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About SPUR

SPUR is a nonprofit public policy organization in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through research, education, and advocacy, SPUR works to create an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous region, where all people thrive. We bring people together from across the political spectrum to develop solutions to the big problems facing our region, with a special emphasis on the largest three cities: San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jos. We are recognized and respected for our independent and holistic approach to urban issues.

General Summary

SPUR believes in the potential of local government as a force for good, and we believe that high-functioning government is essential if we are to achieve our vision for a region where all people thrive. We also believe that sound economic policies can make the region more equitable for all. The Governance and Economy Policy Director will be a leader in SPURs work on government reform and equitable economic policy development in the San Francisco Bay Area. This role is an opportunity to do important work at one of the Bay Areas most impactful public policy organizations.

This role is perfect for someone with deep knowledge of urban issues in Bay Area cities, and a passion to help the region become more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable through government effectiveness and economic policies that improve prosperity and advance equity. Candidates must have a professional background in state and/or local public policy analysis, advocacy or have held a senior public administration role in state or local government.

The Opportunity

The Governance and Economy Policy Director will advance SPUR's policy work by focusing on the question of whether city governments currently have the delivery systems needed to carry out their missions. Areas for research and advocacy may include, but are not limited to: charter review, contracting reform, civil service reform, fiscal reform and other areas that would benefit from a detailed review and advocacy agenda to help support high-functioning local governments. The position will also look at economic policies that have the power to advance SPURs mission. These include, but are not limited to, state and local tax policy and policies that support economic advancement for low-income communities.This role requires excellent research skills, policy and political judgment, project management and people management skills, and experience communicating urban policy issues to policymakers and the public. This role also serves as an ambassador to local government staff, elected officials, business and community leaders, and partner organizations. The Governance and Economy Policy Director will report to the Chief Policy Officer.

Core Responsibilities

Conduct analyses of various functions of local government, including analysis of the roles and responsibilities of various officers of local government in order to enhance governmental effectiveness.
Leverage best practices from other important cities and insights from local experts to provide recommendations for reform.
Review local, regional and state tax policies and make recommendations for improvements that can both increase regional prosperity and equity, while advancing SPURs goals in other policy areas such as housing, transportation and sustainability.
Examine policies that support economic prosperity for low-income households and make recommendations for their application at the local, regional and state level.
Work in collaboration with key stakeholders and decision-makers, as a way to begin to build support for reform.
Leverage media and other forums to bring research findings into the public discourse as we progress.
Produce high-quality policy analysis and recommendations in the forms of articles, briefs, and reports.
Lead SPURs ballot analysis efforts at the local, regional and state levels.
Design advocacy campaigns to influence legislation, plans, ballot measures, and policies/ regulations.
Cultivate strong relationships with key partners.
Participate in and lead coalitions, working groups, and task forces.
Team management & development
Define project scope and goals, manage consultant support, set and meet deadlines, and design and execute engagement plans.
As relevant, provide effective staff development and oversight.

Requirements

The candidate must be knowledgeable about policy issues in large U.S. cities. Knowledge of the San Francisco Bay Area context as it relates to governance, budgeting, tax policy, and local reform efforts is highly desirable.
The candidate must be a strong writer who can make technical policy issues interesting and intelligible to a general audience.
The job requires working in partnership with external stakeholders, including SPURs Board of Directors. The candidate must have an appreciation for partnerships, as well as strong meeting facilitation and communication skills. Experience working in diverse coalitions to drive change is highly desirable.
The candidate must have experience effectively managing projects, setting deadlines, and meeting milestones.
Experience sourcing funding for policy work is desirable.
The candidate must have both high emotional intelligence and relationship management skills, with experience working in teams and across departments.
The candidate must have experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and the ability to explain methodologies and express findings through tables, graphs, and charts.
The candidate must understand how to utilize administrative data and other sources to conduct equity analyses and use policy development to advance equity outcomes.
Either a masters degree or equivalent work experience in public policy, urban planning, or a related field

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $120,000-$150,000 and will be based on experience and commensurate with skills and qualifications. This is a full-time, exempt position. SPUR offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, basic life insurance, pre-tax commuter benefits, work from home stipend, employee assistance program (EAP) and retirement plan with twenty-five percent contribution matching. SPUR offers 6 months of paid maternity or paternity leave to bond with a new-born or adopted child within the first year of birth or adoption.

Hybrid Work Environment

SPUR has a hybrid workplace model defined by a combination of remote and in-person work. We have mandatory all-staff in-person days on Monday and Wednesdays. Staff may be required to attend other in-person meetings, events, and programs around the Bay Area region as needed. All policies are subject to change.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SPUR is an equal opportunity employer with a strong organizational commitment to respecting differences of all kinds. SPUR prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, political orientation or disability or any other basis prohibited by law. In that spirit, we strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ applicants, and others that will contribute to the diversity of our staff.

Applicants With Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.

SPUR

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