State Policy Associate

Organization Description

Nebraska Appleseed is a nonprofit organization that fights for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans. We take a system-based approach to complex issues – such as child welfare, immigration policy, affordable health care and poverty – and we take our work wherever we believe we can do the most good, whether that’s in the courthouse, at the Capitol, or in the community.

Position Description

The State Policy Associate collaborates with the State Policy Director to oversee state and local policy strategies and efforts across the organization’s program areas (Child Welfare, Economic Justice, Health Care Access, and Immigrants & Communities). Along with the State Policy Director, this person serves as one of Nebraska Appleseed’s lobbyists at the state level.

Broad areas of work include building and maintaining relationships with Nebraska state policymakers and their staff, collaborating with Nebraska Appleseed’s program staff to create and carry out policy goals at the state level, and assisting with communications related to policy work. This position reports to the State Policy Director and is a member of the Policy Team. This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit. The position is based in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist with forming and guiding state and local policy strategies for Nebraska Appleseed
• Work with each program team and the State Policy Director to develop Nebraska Appleseed’s state and local policy agenda
• Work with the State Policy Director and program teams to review messaging and communications strategy on state policy efforts
• Serve as one of Nebraska Appleseed’s lobbyists on state policy
• Manage and maintain relationships with Nebraska state policymakers and their staff
• Manage and maintain relationships with other state-level lobbyists and lobbying entities
• Work with the State Policy Director on flow of communication between state-level policymakers and their staff and Nebraska Appleseed staff
• Monitor and update staff on the progress of bills at the state and local level, and work with the State Policy Director and program staff on changes in strategies, including those for legal, organizing, and communications
• Collaborate with other organizational partners to ensure effective coordination of state policy advocacy
• Ensure work is aligned to the goals of programs and the strategic objectives of the organization
• Assist with federal policy work as needed

Salary and Benefits

Salary range band of $50,000 to $66,000, based on years of comparable experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes health, vision, and dental insurance with single coverage paid at 100% by Nebraska Appleseed; 401(k) with a 4% match; and generous paid leave including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and longevity leave.

To Apply

The application deadline is April 3, and the target start date is in early May. Please send a cover letter or personal statement, resume, and a list of three references via email to careers@neappleseed.org. Please include the job title in the subject line of your email. In your cover letter or personal statement, please answer the following: 1) Why you are interested in working for Nebraska Appleseed and in this specific position, 2) What skills and experience make you a strong candidate for this position, 3) How this position aligns with your professional goals, 4) What three things you would most like to change/impact in Nebraska today, and 5) How you found out about the position.

Nebraska Appleseed is an equal opportunity employer. Nebraska Appleseed does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person