Summary
The State Director for Reproductive Equity Now is responsible for developing and implementing state-tailored advocacy, activation, and education programs to advance reproductive equity. They serve as the chief state lobbyist, cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and policymakers to drive legislative change. The State Director leads community engagement efforts, develops strategic partnerships, and educates the public on reproductive equity issues. Reporting to the Senior Director of Policy and Programs, the State Director contributes to the organization's overall program, fundraising, and communications strategy, ensuring alignment between state and organizational goals.
Key Responsibilities
Area #1: Develop and implement state-tailored advocacy, activation, and education programs
- Build and maintain sophisticated state power maps in order to cultivate trusting relationships and strengthen influence with key organizations and constituencies to optimize Reproductive Equity Now's reach, resources, influence, and calls to action
- Serve as the chief state lobbyist, responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with leaders in the legislative and executive branches
- Research, draft, and advocate for and work to implement bold, innovative, and effective policy solutions that are responsive to the state's reproductive equity needs and respond to attacks that impact New England, in collaboration with the Senior Director of Policy and Programs and the Policy Counsel
- Develop and maintain state-specific strategies for effective community engagement as a grasstops movement leader within coalitions, with partner organizations, and with stakeholders
- Educate the public about reproductive equity and existing legal and access gaps and call for change
- Identify and implement state-specific strategies for effective and efficient electoral impact, including voter education and outreach
- Stay informed about emerging reproductive equity issues and trends at the national and regional level that may impact state-level work
Area #2: Program evaluation and learning
- Participate in regular assessment cycles to identify state program wins and set new priorities, in collaboration with the Senior Director of Policy and Programs
- Collect and analyze data to support the evaluation of advocacy, activation and education efforts to inform decision-making and strategy adjustments
Area #3: Leadership, communications and fundraising
- In collaboration with the Development Director, lead a state advisory board comprised of stakeholders that bring needed political expertise and influence to inform programmatic work, establish pipelines of potential donors and board members, and provide a way for former fiduciary board members to stay engaged with the organization
- Contribute to the organization's overall program, fundraising, and communications strategy, ensuring alignment between state and organizational goals and cross-state learning
- Serve as a spokesperson and representative at state and regional tables
- Develop and deliver presentations to diverse audiences, including donors, partners, and policymakers
Area #4: Program staff supervision and support
- Manage and provide input and feedback to staff and consultants as relevant
Qualifications
- Committed to protecting and advancing reproductive equity and health care access.
- A minimum of three to five years legislative and/or executive advocacy experience, especially in Massachusetts.
- Ability to draft and analyze legislation and regulations.
- Ability to present complex concepts to multiple audiences and to advocate the merits of an issue that often evokes strong emotional responses.
- Exceptional attention to detail and can work quickly without sacrificing quality of output.
- Ability to see both the big picture and the little details of a project, while proactively anticipating needs and challenges, and digging into a problem to develop the best possible solution.
- Proven ability to work independently and in a team to solve problems.
- Clear, concise written and oral communication skills.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, particularly during peak legislative and electoral seasons.
Location
The Massachusetts State Director is a hybrid position, with New England travel required to meet with other REN staff as needed. Candidates must be located in Massachusetts and will be expected to commute to the Massachusetts State House regularly to meet the needs of the role.
Compensation and Benefits
The Massachusetts State Director is a full-time, 40-hour per week, exempt position. The salary range is $75,000-$80,000 in addition to a generous benefits package including comp time, health and dental insurance, and a retirement account with employer match.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to ...@reproequitynow.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please specify the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.
Reproductive Equity Now is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community to apply.