Policy and Advocacy Apprentice

Position Summary:

At the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI), we are dedicated to improving the education, health, and well-being of youth of color by empowering them to take hold of their educational future using research as a tool for community and social change.

The Policy and Advocacy Apprentice is an entry-level role within the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI)'s Policy and Advocacy department. This position provides support to the department's initiatives while offering a structured learning experience in policy research, community engagement, and advocacy work. The apprentice will work closely with experienced team members to gain hands-on experience in promoting social justice and equity through policy and advocacy efforts.

Key Responsibilities:
Policy Research and Analysis:

●  Assist in conducting research on local, state, and national policies related to SJLI's focus areas.

●  Help compile and summarize data and information for policy briefs, reports, and presentations.

●  Support the team in tracking policy developments and legislative processes relevant to SJLI's work.

Community Engagement Support:

●  Assist in organizing and facilitating community events, workshops, and training sessions.

●  Help develop and distribute educational materials and resources about SJLI's policy priorities.

●  Support outreach efforts to community partners, stakeholders, and residents.

Advocacy Support:

●  Assist in the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns.

●  Help coordinate volunteer activities related to advocacy efforts.

●  Support the team in preparing for meetings with policymakers and communityAdministrative Support:

leaders.

●  Maintain organized files and databases related to policy and advocacy work.

●  Assist in scheduling meetings and managing communications with partners and stakeholders.

●  Help prepare reports on department activities and outcomes.

Learning and Development:

●  Participate in training sessions and workshops to develop skills in policy analysis, advocacy, and community organizing.

●  Engage in reflective practice and regular check-ins with supervisors to discuss learning progress and career development.

●  Contribute to team discussions and share insights from the apprentice perspective.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

●  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build trust with diverse youth and community audiences.

●  Strong understanding of social justice principles, community organizing best practices.

●  Knowledge of social justice issues and a passion for promoting equity, community and youth empowerment.

●  Proficiency in using technology for outreach, communication, and data management.

●  Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently when required.

●  Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.

●  Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

●  Proficient with technology platforms, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Social Solutions, and other relevant software.

●  Demonstrated commitment to SJLI's goals, guidelines, and principles.

●  Ability to maintain confidentiality.

●  Valid CA Driver’s License and ability to obtain live scan clearance.

●  Availability to work weeknights and weekends as needed.

●  Ability to build relationships with a diverse range of constituents, including parents, students, staff, leadership, and other community stakeholders.

●  Strong collaboration skills in a team environment.

●  Capability to operate in a productive team atmosphere.

●  Familiarity with Los Angeles County policy and advocacy landscape.

●  Experience working with youth from a social justice development perspective.

Qualifications:

●  High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework in political science, public policy, social work, or related fields preferred.

●  Strong interest in social justice issues and community advocacy.

●  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

●  Basic research and analytical skills.

●  Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and take direction from multiple supervisors.

●  Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

At SJLI, we believe that how we approach our work is just as important as what we achieve. The following core competencies reflect the values, skills, and mindsets that are critical for success in the Policy and Advocacy Apprentice role and throughout our organization. These competencies guide our hiring decisions, inform our performance evaluations, and shape our professional development efforts. We seek candidates who demonstrate potential in these areas and a commitment to continual growth and learning.

Team Member Competencies:

• Core Competencies:

●  Growth Mindset: Shows eagerness to learn and improve, embracing challenges as opportunities for development.

●  Mission Driven: Demonstrates enthusiasm for SJLI's mission and values, seeking to understand how they apply to policy and advocacy work.

●  Communication: Exhibits good basic communication skills, with a willingness to develop and adapt communication style for various audiences.

●  Ownership: Takes responsibility for assigned tasks, showing initiative and follow-through appropriate for an entry-level role.

●  Cultural Humility: Demonstrates openness to diverse perspectives and experiences, with a willingness to learn about the communities SJLI serves.

●  Workload Management: Shows ability to manage time and prioritize tasks with guidance from supervisors.

Emerging Leadership Competencies:

●  Curiosity and Learning Orientation: Actively seeks out new information and experiences to deepen understanding of policy and advocacy work.

●  Collaboration: Works effectively with team members and partners, contributing positively to the work environment.

●  Adaptability: Shows flexibility in approaching tasks and openness to feedback for improvement.

●  Ethical Awareness: Demonstrates understanding of basic ethical considerations in policy and advocacy work.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

• SJLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.
• Candidates are encouraged to share how they have demonstrated potential in these competencies through their educational, volunteer, or work experiences. SJLI is committed to supporting the ongoing development of these competencies through mentorship, training, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment for this position are consistent with those of a typical office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Apprenticeship Terms:

●  This is a 12-month apprenticeship program with the possibility of extension or transition to a permanent role based on performance and organizational needs.

●  The apprentice will work 20+ (up to full time hours), with a schedule to be determined in conjunction with the supervisor.

●  The apprentice will receive regular mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities throughout the program.

Employment with SJLI is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and any required clearances or certifications, as applicable to the position.

At-Will Employment:

Employment with SJLI is on an at-will basis, meaning that either the employee or the organization can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise specified by applicable law or a written employment agreement.

Keywords

PolicyAdvocacyResearchCommunity EngagementSocial JusticeEquityAdvocacy CampaignsCommunity OrganizingTechnologyData ManagementOrganizational SkillsCommunication SkillsLos Angeles County