VP - Government Policy & Affairs -Verano - Chicago

For more information and to apply please visit: LinkedIn 

Role Summary:

Verano Holdings is a national, vertically integrated operator of licensed cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and retail facilities. The VP - Government Policy & Affairs will primarily focus on legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives across the nation by working cross-functionally with the compliance, legal, finance, and operations departments to understand the company’s global regulatory and policy goals. Qualified individuals will demonstrate several years of high-level experience in state and federal government relations, with a specific background in policy formulation and legislative strategy in a highly regulated industry.

A demonstrated track record in drafting legislation, leading policy initiatives through trade associations and lobbying efforts, and overseeing government and public relations for national organizations in a highly regulated industry is required. The ideal candidate must have strong organizational skills, be able to work collaboratively to oversee multiple projects at once and use analytical skills to solve complex problems under rigorous timelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct legislative research, draft legislative summaries, track policy discussions, and report on updates impacting the company’s overall strategic objectives.
• Draft legislative policy to support business initiatives in various markets across the nation.
• Build relationships with local, state, and federal politicians, lobbyists, business leaders, and other industry stakeholders.
• Serve as a leader in trade associations to drive policy initiatives and support business objectives.
• Review new statutes and regulations, provide summaries, and assist relevant stakeholders with implementation and incorporation into business operations.
• Assist with municipal zoning and local community hearings for new expansion projects.
• Draft RFP materials and help coordinate application process for market expansion and new rounds of cannabis license issuances.
• Help support the company’s social equity, inclusion, and diversity efforts.
• Assist with corporate strategy and provide regulatory guidance for M&A and other licensing initiatives.
• Monitor changes to cannabis laws, regulations, and industry guidance in various state and municipalities.
• Work closely with compliance and operational stakeholders to implement regulatory changes into standard operation procedures and general business objects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Juris Doctorate or master’s degree in public policy or related field strongly preferred.
• A minimum 5-7 years’ progressive government and regulatory affairs experience in highly regulated industry preferred.
• Specific experience in the cannabis industry is a plus.
• Ability and willingness to regularly travel to facilities throughout the U.S. required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position, move and/or position oneself, communicate, operate and/or prepare, place, position objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally move packages weighing up to 10 lb. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close observation and the ability to adjust focus. The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Working Environment:

Work is performed in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

For more information and to apply please visit: LinkedIn 

Assistant Director Policy & Research - Illinois Housing Development Authority - Chicago, IL

For more information and to learn how to apply please visit: LinkedIn

About the job

Must be a resident of Illinois or willing to relocate. Flexible scheduling is available, upon completion of a six-month probationary period.

Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), one of the Nation’s preeminent Housing Finance Agencies and one of the State’s ten largest financial institutions, is currently seeking an Assistant Director of Policy and Research to build upon their 50+ year leadership in housing finance.

At IHDA we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this position or other positions within our organization.

 

What we Offer:

• Paid time off, plus paid holidays
• Hybrid work arrangement
• Medical/dental/vision insurance plans that are effective on day one
• Life insurance, short/long term disability, tuition reimbursement, and flex spending,
• 401(k); immediate vesting
• Tuition reimbursement/Educational benefit program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclusive work culture. At IHDA we value and strive to create and maintain a work environment that promotes recognition and inclusion. IHDA is committed to hiring and investing in individuals of diverse talents and backgrounds, to ensure a range of perspectives and experiences that will inform and guide our work of financing affordable housing within the state of Illinois.

 

Summary:

Assists with the management and administration of Strategic Planning and Reporting’s – Policy and Research team, including staff supervision. Works closely with the SPAR Managing Director and the SPAR Deputy Director to maintain historic and ongoing interdepartmental coordination.

Essential Functions:

• Work with the SPAR Managing Director and SPAR Deputy Director to set goals and objectives for operations of the Policy and Research team and the SPAR Department. This includes major assistance with department budget development and management.
• Establish and manage the Research/Policy Agenda for SPAR – this is an evolving document with short- and long-term deliverables for all endeavors. Endeavors may be recommended or required by statute, rule, or mandate. Design the research and data standards and train staff accordingly. Identify SPAR staff needed and coordinate across departments within IHDA to execute the Agenda in a timely manner.
• Continually develop and maintain expertise in all major state and federal housing programs for multiple purposes for usage in Federal and State housing plans and performance reports; for technical assistance as a public information source; and for use at meeting/speaking engagements.
• Assist in the development of the Annual Governor’s Report and the State’s Annual Comprehensive Housing Plan and related progress reports, including providing staff assistance to the Housing Task Force, its Executive Committee, Interagency Subcommittee and related working groups. Assist with administration of the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeals Act (AHPAA ).

