Policy Associate

About the Job

Compass’s policy team is currently focused on translating recently passed federal legislation - the Helping More Families Save Act, which creates a national FSS opt-out enrollment demonstration - into on-the-ground implementation, while deepening relationships with federal agencies, congressional offices, and coalition partners to advance Compass’s broader asset-building policy agenda. The Policy Associate partners with the Policy Manager and the Director of Policy to help deliver on the organization’s federal policy goals. The role supports the team’s work across its core functions - legislative and regulatory affairs, policy analysis and research, partnership and coalition engagement, and communications and events - and the Associate will contribute across each of these areas as priorities evolve. This position reports to the Policy Manager.

This is a full-time, exempt, and hybrid position based in the Washington, DC area. Some travel up to 10% will be required to the main offices in Boston, MA and Philadelphia, PA, in addition to other travel.

Primary Responsibilities

Legislative and regulatory affairs support

• Track legislation and regulations of interest to Compass
• Support scheduling of meetings with legislators and regulators as needed
• Support Policy Manager, Director of Policy and other staff to prepare for meetings with legislators and regulators, such as background research on meeting contacts and preparation of materials
• Take clear and comprehensive meeting notes, and create concise summaries to track key takeaways, action items, and next steps

Policy analysis and research

• Research and evaluate the technical, economic, and political prospects for a broad range of policies related to issues of interest to Compass, including legislation, notices, and regulations

Partnership development and management

• Support building strong relationships with other key stakeholders and partners
• Assist with drafting and distributing sign-on letters, action alerts, social media tool kits, and other materials to mobilize partners
• Support efforts to educate coalition partners to build momentum on Compass’s policy priorities
• Regularly update databases (e.g. Congress Plus or Politico Pro) to reflect current engagement status and activities.

Communications

• Manage and generate written products - including reports, white papers, issue briefs, fact sheets, and letters - from conceptualization to publication
• Support the Policy Manager and Director of Policy to conduct outreach and communications activities, such as preparing testimony for hearings, briefings for policymakers, agendas for stakeholder meetings,
• and external communications through traditional and digital media
• Draft communications to coalition partners and other allies and key stakeholders informed of legislative and regulatory developments of interest to Compass

Meetings & Events

• Support all policy meeting logistics pre-planning, develop event timelines, coordinate speaker bios and support travel logistics planning.
• Oversee and track event registration and registration reporting.
• Manage inbox and respond to registration inquiries in a timely manner.
• Support day-of event logistics - registration, communicating with vendors, and troubleshooting technical or hospitality issues to ensure a seamless attendee experience.

Operations

• Maintain digital files, documentation of meetings, and other administrative responsibilities to support the efficient operation of the Policy department

This job description is not intended to provide a comprehensive listing of all duties or responsibilities. Job duties and responsibilities may change at any time based on the needs of the organization.

Qualifications and Skills

Required

• At least 3 years professional work experience, including 1-2 years in policymaking, legislative analysis, advocacy, or similar fields
• Background or familiarity with policy making, regulatory, and federal government processes
• Familiarity with issue advocacy campaigns
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other staff and other organizations
• Ability to consistently produce high-quality work in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability and willingness to complete administrative tasks
• Excellent writing, editing and general communications skills
• Commitment to continued learning
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders from a range of backgrounds and viewpoints, including demonstrated ability to work with groups and individuals across the political spectrum.

Preferred

• Experience working in issue areas such as federal housing assistance in general and the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program in particular
• Experience working with Congressional offices, policy organizations (think tanks or advocacy organizations) or state and local government

Benefits

The salary range for this role is $55,590 - $64,839, commensurate with experience. We’ll support your professional growth with a competitive salary and benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:

• Health: medical, dental, and vision. Compass covers up to 80% of premiums for employees and dependents, with no waiting period.
• Retirement: 401(k) with a 3% match.
• Parental leave: after 3 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave; after 6 months, up to 12 weeks of full pay.
• Insurance: life and disability.
• Time off: up to 36 Wellness days and 8 holidays per year, plus the final week of the year and Fridays in August off. Two-hour early closure from the Friday after Memorial Day through the week of Labor Day.
• Accounts and support: FSA, Dependent Care FSA, pre-tax commuter benefits, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Professional development and certification.
• Work from home: $200 one-time equipment stipend and up to $40 per month for internet.