Organization: Massachusetts Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission (AAPIC)
Job Title: Policy Coordinator
Status: Part-time for the full academic year (October 2021 – June 2022), with a commitment of approximately 10 hours per week
Stipend: According to experience ($15-20 an hour). Alternatively, AAPIC can accommodate students participating in an existing university-offered internship program.
Location: Mostly remote work (some training sessions and meetings will need to be held in person)
Apply By: September 24, 2021
Start Date: October 11, 2021
The Massachusetts Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission (AAPIC) is a permanent body dedicated to advocacy on behalf of Asian Americans throughout Massachusetts. The Commission’s goal is to recognize and highlight the vital contributions of Asian Americans to the social, cultural, economic, and political life of the Commonwealth; to identify and address the needs and challenges facing residents of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry; and to promote the well-being of this dynamic and diverse community, thereby advancing the interests of all persons who call Massachusetts home.
Position Overview
The Policy Coordinator will work closely with AAPIC staff and the Chair of the Subcommittee on Government Relations, Advocacy, and Civil Rights to shape and advance the Commission’s policy priorities. They should have a broad knowledge of the legislative process and a strong commitment to improving the status of AAPI communities across the Commonwealth. The Policy Intern will report to the Executive Director and work collaboratively with staff, Commissioners, and community partners to carry out the responsibilities below:
Responsibilities
- Track legislative and budget proposals that affect AAPI residents across the Commonwealth.
- Collaborate with Subcommittee members, MA Asian Caucus members’ offices, and community partners to identify potential policy priorities for the AAPIC’s Gov Relations Subcommittee.
- Prepare bill factsheets, infographics, talking points, etc. for AAPIC-endorsed bills.
- Support the Program Director in developing and executing programming focused on public policy, civic engagement, and public service.
- Conduct research and produce a report by the end of the academic year, focused on one of AAPIC’s endorsed bills and/or strategies to increase civic engagement among AAPI communities.
- Take minutes at subcommittee meetings and other meetings as directed.
- Attend regular subcommittee and commission-wide AAPIC meetings.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled graduate or undergraduate student in Massachusetts.
- 1-2 years of experience with public policy, advocacy, and/or coalition building.
- A self-starter with strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.
- Knowledge of and strong commitment to advancing the interests of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
- Demonstrated proficiency in community organizing and building relationships with non-profits, NGOs, CBOs, and other social service providers/government agencies.
- Must be grounded and organized, and yet flexible and open to the changing demands of a small organization.
To Apply
- Submit resume and cover letter to yasmin.padamsee@aacommission.org by September 24, 2021.
