● Co-develop clear and transparent documentation outlining the endorsement process, criteria, and decision-making procedures. Ensure that the process is well-documented and easily understandable by internal and external stakeholders.

● Work closely with community leaders, activists, and organizations to build partnerships and seek collaborative opportunities in the endorsement process. Foster inclusivity and diversity in the selection of endorsed candidates and policies. ● Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the process, making adjustments as needed to improve its impact and relevance.

● Collaborate with the communications team to develop strategies for effectively communicating endorsed candidates and policies to the public. Ensure that communication efforts align with AAAF's messaging and goals.

Relationship and coalition building (30%)

● Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with coalition partners, grassroots organizations, elected officials, and agency leaders.

● Represent AAAF in policy workgroups, advocacy coalitions, public meetings, and legislative hearings

● Partner with the organizing team to support community members in engaging with policy processes, including through public testimony, town halls, and training.

● Help plan and facilitate public education sessions and community forums to increase awareness of key issues and gather input on policy priorities.

Organizational Support & Cross-Team Collaboration (5%)

● Participate in AAAF’s internal meetings, staff retreats, planning processes, and cross-departmental collaborations.

● Support key organizational initiatives as needed, including voter engagement campaigns, public events, and rapid response actions related to AAAF’s mission

● Contribute to a healthy and inclusive team culture by actively participating in collective learning, values-based practices, and ongoing efforts to advance equity and accountability across the organization.

● Take on other duties as assigned based on emerging needs, urgent policy developments, or strategic opportunities.

● This role is part of a small and collaborative team, and responsibilities may shift based on emerging needs, campaign moments, or organizational priorities. w

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for this position is a dynamic and results-driven individual who is passionate about policy and community outreach, with a demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice causes. In addition, this candidate should have exceptional interpersonal skills, including an ability to navigate and resolve conflict in a manner that values and respects relationships with colleagues inside and outside of the AAAF.

Must Haves:

● Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, or a related field.

● A minimum of three years of work or volunteer experience in political campaigns or organizations.

● Demonstrated experience in policy research, analysis, and advocacy.

● Knowledge of local, state, and federal government structures and legislative processes.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

● Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

● Commitment to social justice and advocacy for the Asian American community.

● Interpersonal & relationship building skills

○ Ability to build strong relationships across lines of race, gender, and other identities

○ Strong communication skills, able to engage in generative conflict, with internal and external stakeholders

○ Ability to build trust, adapt their approach, “read the room”, put relationships first

○ Ability to navigate diverse perspectives

● Equity and Inclusion Competencies

○ Cultural competency, understanding of AAPI community needs and how to center those most impacted in the work

○ Proactively advances equity outcomes: Identifies decisions, policies, or practices that have disparate impacts based on identity. Is driven to make changes in systems and practices to operationalize equity. Is able to support and guide other staff in spotting and troubleshooting equity issues, both internally and externally; is able to generate nuanced approaches and solutions to fit unique circumstances.

○ Skills and commitment to building cross-racial solidarity

● Embraces the values and goals of AAAF's mission and vision

● Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm

● Must have reliable access to transportation. Willingness to travel around Georgia and work overtime or irregular hours, including some weekends.

● Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and coalitions

Nice to Haves:

● Familiarity with Google Workspace (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Chat, etc.)

● Ability to speak an Asian language

● Understanding of the Georgia political landscape and/or ties to the state

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $57,200.00 - $63,800.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Norcross, GA 30071