Program Associate
 

Organization Description:  DC Appleseed is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to solving public policy problems facing the National Capital region.  The Center's current projects involve education, public health, economic development, the environment, public safety, fiscal policy, and voting rights.  To address these issues, DC Appleseed works in partnership with community leaders, government officials, attorneys, expert consultants, and others, to analyze and develop practical solutions to systemic problems.  DC Appleseed has a full-time staff of eight, and a distinguished 28-member board.

 

Depending on the problem being addressed, DC Appleseed's projects involve working with broad coalitions, issuing reports, participating in regulatory proceedings, bringing lawsuits, managing public education campaigns, and testifying before governmental decision-makers.  DC Appleseed receives financial and in-kind support from local and national foundations, corporations, law firms, and individuals.

 

Applicants are encouraged to visit www.dcappleseed.org to read more about DC Appleseed's current projects.

 

Job Summary:  The Program Associate works closely with other DC Appleseed staff members to coordinate and advance DC Appleseed projects, recruit and supervise law school interns, and assist with some administrative duties.  Initially, the Program Associate will work with senior staff on the following DC Appleseed projects:  Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, DC Voting Rights, DC Revenues, CareFirst Reform, DC Attorney General Reform, and a portion of the HIV/AIDS Project dealing with DC schools.  Opportunities will arise to work closely with staff members on other DC Appleseed projects.  Generally, responsibilities on projects include: legal and policy research and analysis; participating in interviews with project stakeholders; meeting regularly with staff and project team members; working with and/or supervising interns; assisting in the writing, editing, and production of reports, public testimony, legislative recommendations, and other advocacy efforts; preparing written and oral reports for the DC Appleseed Board of Directors; and participating in the preparation of grant applications and reports. 

 

Minimum Requirements:

* J.D. or equivalent degree, plus 2-3 years of public policy experience
* Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills
* Experience working in busy, deadline-oriented, high pressure environment
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team
* Superior attention to detail
* Interest in local public policy and advocacy and/or knowledge of District issues preferred

 

Compensation:  $60k with excellent benefit package.
Target Start Date:  Early August 2008. 

High standards but informal environment.  Email cover letter, resume, three references, and two writing samples (one legal writing sample and one non-legal, policy-focused sample) to info@dcappleseed.org.  Deadline:  May 30, 2008.