APIAHF

Organizational Description: 

The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA NHPI) populations. Founded in 1986, APIAHF advocates on issues critical to the health and well-being of our diverse and vibrant communities. We approach our work with the philosophy of coalition-building and developing capacity both for AA NHPIs and in partnership with diverse racial/ethnic communities. APIAHF is based in Oakland, CA, and has an office in Washington, DC.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Title:  Policy and Advocacy Fellow

Reports to: Vice President, Policy and Advocacy 

Supervises: None

Status:  1-year position 

Duty station: Washington, DC 

Position Summary:  

The Policy and Advocacy Fellow will work with the Vice President (VP) for Policy and Advocacy, communications staff, and other APIAHF staff to promote federal and state policies that address the needs of AA NHPIs. The position is ideal for someone who is a mid-level policy analyst and it is not an entry-level position. The Policy and Advocacy Fellow is responsible for analyzing federal and state policy proposals and developing products that support APIAHF’s policy analysis and advocacy efforts. These priority areas include but are not limited to: expanding access to affordable health care; improving quality of health care by promoting cultural and linguistic competency; improving data collection and reporting; and promoting investments and capacity of community-based programs. The Policy and Advocacy Fellow will also work in conjunction with other national health advocacy, AA NHPI, and civil rights organizations, as well as provide technical support and assistance to state and local coalitions and community-based organizations.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Monitor and assess the impact of federal and state legislative and regulatory actions as they relate to the health of AA NHPI communities; 
  • Research and draft white papers, comment letters, talking points, policy briefs, fact sheets, and other materials as needed; 
  • Track, review, and summarize policy research and reports on APIAHF issues; 
  • Work with APIAHF staff to develop legislative and administrative strategies and conduct advocacy on behalf of AA NHPI communities; 
  • Work with APIAHF staff to develop and implement strategies to engage local AA NHPI community-based organizations, community leaders, researchers, health professionals, and other key stakeholders with the intent to bolster their capacity to advocate on APIAHF issues; 
  • Under the direction of the VP, Policy and Advocacy, act as a resource for and provide technical assistance to government officials, legislative staff, advocacy groups, health care and social service providers, advocates, community organizations and the media; 
  • Monitor media coverage of health policy issues affecting AA NHPI communities; 
  • Participate in Policy, Advocacy, Network Development, and organization-wide planning and evaluation; 
  • Attend and assist with all Policy and Advocacy Division organizational meetings, events and functions as required; and 
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

 Education and Experience: 

  • JD or Master’s degree in health, public health, public policy, or related field; 
  • Minimum 2-5 years of increasing experience in public policy, especially health policy, public health, health economics, or civil rights;
  • Strong understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process;
  • Experience with federal budget and appropriations; 
  • Ability to compare and analyze legislative and administrative proposals; and 
  • Demonstrated experience in interacting professionally with diverse individuals and organizations. 

 Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: 

  • Exceptional writing and research skills;
  • Strong verbal communication skills including public speaking;
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment; 
  • Excellent attention to detail;
  • Able to work efficiently in a busy environment with competing priorities;
  • Strong motivation, discipline, and adaptability, including ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, and as part of a team;
  • Ability to take direction, manage and lead projects and deliverables;
  • Demonstrated effective problem-solving skills; 
  • Ability to travel as part of work responsibilities; and
  • Ability to integrate technology tools to achieve goals.

Desired Qualifications:  

  • Washington DC, congressional staff experience;
  • Additional 2 years of direct experience in federal and/or state public policy, policy analysis, advocacy, or related field;
  • Expertise in health economics; 
  • Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis;
  • Experience in state or federal legislature or government health or social service agency at a policy level;
  • Experience with community organizing, mobilization efforts, technical assistance, or grassroots advocacy; 
  • Demonstrated interest or experience working with AA NHPI communities;
  • Demonstrated experience in program coordination and management; and
  • Familiarity with social media platforms and project management. 

Benefits: 

APIAHF offers a generous benefit package which includes medical, dental, vision, 11 paid holidays, vacation, and sick paid time off, 401K contribution and match, commuter subsidy and professional development fund.

To Apply: 

Please send a cover letter, references and resume to Jobs@apiahf.org, with the subject line “Policy and Advocacy Fellow”.

Open until filled.