Advocacy & Community Organizing Associate

About the Organization

The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) works to end mass incarceration in California. To ensure our communities are safe, healthy, and whole, ARC empowers formerly and currently incarcerated people to thrive by providing a support network, comprehensive reentry services, and opportunities to advocate for policy change. Through our grassroots policy advocacy, we are dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system so that it is more just and equitable for all people. Learn more at: www.antirecidivism.org.

Position Summary

The Advocacy & Community Organizing Associate assists the Associate Director of Local Advocacy and Community Organizing team in supporting ARC’s local advocacy priorities. They contribute to the design and execution of advocacy initiatives and help empower ARC members (formerly incarcerated individuals, youth, and young adults) to become advocates for reform in the juvenile and criminal justice system. This role focuses on active participation within the Los Angeles Coalition (LAYUP) and collaborating with other organizations that champion the interests of formerly incarcerated youth and young adults. The Advocacy & Community Organizing Associate also plays a vital role in maintaining the support network for ARC members and fostering their continued involvement in the organization's advocacy efforts.

Essential Job Functions

• Collaborate with the Manager of Advocacy and Community Organizing team to assist in the development and execution of ARC's local advocacy priorities.
• Actively participate in and co-lead local initiatives within the Los Angeles Youth Uprising (LAYUP) Coalition alongside the Advocacy Manager.
• Conduct research and contribute to the creation of policy briefs, op-eds, and reports as directed by supervisors.
• Monitor local and state-level public spaces, hearings, committees, and meetings related to youth justice issues, providing updates and analysis.
• Prepare talking points and other public documents to effectively represent ARC's local stance on youth justice issues during key public spaces, hearings, committees, and meetings.
• Assist the ARC advocacy team in conducting regular advocacy training sessions, both in-office and via virtual platforms, to educate members on advocacy priorities, efforts, and actions.
• Support the coordination of meetings between ARC members and policymakers, including logistical tasks such as travel and lodging arrangements, and meeting scheduling.
• Assist in organizing local advocacy trips within LA County, as well as to Sacramento, D.C., and other locations as required.
• Contribute to special projects and tasks as assigned by supervisors.
• Perform administrative duties in support of the Policy Director, including maintaining records and responding to emails.
• Foster advocacy leadership and engagement among ARC's Youth and Young Adults through training sessions, stipend management (as directed by supervisor), and innovative event/meeting planning to keep them actively involved.
• Demonstrate punctuality, professionalism, and respectful behavior in all aspects of job responsibilities.
• Perform any other duties as assigned in alignment with the needs of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelors preferred.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in community organizing and/or working on youth justice policy.
• Personal lived experience or former incarceration is valued but not required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and apple programs.
• Experience in assisting, implementing, or participating in advocacy campaigns.
• Possesses knowledge in criminal and juvenile justice issues in California and LA County.
• Exhibits knowledge of California Legislative and LA County Board of Supervisors processes.
• Has the ability to travel within the state of California and nationally as needed.

The Advocacy & Community Organizing Associate will have the following experience and attributes:

• Can work independently while being receptive to supervision.
• Excels in organizing and prioritizing tasks within a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates the ability to convey information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills.
• Possesses critical thinking skills.
• Excels in verbal and written communication.
• Resides in LA County.

Salary/Benefits

• Pay rate is $24.04 - $28.85 doe.
• Multiple employer medical/dental/ vision plans with up to 100% employee coverage, 50% for dependents.
• Employer funded life insurance.
• 401(k) matching
• 10 paid vacation days, 6 paid sick days.

Anti-Recidivism Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.04 - $28.85 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Community organizing: 1 year (Required)
• youth justice policy: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person