The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) seeks a Policy and Advocacy Manager to develop and advance policies that support local and diverse values-driven businesses throughout Greater Philadelphia, and oversee all government activities.

This position advances policies and measures that support the growth of diverse, values-driven businesses throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. We seek a candidate with experience implementing equity, inclusion, and racial and economic justice perspectives in policy analysis, advocacy, and stakeholder convening. Our ideal candidate is a self-starter with an aptitude for recognizing opportunities and translating ideas into action, can foster and maintain relationships with policymakers and various stakeholders in our local business community, has experience synthesizing policy research and data for various audiences and communities, and can build momentum and rally businesses in SBN’s network on legislative issues.

About Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia

The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia is building a just, green, and thriving economy. We empower the region’s diverse independent businesses to do well by doing good; we advance industries critical to a vibrant, local, equitable, and climate resilient economy; and we advocate for an economic ecosystem that centers localism, serves community needs, shares wealth, and protects the environment.

SBN’s members are local independent businesses that practice – and measure success by – the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Our programming educates business owners about financially, socially, and environmentally responsible best practices; facilitates honest and supportive discussions among peers; and provides important opportunities for civic dialogue. Our advocacy focuses on solutions that advance a just, green, and thriving economy.

Since our founding in 2001, SBN has remained the region’s only membership and advocacy organization playing the important role of serving Greater Philadelphia’s independent values-driven business community.

Major Responsibilities:

Reporting to SBN’s Associate Director, the Policy and Advocacy Manager responsibilities include:

Policy Development and Execution

• Identify and advance policy priorities and solutions that capture SBN’s policy goals, with an emphasis on  equity, racial, and economic justice and a triple bottom line framework (people, planet, profit). Priorities will be set in consultation with SBN staff and board.
• Monitor and analyze public policy, local and state budgets, research and reports, model ordinances, and other relevant developments to identify opportunities and challenges for SBN to advance our policy priorities
• Create recommendations for programmatic, regulatory, and legislative change based on analysis and stakeholder consultation
• Prepare clear and convincing policy briefs, white papers, testimony, fact sheets, case studies, recommendation reports, and blog posts
• Educate and build momentum on relevant advocacy initiatives among SBN’s diverse business membership, stakeholders, decision-makers, and potential collaborators through activities ranging from small group meetings to public speaking engagements
• Collaborate with colleagues engaged in clean energy, green stormwater infrastructure, local food systems and regenerative agriculture, and other sector priorities that may emerge
• Maintain clear positions on issues to ensure SBN can be nimble and responsive as the need arises
• Advise SBN’s Executive leadership on legislative and administrative advocacy efforts
• Provide updates to staff and ensure organization’s external communications and outreach is accurate and representative of SBN’s policy positions

Programming

• Develop and implement policy and advocacy specific programming based on the needs and topics of interest of SBN’s membership
  • Spearhead programs and events such as policy roundtables and panel discussions
  • Assist with securing speakers, venues, creating program agendas, etc.
• Support organizational events, special projects, strategy conversations, and committees

Operations

• Assist with the preparation of grant reports and proposals with direction and supervision from the Executive Director
• Maintain a record of advocacy activities
• Maintain compliance with all applicable lobbying and ethics laws
• Manage department budget

 Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to SBN’s values and mission
• Comfort and sophistication in applying a race, economic, and equity lens in a professional setting
• Track record of moving priority issues forward while remaining adaptable to emergent needs
• Proven capabilities in cultivating and maintaining relationships with government agencies, legislative bodies, and coalitions
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills and the ability to use data in shaping policy messages
• Team player with a collaborative working style, a proven ability to build consensus among a diverse group of individuals, and a successful track record for interdisciplinary work and intercultural collaborations
• Ability to work independently
• A working knowledge of systemic inequities, including an understanding of the historical context and root causes of these inequities, as well as strategies to overcome them
• Ability to consistently make sound decisions through a combination of analysis,active consultation, and sound judgment
• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in Public Policy, Political Science, or other relevant field preferred
• Minimum 5-8 years relevant experience
• Ability to be flexible with morning and evening hours as needed
• Ability to attend off-site functions as needed

Compensation:

This is a great opportunity for a motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in a highly respected organization. The salary range for this position is $60,000-$69,000 and is commensurate with experience. SBN has a generous benefits package which includes employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision insurance; 11 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays; up to 20 accrued paid vacation days per year; 8 accrued paid sick days per year; pre-tax travel benefits; and the opportunity to contribute to an impact-oriented 401k plan.

How to Apply:

Email a thoughtful cover letter and résumé as a single .pdf to Jared Lowe, SBN’s Associate Director at  jared@sbnphiladelphia.org with the subject line “Policy and Advocacy Manager.” We are looking for an immediate hire, so applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls or email inquiries please.

SBN is an equal opportunity employer.  SBN is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We strongly encourage people of color and all gender identities and sexual orientations to apply for this and all open positions.

To apply, click here.