Position Summary:
CDBA seeks a dynamic candidate for the position of Public Policy Associate. The ideal candidate will have a passion for public policy, a drive to promote economic opportunity in low- and moderate-income communities, and experience working at a mission-focused financial institution, in the legislative or executive branches of the Federal government, or on political/advocacy campaigns.
As a key member of the team, the Public Policy Associate supports our public policy agenda and industry-wide advocacy initiatives. This position reports to the Chief Public Policy Officer but works with all members of the CDBA team.
Applicants will work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This opportunity is a full-time 40 hours per week position that will involve occasional travel and includes a competitive salary and benefits.
The Organization:
The Community Development Bankers Association (CDBA) is the voice and champion for FDIC-insured Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks and other mission-focused financial institutions. Our members provide lending, financial services, and technical assistance in low- and moderate-income urban, rural, and Native American communities across the United States. We support the CDFI and mission-focused banking sector through public policy advocacy, education, capacity building, impact measurement, and peer networking.
CDBA is managed under an administrative agreement with Partners for the Common Good (PCG), also known as Partners. The Public Policy Associate will be an employee of Partners, but assigned to CDBA duties.
Partners operates the following entities:
- PCG Loan Fund (PCG) – PCG is a national CDFI lending network with local impact focused on affordable housing and community facilities finance. www.pcgloanfund.org;
- Community Development Bankers Association (CDBA) -- CDBA is the national trade association for the CDFI, MDI, and mission-focused banking sector and advocates for the industry and communities they serve, www.cdbanks.org;
- CapNexus – CapNexus is a community development finance and industry networking and information sharing platform www.capnexus.org
Partners’ office and the position is located in Washington DC.
Responsibilities
- Support the Chief Public Policy Officer in identifying and analyzing legislative proposals and regulatory policies to assess impact on the membership and the low-income communities they serve.
- Organize policy education outreach campaigns directed toward Federal policy makers (Executive branch, legislative, regulatory agencies), including annual member constituent letter-writing campaigns and on-site meetings with CDBA staff and members.
- Conduct geocoding and demographic analysis of bank financial activity to help mission-focused banks identify business and impact opportunities, such as those relevant to certification for aspiring CDFIs.
- Assist the planning and execution of the annual Peer Forum conference, which includes leading the development of materials and schedules and coordinating congressional meetings for member bank leadership on Advocacy Day.
- Serve as key staff for full Board and Board–level committees, such as Public Policy Committee and Product Development Subcommittees, including scheduling, setting agendas, drafting materials and exhibits, and recording and drafting of meeting minutes.
- Build, maintain, and utilize Salesforce Database of legislative contacts and advocacy participation.
- Extract and catalogue CDFI Fund award data for the purpose of industry analysis and to support publications and communications.
- Serve as a contact for assisting members with individual member advocacy within states and districts and/or in Washington, D.C.
- Support planning for programming such as webinars and other events, including marketing, speaker engagement, and logistics.
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, urban studies, communications, journalism, economics, business administration, data analytics, or a related social science field.
- Experience or interest in public policy or advocacy with a particular focus on community development and/or financial services.
- A proactive self-starter with the ability to multi-task, excellent time management and organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- Strong writing skills.
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Demonstrable competence with Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Event management, public relations, and/or project management experience.
- Public speaking and presentation experience, whether in person or digital (webinar)
- Strong networking, relationship management, and customer service skills.
Highly Desired (But Not Required) Experience:
- Experience with impact data collection and analytics.
- Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM) system.
- MailChimp or other email and SMS marketing software.
- Interviewing and/or journalism.
- Impact storytelling in video, print, or digital format.
- Adobe InDesign and Premiere Pro.
Work Environment:
The current work schedule is hybrid, with three days minimum (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) expected in the office each week with the option to work remotely two days per week (Monday, Friday). Applicants are strongly encouraged to be in the DC, MD, or VA area to be able to work in-office.
Additional Details:
Partners and CDBA acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, and national origin. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and consider joining our team.
Compensation:
Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability coverage available. Retirement plan (employer matching and profit sharing); paid vacation, sick leave days, and holidays. Partners is an equal opportunity employer.
To Apply:
Please fill out the information below. Include a resume, cover letter, professional writing sample, and three references.
