JOB OPPORTUNITY:

Central Valley Policy Fellow

About Root & Rebound (R&R): R&R’s mission is to restore power and resources to the families and communities most harmed by mass incarceration through legal advocacy, public education, policy reform and litigation— a model rooted in the needs and expertise of people who are directly impacted. You can learn more about our work in our 2021 Annual Report.

This is a part-time, non-exempt role, which pays $20/hr.  We expect the Fellow to work 20-25 hrs/week and no more than 35 hours/week. This is a temporary position, expected to start as soon as possible, and go no longer than 16 weeks. 

Location: This position is based out of our Fresno, CA office. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our staff are currently working a hybrid schedule. Travel throughout the Central Valley will be required. 

About the Central Valley Policy Fellow: The Policy Fellow will work with the Central Valley Policy Associate in launching the Valley Impacted Voices in Action (VIVA) Coalition to shift harmful narratives, build power, and bring together formerly incarcerated people, their loved ones, and advocates from rural communities in six (6) Valley Counties: Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kern, and Kings.

The Policy Fellow ’s primary focus will be on outreach to impacted communities and organizing coalition meetings. 

Duties & Responsibilities:  

The Policy Fellow role includes, but is not limited to, the following duties and responsibilities:

• Work with the Root & Rebound policy team to launch the VIVA coalition.
• Coordinate logistics related to VIVA coalition meetings, including: email, phone, and other outreach; securing physical space for in-person meetings; coordinating Zom links for virtual meetings.
• Assist on grant reporting, including helping to develop a narrative of activities, accomplishments and/or supported by grant funds.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and system-impacted individuals to create and connect people returning home with strong community support and the VIVA Coalition.
• Counter negative narratives around people who are formerly incarcerated.
• Connect systems-impacted people with advocacy work.
• Attend City Council and Board of Supervisors meetings to raise our voices in support of local policies.
• Create volunteer and leadership opportunities for formerly incarcerated people.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience navigating reentry from prison or jail;
• Experience and/or knowledge of policy advocacy; 
• Knowledge of, or connection to, rural prison town communities in the Valley;
• Demonstrated dedication to social, racial, and economic justice; 
• Strong time-management and organizational skills to be able to juggle coalition planning with individual outreach;
• Ability to take initiative, problem-solve, meet deadlines, work both collaboratively and independently;
• Ability to genuinely connect, empathize, and build trust with system-impacted communities;
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to prioritize work given organizational and client needs;
• Creative, enthusiastic, and willing to learn and try new things;
• Proficiency in Gmail, Google Calendar, Drive, Docs, and Sheets;
• Ability to and excitement to travel regularly to communities throughout Central Valley California; and
• Bilingual in Spanish is required. 

Application Instructions: Please send your application materials (resume and cover letter) as soon as possible to Claudia J. Gonzalez, [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please. 

Root & Rebound is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including formerly incarcerated and/or system-involved individuals.  We look at each applicant’s full experience and consider each applicant.  We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system and its impacts are strongly encouraged to apply. We depend on a diverse team to accomplish our mission!