UDW Job Description: Senior Policy Research Analyst

UDW Overview: 
United Domestic Workers of America, UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 is a statewide labor union that represents more than 170,000 home care and family child care providers in 45 counties in California. Founded in 1979, UDW is a diverse, progressive labor organization that seeks dynamic, committed individuals who will support our members and those for whom they care locally, statewide, and at the national level. 

UDW is one of California’s largest labor unions. We consistently support and lead important social justice initiatives like fighting for racial justice, income inequality, and affordable health care for all. We are committed to respect and dignity for seniors, people with disabilities, and the children in our care. We fight for better working conditions and fair pay for home care and child care providers, and full funding for life-saving programs like In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and subsidized family child care. For more information about UDW, please visit our website at www.udwa.org. 

Job Information: 
Job Title: Senior Policy Research Analyst
Job Type:  Exempt (Salary)
Department: Strategic Research
Reports to: Strategic Research Director
Job Location:  Santa Maria, CA
Schedule: Full-time - Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Hybrid (In office/remote)
Starting Salary: $70,928.00 to $102,493.60/year 

Job Summary:

The Senior Policy Research Analyst will play a critical role in the Care Agenda Campaign for UDW, conducting extensive research and analysis on policy issues related to long-term care services and supports (LTSS) and the care workforce. They will collaborate with stakeholders and partners to advocate for a new LTSS benefit statewide, producing high-quality research materials to support lobbying efforts and legislative initiatives. The Senior Policy Research Analyst will also stay updated on emerging trends and industry developments to provide expertise on labor standards and industry conditions in the care sector.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•    Conduct comprehensive and in-depth research and analysis on policy issues pertaining to long-term care services and support (LTSS) and the care workforce.
•    Engage with policymakers and stakeholders to advocate for a new LTSS benefit at the statewide level.
•    Collaborate closely with analysts to incorporate federal-level policy and funding into the development of the new benefit.
•    Establish strong partnerships and collaborate with organizations like the California Aging and Disability Alliance and Caring Across Generations to advance the Care Agenda Campaign.
•    Proactively produce high-quality research materials, briefs, reports, and presentations to support lobbying efforts and legislative initiatives.
•    Provide expertise and insights on labor standards, wage growth, and industry conditions within the care sector.
•    Stay up-to-date on emerging trends, legislation, and policy changes related to the care industry, ensuring the campaign remains informed and adaptable.
•    Foster effective communication and alignment by collaborating with the State Government Affairs department  (SGA)  and other departments within the organization.
•    Assist in the preparation of legislative proposals and advocacy efforts aimed at gaining support for the new benefit and its funding source.
•    Build and nurture relationships with external stakeholders, experts, and community organizations to gather valuable insights, share research findings, and establish partnerships.
•    Maintain knowledge of best practices and research methodologies to enhance the quality and impact of research outputs.
•    Oversee research and provide strategic support for organizing contract campaigns across California within the care industry.
•    Monitor, analyze, and maintain a deep understanding of the care industry, including financing trends, regulatory changes, and other factors affecting care workers.
•    Conduct research and deliver a high-level analysis of state budgets, encompassing various sources of local, state, and federal funding.
•    Prepare a range of work products targeted at different audiences, such as care workers, legislators, policymakers, and the private sector, in support of the union's objectives.
•    Lead stakeholder coalitions to advance care, particularly focusing on the financing of care through a social insurance model.
•    Collaborate effectively with a diverse group of staff members and union leadership to develop and implement campaign plans.
•    Participate in and represent the organization in various internal and external workgroups.
•    Assist with department projects and perform assigned duties that fall within the scope of this job classification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
•    Highly organized and detail-oriented: Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Attention to detail is crucial to ensure accuracy and thoroughness in research analysis.
•    The ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and draw meaningful insights is essential.
•    Proficient in quantitative and qualitative research methods, using statistical analysis software to analyze data effectively.
•    Knowledge of policy and budget analysis should be familiar with current legislative and regulatory environments, staying updated on policy developments. 
•    Ability to analyzing and interpreting public policy proposals and budgets and provide informed recommendations.
•    Effective written and verbal communication is vital for presenting research findings, policy recommendations, and complex information to various audiences to distill complex concepts into clear and concise messages that resonate with stakeholders.
•    Time management and multitasking: strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines are necessary. Prioritize tasks effectively and work efficiently to meet project milestones.
•    Initiative and creativity: A self-starter mindset and the ability to take the initiative and proactively to seek opportunities to contribute and propose innovative solutions to research challenges. 
•    Self-starter mentality with the ability to take initiative and learn quickly, managing tight deadlines and multiple projects. A clear, creative, and strategic thinker.
•    Team Collaboration: The ability to work effectively in a team and under high-pressure situations and be able to collaborate with colleagues, build relationships with stakeholders, and contribute to a positive work environment.
•    Commitment to labor and social justice: A strong dedication to labor and social justice issues, as demonstrated through previous work or volunteer experience, and a genuine passion for advocating for equitable policies and supporting marginalized communities.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Bachelor’s degree in economics, Labor Studies, Public Policy, Political Science, or other related field required.  Master’s degree preferred. 
•    7+ years in budget and policy analysis, state and local government, and/or campaign/participatory research.   
•    Proficiency and passion for research through direct channels, social media, internet, networking, publications, 
•    Solid understanding of federal and state laws and regulations
•    Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.
•    An analytical mindset with excellent organizational skills.
•    Proven ability to successfully accomplish timely completion of multiple projects with competing deadlines. 
•    A high level of professionalism, honesty, integrity, and work ethic are essential. 
•    Computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Office products  
•    Strong communication, presentation, and training delivery skills
•    Energetic, enthusiastic, and self-motivated
•    Excellent time management and prioritization skills

Preferred Bilingual Language(s) in:

• Spanish
• Vietnamese
• Korean
• Tagalog
• Russian
• Assyrian
• Somali
• Arabic

Requirements: 
•    Ability to work from UDW’s office three days/per week.
•    Some travel is required (about 1-2% a month) with reliable transportation.
•    Valid driver's license

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
UDW has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. As a condition of employment, our employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law.

Physical Demands: 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

Work Environment: 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is primarily exposed to an office-type environment. The employee will frequently work on or around office equipment and furniture. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. The employee will frequently work with deadlines under pressure and will occasionally be required to work alone. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor environments which can include exposure to vehicles, moving mechanical parts; vibration; odors, fumes, gases, smoke, dust, or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
UDWA is an equal opportunity employer, and, as such, does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based on race, creed, color, age, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, disability, or any other classification protected from discrimination under applicable law.

Notice of E-Verify Participation: 
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS (888) 897-7781, dhs.gov/e-verify 

Women, people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please visit UDW’s career page and submit your application.
UDW’s career link →   https://udwa.hiringplatform.com/list/careers