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelors’ degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Planning, or a related field; Masters’ degree preferred (MUP, MPA, MBA). Recommended three years’ minimum experience in operations of housing programs and supervisory experience of professional staff.

For more information and to learn how to apply please visit: LinkedIn

Remote Program Administrator - Policy & Advocacy for Susan G. Komen

For more information and to apply please visit: LinkedIn

About Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen brings a 100% virtual working environment and you can work anywhere within the U.S. We are a force united by a promise to end breast cancer forever. For over 30 years, we've led the way funding groundbreaking research, community health initiatives and advocacy programs in local communities across the U.S. and in more than 30 countries. Susan G. Komen is the ONLY organization that addresses breast cancer on multiple fronts such as research, community health, global outreach and public policy initiatives in order to make the biggest impact against this disease.

Komen strives to have a culture of passionate, growth-minded professionals who thrive in a team environment, and work collaboratively to inspire greatness in others! We take an ongoing approach to ensure open communication from all levels throughout the organization. It’s encouraged to give and receive feedback to ensure two way accountability with a focus on continual improvement both personally and professionally!

What You'll Be Doing in the role of Program Administrator

Empowered by our expansive grassroots network, Susan G. Komen is leading the fight for those impacted by breast cancer locally, in our states and in Washington, D.C. Komen works to identify, through a transparent and broad-based, intensive vetting and selection process, the advocacy issues that have the greatest potential impact on Komen’s mission.

The Program Administrator, Policy & Advocacy will provide high-level administrative support for Komen’s Center for Public Policy’s (CPP) programs, initiatives, and events; assist in the coordination of efforts across CPP areas; support the team in building relationships with stakeholders; and assist with gathering content to report activities and communicate about CPP’s work as needed.

What You Will Bring To The Table

Provide administrative support for Komen’s Center for Public Policy (CPP) programs and staff.

Coordinates activities across program areas of the Public Policy and Advocacy team.

Coordinates logistics and materials for CPP events and projects, including the Komen Advocacy Summit, state lobby days, trainings, webinars, etc.

Assists with Center for Public Policy communications.

Assists with federal and state lobbying reporting.

Manages contracts and invoice processing for Public Policy & Advocacy department, including reviewing for accuracy; coding appropriate cost center, project code, and lobbying expense; and securing approval for payment.

Supports Public Policy & Advocacy department with travel, scheduling, expense reports, meeting logistics, etc.

Assists with preparation of summaries on CPP events and accomplishments.

Assists in the coordination and follow-up of consultants’ activities. Ensures monthly/weekly reports are received and are accurate.

Assist in development and fundraising activities as directed, in order to grow the public policy and advocacy team’s capacity and reach.

Monitors designated legislative and health policy and news websites on the state and federal issues, conducts basic online research and gathers data related to Komen’s advocacy priorities or other matters.

Promote an organizational culture that values trust, commitment to the mission, scientific integrity, and professional and organizational growth.

Other duties as assigned.

We Already Know You Will Also Have

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, government affairs, communications, marketing or other relevant field.

2-5 years of related experience.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Proven ability to work independently and creatively, meeting strict deadlines, in a fast-paced environment.

Solid organizational skills and high-level proficiency with MS Office products.

Strong interpersonal skills are required for effective interaction volunteers, elected officials, legislative staff and other high-profile persons.

Working knowledge of the breast cancer public policy and advocacy environment.

Experience working within federal policy, state policy and/or grassroots advocacy.

A team-oriented attitude and strong cross-functional collaboration skills.

Shows positive approach to work, flexibility, cultural awareness, sensitivity to relationships, security, and confidentiality.

Travel requirements required outside of your office will be less than 25% or more depending on our business needs.

So what's in it for you?

That Is What Komen Provides Away From The Computer

Komen believes in the importance of taking care of our employees so that in turn they can be committed to supporting our critical mission to support those impacted by breast cancer and to help find cures.

• Competitive salary range - $45-55k annually, exact compensation may vary based on experience, skill set, and location.
• Health, dental, vision and a retirement plan with a 6% employer match
• Generous Paid Time Off Plan
• Flexible work arrangement in a fully remote working environment
• Bi-weekly work from home stipend
• Parental leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• A culture of learning and development
• And so much more!

