Organization

Founded in 1968, the Guttmacher Institute is a global leader in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through a unique and interrelated program of high-quality research, evidence-based advocacy and strategic communications, the Institute works to generate new ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development; its overarching goal is to ensure the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people worldwide. The Institute is engaged in building a more inclusive, transparent and equitable organization.

Position summary

The Principal Policy Associate, State Issues is responsible for advancing a state policy agenda for SRHR that is comprehensive, evidence-based and rooted in human rights principles. Reporting to the Director of Public Policy, State, this position manages the Institute’s state policy tracking program; serves as a resource to policymakers, advocates and donors; ideates and generates policy analyses and other reports; and represents the Institute in the media. This position does not include any formal supervisory responsibility. 

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain expertise of state-level policy developments and trends in sexual and reproductive health and rights and generate internal and external analyses that reassert the importance of facts and evidence in support of a progressive SRHR vision. 

• Serve as a resource and technical expert on state-level issues with colleagues, advocates, donors, policymakers and other stakeholders. 

• Manage the Institute’s program of tracking and analyzing state legislation, regulation and litigation related to SRHR, including balancing priorities across projects and problem-solving. 

• Coordinate monthly, quarterly and annual assessments of state policy issues, including State Laws and Policies and other resources. 

• Represent the Institute in relevant coalitions at the national and state levels, aiming to collaborate and support movement efforts to advance proactive SRHR state policies. 

• Collaborate with staff across the Institute to bring a policy perspective to the range of our communications and research activities. 

• Contribute to the Institute’s rapid response effort and respond to external requests for information.  

• Develop written materials in a range of formats and for a range of audiences. 

• Draft grant proposals and other documents and represent the Institute with donors. 

• Develop and deliver presentations on state policy issues to a wide range of audiences. 

• Serve as a leading Institute spokesperson with the media on state-policy trends and developments. 

• Coordinate with communications staff to both pitch and shape media coverage and narratives. 

• Perform other job-related tasks as appropriate. 
   

Qualifications and skills
 

• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the principles of reproductive rights, health, and justice, and the role of the Institute in promoting antiracism in the reproductive rights field.  

• A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in the fields of SRHR, immigrant rights, human rights or public health; specific SRHR experience required. 

• Experience working in diverse coalitions and with organizational partners. 

• Deep understanding of U.S. state policy and the policy-making process.  

• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.  

• Highly skilled at full range of media work, including working with print, radio and television outlets. 

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to be creative, manage multiple priorities in a time-sensitive manner and pay close attention to detail. 

• Ability to develop solid working relationships with senior leadership across the Institute and represent the Institute in high-level contexts externally. 

• Ability to foster an inclusive workplace, where all staff feel respected, heard, engaged and valued. 

• Compelling and thoughtful communication style that meets the needs of internal and external audiences and engenders trust and collaboration. 

• Able to travel up to 20% of time. 
   

Salary and benefits

Salary starting at $132,800 to $173,000, commensurate with experience.  Excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision and life insurance; vacation, personal and sick time, paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; commuting subsidy; and 401(k) with employer match. The Guttmacher Institute strives to provide the training and support staff need to be successful in their positions and to grow professionally.   

The Guttmacher Institute seeks to foster a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment, where every employee’s unique talents are valued and recognized as an asset to the achievement of our mission. The Guttmacher Institute is an equal opportunity employer.