POLICY and RESEARCH (Position)

Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (T.E.J.A.S)

Policy and Research

Position Type: Grant Funded

Language Preferred: Bilingual (English/Spanish)

 

T.e.j.a.s is a dedicated frontline environmental justice organization historically rooted in racial and environmental struggles in the global south. We believe in providing community members with the tools necessary to create sustainable, environmentally healthy communities by educating individuals on health concerns and implications arising from environmental pollution. We work to empower individuals with an understanding of applicable environmental laws and regulations. We promote public participation, advocacy, cultural and community organizing. 

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Our goal is to promote environmental protection through education, policy development, community awareness, and legal action. Our guiding principle is that everyone, regardless of race or income, is entitled to live in a clean environment.

 

Position Description:

The Policy and Research Position will work with the Director and team and staff to support our work to  organize and mobilize environmental justice communities to build community participation and partnerships for clean air, water, health, and climate. This individual will assist and coordinate research on local, city, state, and federal environmental policy. They will also produce and design tools and materials to support the organization to reach its mission and elevate frontline community voices. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Work with the Director and frontline communities to engage with policy leaders at all levels of government.

Ability to create tools and materials in English and Spanish on environmental policy.

Compile research and provide a comparative analysis of local, city, state, and federal environmental policy. 

Write internal and community policy briefs.

Ability to write grants and research grant opportunities.

Help organize with the team, frontline community leaders, and coalition partners.

Contribute to strategy, campaign, and coalition planning.

Take part in outreach and communication efforts.

Provide advocacy, legislative, and policy training for internal and community workshops.

Assist with drafting policy and legislation pieces for publications, as necessary.

Foster an environment that promotes trust and cooperation amongst TEJAS staff, volunteers, and partners.

Ability and willingness to travel for meetings, and on occasion to travel abroad.

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Other Duties:

Please note we are looking for people who are passionate about environmental and social justice.  This job description does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education:

Candidates with an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited university are preferred. Experience working on grassroots advocacy, coalition-building, conducting community programs and/or expertise requiring analysis of policy, legislation, and regulations are a plus.

• Degree in Political Science or equivalent.
• Knowledge or experience in community organizing and advocacy.
• Knowledge or experience in interacting with policy legislators, staff, or other governmental employees at any level.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel, Power Point, and experience in database management.
• Ability to communicate fluently orally and written in English and Spanish.

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Experience:

Proficiency in oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish.

Experience working with Black, Indigenous, and people/communities of color.

Expertise working with environmental justice communities across many regions. 

Expertise working with non-profit organizations and project management.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills coupled with strong advocacy acumen. 

Knowledge or skills in building advocacy coalitions among people with diverse interests and needs.

Proven track record of identifying conflicts and using strategic skills to drive and influence appropriate resolutions.

Proven experience providing policy insights to inform community-led organizing efforts.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite products, google applications, video conferencing platforms, and virtual work-place communication tools.

Knowledge of available resources to research needed information, (regulatory agencies, database, library reference or guide, governmental publications, analytical reports by the State Legislative Analyst, TCEQ, EPA).

Communicator with strong analytical skills.

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Full/Part Time: Full Time   

Pay: Depends on experience.