For more information and to apply please visit: LinkedIn

National Service Program Associate - Housing Action Illinois

For more information please visit: National Service Program Associate 

Housing Action Illinois is a statewide coalition of more than 160 organizations dedicated to protecting and expanding the availability of quality, affordable, accessible homes throughout Illinois. The great majority of our member organizations are nonprofit direct-service providers who provide shelter, affordable housing, and/or housing counseling to low-income individuals and families.

Through our AmeriCorps program, we coordinate and support nearly 30 one-year and 30 summer AmeriCorps positions placed with our member organizations. These AmeriCorps positions serve our communities in a wide variety of capacities, but all of their service is aimed at fighting poverty and helping communities by expanding and improving the availability of quality affordable, accessible housing and ending homelessness in Illinois.

Last year, Housing Action’s AmeriCorps Member cohort recruited and managed nearly 1,100 volunteers, leveraged $640,000 in grants and cash or in-kind donations, and, as a result of the capacity they built at their organizations, 7,500 individuals and households received some sort of housing-related services.

Housing Action seeks to supplement its best practices and strong programmatic structures managing this federal program with new ideas and strategies.  If you have a passion for national service and the right skill set for project management and communications marketing then we invite you to apply for our available National Service Program Associate position.

Job Title: National Service Program Associate

Responsible to: National Service Program Manager

Summary of Primary Job Functions:

The National Service Program Associate is responsible for the support and coordination of all aspects of our current AmeriCorps program and any additional national service programs we may adopt.  The primary job responsibility of this National Service Program Associate position is to manage and enhance all aspects of our program related to full-year AmeriCorps Members. By doing so, we strengthen our member organizations’ ability to fulfill their missions and attract/develop new talent for our coalition and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support all aspects of Housing Action’s AmeriCorps program, including but not limited to recruitment, marketing, onboarding, and training, as well as tracking the progress and impact of full-year AmeriCorps Member positions.
• Work with the team to establish annual goals and desired outcomes for the AmeriCorps Program; communicate goals to existing and prospective host sites; ensure that AmeriCorps Member Volunteer Assignment Descriptions reflect the project’s goals and outcomes; and support the project in attaining or exceeding annual goals.
• Establish programmatic infrastructure to improve program reporting, onboarding, and offboarding of AmeriCorps Member positions, especially during the summer months when one cohort of AmeriCorps Members is exiting and another is starting its terms.
• If assigned, work closely with Housing Action’s Finance Team to ensure accurate and timely AmeriCorps Member stipend payment processing, including maintaining all required records.
• Develop and implement an annual plan to market the AmeriCorps program, recruit candidates, and retain AmeriCorps Members. The plan will include equity and inclusion goals for marketing, recruiting, and retaining AmeriCorps Members from communities of color, low-income households, and LGBT+ communities.
• Work with the National Service Program Manager and AmeriCorps Leaders to coordinate In-Service Training for AmeriCorps Members.
• Coordinate AmeriCorps recruitment efforts, including RFP evaluations, site selections, and AmeriCorps Member placement.
• Maintain productive working relationships with host sites, AmeriCorps Members, and other program partners.
• Assist in the management of the AmeriCorps intermediary sponsor grant including reporting and assessment requirements, and assist in the preparation of renewal grants.
• Work with AmeriCorps Leaders to conduct site visits with AmeriCorps Members and their site supervisors and serve as the primary contact person for AmeriCorps Members and site supervisor issues.
• Attend national and regional training and webinars.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate in this role will thrive in a small office environment and will be eager to grow in the nonprofit profession.

• Understanding of and commitment to Housing Action’s mission is required, as is the ability to work collaboratively with Housing Action’s staff, Board, members, allies and others.
• At least one term of AmeriCorps VISTA service experience is required, as is experience working within the nonprofit environment. Prior service as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader is strongly preferred.
• Must be detail-oriented and organized with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex ideas and issues with clarity and forcefulness.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to learn new programs required. Housing Action uses Apple computers, so familiarity with Apple’s operating system and programs is a plus.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and complex collaborative projects involving multiple partners. Must be able to meet internal and external deadlines and communicate progress on an ongoing basis.
• Good interpersonal skills and flexibility within a small office are essential, along with confidentiality and thoroughness.
• Good judgment, with the ability to make timely and sound decisions, is required. Must be self-directed and able to advance organizational and project goals once agreed upon.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed. Travel around the state will be required; one must have a valid driver’s license.

