Details
 

04/08/2019

Associate for Public Policy

Ohio Council of Churches

Who We Are

For 100 years, the Ohio Council of Churches (OCC), based in Columbus, has been the forum through which Christian denominations in Ohio have displayed Christian unity through worship, study, fellowship, and applying the love/justice ethic of Jesus Christ to an array of social justice and public policy issues in Ohio and beyond. The OCC currently has 17 denominational partners that are represented by 23 different middle judicatory bodies. The Executive Director is
the Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr.


The Position

The Associate for Public Policy (APP) will be employed as a part-time, 20 hours-per-week professional staff person, and will be responsible for the following duties:


1.   To assist in the development of OCC policy positions regarding proposed legislation and ballot issues, and to help formulate resolutions which reflect the stances and policies of the OCC;
 
2.   To identify church groups, organizations, and coalitions whose agendas are consistent with that of the OCC, and network with them in tracking legislation, informing constituencies, and trying to influence the course of legislation in which we have an interest;
 
3.    To interpret and publicize the positions taken by the OCC, craft recommendations for strategic actions based on OCC positions, and prepare written summaries designed to inform and educate judicatories, congregations, and all within our network regarding pending legislation that is of concern to the OCC;
 
4.    To connect with constituents through recruiting, developing and utilizing national and state networks of politically active persons who desire to work on specific legislative issues;
 
5.    To resource OCC ministry and program teams and groups concerned with social justice issues and their public policy implications;
 
6.    To write and distribute, via email, US Mail, and social media, a bi-monthly Legislative Brief that updates readers on public policy matters and OCC perspectives regarding them;
 
7.    To attend OCC Governing Board meetings and issue reports to attendees.
 
8.    Brief the Executive Director on a weekly basis, giving status and progress reports on all activities, and participating in scheduled staff meetings.
 
9.    Write public policy-related articles for OCC print and/or electronic newsletters.
 
10.  Use social media to share OCC public policy views and to expand OCC influence and participation.
 


Qualifications/What We Seek of Applicants
1.      Evidence of a personal faith in Jesus Christ; knowledge of the Scriptures and ability to interpret them; and an avowed theological perspective that under girds political and ecumenical response.


2.      Understanding of the ecumenical movement;


3.      Demonstrated record of passion for social justice and belief in the possibility of just social change;


4.      Firm grasp of Ohio and federal legislative procedures and processes – the mechanics of change;


5.      Ability to communicate effectively as a public speaker and through use of computers and related word processing software, electronic devices (smartphones, tablets), and via email and social media;


6.      Ability to communicate effectively with church/faith/legislative leaders and staffers;


7.      Track record of working collegiality, honorably and justly with a diverse array of people;


8.      Willingness to submit to a criminal background check as well as ongoing
anti-racism and boundaries training;


9.      Willingness to meet frequently with legislators, government officials and partners at the Ohio State House and related venues;


10.  Willingness to travel, on a limited basis.
 
How to Apply

Please send a one-page letter of application outlining interest in the position and qualifications to the Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., Executive Director, at info@ohcouncilchs.org. Also, please include a resume, a two to three paragraph writing sample, and the names and contact information of three professional references. The deadline for submitting applications is April 29, 2019.
The Ohio Council of Churches is an equal opportunity, anti-racist and
anti-oppressive employer.

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