Policy & Advovacy Specialist

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Organization Overview:

The National Prevention Science Coalition to Improve Lives (NPSC) is a non-profit organization made up of scientists, educators, practitioners and clinicians, policy makers, foundation representatives, and affiliated organizations. We work in a nonpartisan manner with Congressional offices and Caucuses, and collaborate with like-minded groups and federal agency administrators (e.g., NIH, SAMHSA, ONDCP, OJJDP, CDC) in a mutual advisory capacity. Coalition members share a common goal of promoting validated science-based findings to wide-scale effective implementation of prevention practices and policies to improve the lives of children, adolescents, their families and communities. We work across sectors to address challenges in mental and behavioral health, education, poverty, juvenile and criminal justice, adverse environmental influences and social conditions that contribute to chronic illness and social ills. Our work includes congressional briefings, major projects, and informative products such as policy papers, op-eds, and fact sheets for the public and private sectors.

Job Qualifications

Accepting an undergraduate/graduate student or volunteer interested in public policy, federal advocacy, and any areas of our concern (see above). Candidate must have excellent research, organization, oral and written communication skills. Familiarity with Prevention Science and an interest in poverty concerns is required. Preference will be given to those who live in the D.C. area since travel to Congress at times would be helpful, though not a necessity.

Job Description

The student or volunteer will work closely with all members of the NPSC policy committee. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Assist our policy related efforts by:

1. Conducting relevant research (e.g. tracking federal legislation, monitoring "google alerts" for potential leads),
2. Contacting Congressional staffers via phone/email and providing our informative materials,
3. Organizing and attending meetings between staffers in order to promote ideas related to our mission,
4. Organizing and attending events such as congressional briefings, hearings, and Capitol Hill days.

• Develop policy-related fact sheets, op-eds, and policy briefs on topics related to our mission, specifically poverty.
• Provide staff with support in research and analysis of various topics, organizations, and key players in the field.
• Attend conferences, briefings, and forums as a representative of the NPSC.
• Assist with our newly developed poverty project
• Provide any other support to the Co-Directors and staff as needed.

Compensation: If you are applying as a volunteer, this position is unpaid. If you are a student, you may receive credit.

Location: Candidate may work from home. However, preference may be given to someone that is able to travel to D.C. If travel is needed, the candidate will be reimbursed for all associated costs.

Expected START DATE: Students will be hired for employment on the academic semester schedule for fall, winter, or spring terms. Volunteers will be accepted at any time.

Expected END DATE: One semester for a student; No end date for a volunteer

Organization URL (includes links to Facebook and Twitter): www.npscoalition.org

Application Procedure: Please send a resume, list of references, and cover letter expressing interest in the position by email to Dr. Neil Wollman at Nwollman@bentley.edu. Application deadline is rolling.