Housing Action offers a competitive salary ($46,500) and benefits package. Benefits currently include 100% of health, dental, and short-term disability insurance premiums for employees paid by Housing Action, 12 vacation days in the first year of employment (increases to 18 days thereafter), 5 personal days, 10 holidays, and 12 health leave days.

We also offer a flexible hybrid work arrangement, with the option to work 2-4 days per week remotely. For the first 60 – 90 days of employment, it is required to come into the office 3 days per week. Successful applicants must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit a written request for a legally recognized exemption upon hiring.

Housing Action Illinois is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer in Illinois. We believe that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognize and value the intersectional identities that staff members bring to our organization.

How to Apply and Deadline:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two short writing samples (500 words or fewer) to willie@housingactionil.org with “National Service Program Associate” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is November 27, 2022, although Housing Action Illinois will be reviewing resumes on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please.

For more information please visit: National Service Program Associate 

Associate Director of External Affairs - Latino Policy Forum - Chicago, IL

To learn more about the Associate Director Position please visit: Latino Policy Forum 

Title: Associate Director of External Affairs – Full-Time, Exempt 

Team: Civic Engagement 
Salary: Commensurate on Experience 
Reports to: Director of Civic Engagement 
Posting open: October 17– November 7, 2022

The mission of the Latino Policy Forum is to build the power, influence, and leadership of the Latino community through collective action to transform public policies that ensure the well-being of its community and society as a whole. Through advocacy and analysis, the Forum builds a foundation for equity, justice, and economic prosperity for the Latino community. By catalyzing policy change, the Forum works to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies and strengthen community leadership.  

Position Summary

The Forum is seeking a full-time Associate Director of External Affairs to work closely with Forum leadership, state agencies, elected officials, and advocacy partners to identify, analyze, critique, and advocate for policy solutions that elevate immigration, housing, and other issues pertaining to Acuerdo partners and the Illinois Latino Agenda (ILA) coalitions. Under the supervision of the Director of Civic Engagement, this role also serves as the primary liaison to elected officials and develops and manages key external relationships including representing the Forum at select external coalitions. This position will play an auxiliary role to the Forum’s Education and Communications departments to coordinate opportunities for dissemination, collaboration, and external affairs. This position works in the Civic Engagement Department which manages the Forum’s housing, immigration, leadership, Illinois Latino Agenda and Acuerdo portfolios.  

Responsibilities

• Lead staff in monitoring legislative, political, and external environment that could have an impact on Forum’s core issues as well as issues that impact Acuerdo and ILA partners. 

• In consultation with the Director of Civic Engagement, develops the strategy and coordinates civic engagement components of Forum legislative work, community partnerships, and external outreach. 

• Lead liaison, working with team members, responsible for implementing policy and advocacy strategy to elected officials and government partners on housing and immigration issues.  Supports education team on legislative policy.  

• In consultation with the Civic Engagement Director and relevant Civic Engagement staff, sets and executes the implementation of the vision, strategy, agenda, goals, measure for success, for legislative work and external relationships   

• Represents the Forum’s perspective and policy positions on select coalitions and issues, and to key elected officials and external stakeholders. 

• In collaboration with CE Director manage and convene the Acuerdo and ILA coalitions. 

• Supports CE Director in all departmental internal and external communications to conduct analysis and advance policy priorities developing policy briefs, fact sheets, and press releases, among other documents. 

• Helps CE Director develop and execute the implementation of strategies and processes that engage community members to increase effective participation in housing and immigration issues and policy agenda.  

• Provides managerial and supervisory oversight of staff and interns when needed.  

• Develops the capacity of community members to support legislative activities (e.g., advocacy, testimony development, relationship-building, etc.). 

• Develop responses and recommendations in support of or against select policies, programs, or systems. Convene stakeholder groups to provide recommendations and input. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Exceptional candidates will have: 

• Bilingual -Spanish/English (written and spoken).

• Quorum, Salesforce, Adobe Suite. 

Compensation and Benefits 

Salary commensurate on experience.  Benefits include health and dental insurance; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; 403(b)retirement plan with a company match; flexible spending account; PTO – vacation, personal, sick, and most holidays; flexible work schedules; professional development opportunities; partial cell phone reimbursement; transit benefit program 

The Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, status as an individual with disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. POC are highly encouraged to apply.  

To apply, please send a resume, one-page writing sample and cover letter to Resumes@latinopolicyforum.org, subject line: “Associate Director of External Affairs.”Applicants missing any required documents will not be considered. No calls. 

Deadline to apply: November 7, 2022