Los Angeles Business Council Hiring for Policy Associate at Los Angeles, CA Full Time

Company Description

For more than 80 years, the Los Angeles Business Council (LABC) has had a major impact on public policy by harnessing the power of business and government to promote progress in the Los Angeles region in the areas of energy, housing, transportation, international trade and economic development. We are successful at driving progress because we ground our efforts in evidence-based research, build diverse coalitions, and create a path forward for meaningful and measurable progress.

Today our 500+ members represent business and civic leaders from all industry sectors who are focused on innovative public policy that strengthens our economy while improving quality of life for all of us. We work in tandem with our research arm, the LABC Institute, to achieve these ambitious goals. Through bold, progressive leadership for business, the LABC is trailblazing the way to a stronger, more equitable Los Angeles.

Role Description

The LABC is seeking a full-time Policy Associate located in Los Angeles, CA, with hybrid remote and in-person work. As Policy Associate you will help manage the Los Angeles Business Council’s policy and program portfolio covering all issues related to housing and homelessness, as well as transportation. Reporting to the Director of Housing and Economic Development, Vice President of Government Affairs, and President, this position will help develop and manage the LABC’s legislative agenda pertaining to issues of housing production, housing affordability and preservation, and homeless services and governance. 

You will also lead the planning and execution of major events and programming related to housing and homelessness including the annual Mayoral Housing, Transportation, and Jobs Summit and regular workshops. In coordination with LABC Institute staff, the research arm of the LABC, the Policy Director will manage the implementation of grants and ongoing research. 

You will also be responsible for conducting research, analyzing data, and writing policy briefs to support the organization’s advocacy efforts. You will be expected to participate in cross-sector collaborations and build relationships with stakeholders to advance the LABC’s policy objectives in housing, homelessness, transportation, and economic development.

Responsibilities

Assist in the programming, planning, and execution of annual LABC Mayoral Housing, Transportation, and Jobs Summit in the spring of 2024; a marquee LABC event attended by more than 400 people and viewed by thousands online. This role will assist in the Summit by:

• Organizing contacts, agendas, and programming 
• Crafting and Sending fundraising solicitations to past and potential sponsors
• Scheduling prep meetings with speakers and panelists
• Drafting questions and topics for panels
• Drafting invitations to speakers and VIP guests
• Working with Communications and Policy teams to track sponsors, ticket sales, and promote event
• Overseeing outreach to cooperating non-profit and advocacy organizations to promote and attend event
• Assisting Communications and Events team with day-of event execution
• Assisting with VIP Awards Reception program and execution

Research and policy analysis

• Assist Director of Housing and Economic Development in priority policy research projects, focused on solutions to meeting LA’s Housing Element goals by 2029. 
• Liaising with academic researchers, researching policy briefs from think tanks and City departments, coordinating meetings with stakeholders, etc.
• Track housing, homelessness, economic development legislation moving through the state legislature, City Council, and County Board of Supervisors
• Draft letters of support, as needed, for LABC-endorsed legislation
• Call in or attend City Council or state legislative meetings, as needed
• Track developments in the news impacting LA’s work on addressing the housing and homelessness crises

Outreach and Organizing

• Liaise with partner organizations to advance LABC policy priorities
• Convene meetings of coalition members and conduct webinars to educate stakeholders on LABC Institute research and policy advocacy strategy

Help manage the LABC’s Housing & Transportation Committee meetings, including inviting speakers/attendees, crafting agendas, and follow up

Attend meetings (both virtually and in-person) with City Council offices, state legislative offices, and others as needed, as well as LABC Board meetings

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, or related field.
• 1-2 years of professional research or policy analysis experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, providing general support to all LABC functions as needed – mindful that we are a small team and support from all staff may be necessary
• Knowledge of Los Angeles policy landscape preferred.
• Experience with housing, homelessness, or transportation policy preferred.
• Experience in public policy, local or state government, events or fundraising preferred.
• Commitment to LABC’s mission of promoting environmental and economic sustainability.

Salary Range: $60-75,000, commensurate with experience