Senior State Policy Manager

For more than 20 years, the Sikh Coalition, a national community-based, civil rights organization, has defended Sikh civil liberties in the courtroom, classroom, community, and halls of Congress. Whether it’s working to secure safer schools, combat and prevent hate and discrimination, create equal employment opportunities and access, or empower local Sikh communities, the Sikh Coalition’s goal is pushing towards a world where Sikhs, and other religious and racial minorities in America, may freely practice their faith without bias and discrimination.

The Sikh Coalition is a nonpartisan civil rights nonprofit with approximately 20 full-time staff and over one hundred volunteers that operates on a $2.4+ million budget with complete financial transparency. Our funding comes from private foundations and individual donors. We receive no direct funding from any government agencies.

For more information please visit www.sikhcoalition.org.

Position Summary:

The Sikh Coalition is seeking a professional with a strong track record of policy analysis and project management to advance the fast-paced growth of the Sikh Coalition’s Advocacy team. An integral member of the advocacy team, the Senior State Policy Manager will be responsible for managing and growing the organization’s strategy and execution with respect to state advocacy in education legislation, hate crime legislation, and more.

This will be a fully remote position but will require travel. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply; however, the individual should share the organization’s values and believe in our mission.

Key Areas / Responsibilities:

• Use dynamic and creative tactics to support and scale the Sikh Coalition’s advocacy portfolio across the nation;

• Develop and implement a strategy for deepening relationships and engagement with elected officials and craft campaigns to advance legislation;

• Support developing the Sikh Coalition’s state policy platforms, including cultivating meaningful relationships with community partners, decision makers, and constituents;

• Analyze pending state legislation and conduct research to determine potential scope of engagement;

• Manage legislative meetings, briefings, and policy convenings, as well as assist in the development of virtual and in-person events; and

• Inspire a cadre of dedicated and committed community activists in championing the Sikh Coalition’s goals.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate for the Senior State Policy Manager will have:

• A bachelor’s degree and at least three to five years of experience in the fields of advocacy, policy, or public administration;

• Cross-programmatic project management experience;

• Outstanding organizational and communications skills (both oral and written);

• Excellent attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and an entrepreneurial spirit (i.e. be a self-starter); and

• A passion for understanding and advancing civil rights, social justice, and religious freedom.

The ideal candidate will also exemplify the Sikh Coalition’s values:

• Belief in the Sikh Coalition values of truth (sach), service and humility (seva), and persistence (sangarsh) as being critical in how we pursue creating change;

• Respect for the faith-based roots of the organization and sensitivity to the specific cultural needs of the community;

• Commitment to consensus-building and shared decision making as a process, coupled with the ability to make decisions and bring together the whole team on delivering against them; and

• A commitment to social justice and a strong interest in social justice education and community empowerment.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, remote, exempt salaried position and compensation will depend on the role and be commensurate with experience in the $70,000 to $75,000 range. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision fully covered for employees (option to contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available);

• Retirement savings (equivalent to a 401K plan) with a company contribution match;

• Generous vacation and sick leave, including compensation time when weekend work is required;

• Paid parental leave; and

• Commitment to professional development and growth (e.g. applicable professional membership dues may be eligible for reimbursement).

TO APPLY: Please submit a current resume and a substantive cover letter highlighting your interest and relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Sikh Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Sikh Coalition is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental handicap, political belief, marital status, age, veteran status, ancestry, caste, medical condition, genetic characteristic, pregnancy, registered domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, reproductive health choices, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.