Jobs with Progressive States organization

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http://www.progressivestates.org/about/60/jobs-internships#techjob

Broadband, Media Reform and Economic Development Specialist
The Progressive States Network seeks a highly motivated individual to work in a team approach as a policy specialist working on broadband policy, media reform and technology-based economic development. The Progressive States Network is a state-based organization, the mission of which is to pass progressive legislation in all 50 of America's state legislatures.

Job Description

Progressive States is looking for an individual to help coordinate our technology-based policies with state legislators and allied advocacy groups across the country. High-speed Internet access has become increasingly critical for long-term economic development of communities and erasing inequality due to the digital divide, so state elected leaders and community advocates are looking for help in developing the policies needed to make that a reality. The goal of this position is to help take on corporate lobbyists in statehouses across the country and help spread policies that democratize access to the tools of democracy and economic empowerment. The areas of policies covered by this position include:

Universal and Affordable Broadband: Encourage universal broadband access through a range of policies, including protecting community services, mapping broadband access, promoting broadband investments, and promoting buildout regulations.

Leveraging Broadband for Energy, Health Care and Education Savings: Promote ways to link programs promoting energy-efficient “smart buildings”, e-medicine, and distance learning into broadband buildout coalitions.

Local Technology Investments: Support use of state-based venture capital funds, public pension funds, and other state-controlled financial capital to spur both high-tech spinoffs from universities and research labs while encouraging greater job development in “emerging domestic markets” in inner-city urban or depressed rural areas most at risk under global competition.

Promoting Media Justice: Use education and job training programs to connect low-income communities to technology jobs, fund community technology centers to provide marginalized communities with the media technology to learn the skills to more fully in our democracy, and support alternative media where those voices can be heard.
The role of the policy specialist will include:

Political Strategist: Identify the most effective broadband deployment, media reform and economic development policies and develop an effective strategy for building support for these solutions and turning them into state legislative victories.

Legislative Drafter: Craft policy options that turn these solutions into law.

Advocate: Work with legislators and allied organizations to promote grassroots pressure to enact key legislation.

Writer and Researcher: Write reports and analysis for our website and twice-weekly e-newsletter.

Media Liaison: Work with communications staff to organize media events, release reports and publicize problems. Write media releases, provide source material to reporters, meet with editorial boards and reporters.
Political Organizer: Coordinate meetings and keep in touch with coalition partners, and work to generate grassroots support for our agenda. Since Progressive States is dedicated to breaking down single issue politics in favor of a shared multi-issue agenda, any candidate for these positions should be prepared to promote these issues in the context of alliances with labor, civil rights, environmental and community organizations.

Qualifications

Any candidate must be self-motivated and an innovative thinker and organizer with a dedication to public interest issues. Excellent verbal and writing skills are an essential requirement. Background in technology or economic development advocacy is strongly desired. Relevant experience includes (but is not limited to) working in political, policy, legal, journalistic, or government settings. Advanced degrees, including a JD or masters in related fields, may count toward a candidate’s professional experience.


Progressive States is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage and value a diverse workforce, and we seek diversity among applicants for this position. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary & Benefits

Salary and benefits for this position is commensurate with the amount of relevant professional experience that a candidate has. Opportunities for advancement, travel, and additional training are available.

Background

The Progressive States Network works with legislators and community organizations across the country to advance legislation at the state level that protects individual freedoms, promotes sustainable economic growth, and strengthens America's working families. Backed by labor unions, community leaders, environmental groups, grassroots organizations such as MoveOn.org, and other individual supporters, Progressive States blends analysis and action and is working to establish a cohesive network and support system for progressive legislators in all 50 states, while building a concerted movement dedicated to grassroots social and political change across the nation.


How to Apply

Email a compelling cover letter, resume and writing sample identifying which policy position you are applying for and which shows your ability to write about policy issues in a manner accessible to the public to:


Nathan Newman, Policy Director
Progressive States Network
techpolicyjob {at} progressivestates.org


Policy Internship

Progressive States Network (PSN) is seeking candidates for part- and full-time internships for the upcoming legislative season at our New York City office. The intern will work closely with our staff of attorneys and policy specialists in creating policies and implementing strategies to support progressive legislation in statehouses across the country.

A new organization formed to combat right-wing power in the states, PSN works with legislators and community organizations across the country to advance legislation at the state level that protects individual freedoms, promotes sustainable economic growth, and strengthens America's working families.

Candidates must have a commitment to public service. Experience in policy advocacy or community organizing is a plus.

Please {at} progressivestates.org with “Policy Intern Application” in the subject line.