Policy and Coalitions Strategist at Native American Youth And Family Center – Portland, Oregon

NAYA Family Center is seeking a Policy & Coalitions Strategist to advance the organization’s Oregon and Southwest Washington policy and advocacy priorities. This role represents NAYA in coalitions and partner tables, manages key stakeholder relationships, and supports timely legislative, administrative, and local government engagement. Funded by the NAYA Action Fund, this position works across both NAYA Family Center and the NAYA Action Fund to ensure aligned policy and advocacy strategies that support Urban Native communities.

NAYA offers an exceptional benefits package, including free medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees (with affordable options for family members), a 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% match, paid vacation, and 16 paid holidays. This is a full-time position typically working 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings, legislative session demands, travel to Salem or Olympia, or weekend work as needed.

The annual salary for this position is $75,000 to $85,000.

Who You Are

• Ideally, you're familiar with Native American history and understand the diversity, strengths, and lived experiences of urban Native communities.
• You have at least 3 years of experience in advocacy, policy, coalition work, community organizing, government relations, or a closely related field.
• You have experience building and maintaining relationships with coalition partners, community members, and stakeholders across systems.
• You understand legislative and local government processes in Oregon and/or Washington.
• You are knowledgeable about 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PAC compliance requirements.
• You are skilled at synthesizing complex policy information into clear, concise written materials such as briefs, testimony drafts, talking points, and decision memos.
• You are highly organized and able to track multiple work streams, deadlines, and commitments with strong attention to detail.
• You are comfortable representing an organization in coalition spaces and managing stakeholder relationships with professionalism and discretion.
• You are able to coordinate internally across teams and exercise strong judgment when navigating political and community dynamics.
• You are flexible and able to shift priorities quickly in response to legislative timelines or emerging issues.
• You demonstrate a commitment to equity and to working in a youth-centered, family-driven, and elder-guided way.
• You are comfortable using databases, Microsoft Office, web-based research tools, and presentation platforms.
• You thrive in a team-oriented workplace, are adaptable, and are willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, even when it’s not your job.
• You demonstrate self-awareness, listening deeply, centering others, and taking accountability for your actions.
• You are consistently punctual, reliable, and dependable in support of your team and community.

What You'll Do

• Represent NAYA in coalitions and partner tables, managing relationships with key stakeholder groups.
• Attend and actively participate in coalition and partner meetings, track commitments, and ensure follow-through.
• Track legislative, administrative, and local government activity in Oregon and Southwest Washington and identify advocacy opportunities.
• Draft policy materials including briefs, testimony drafts, and action-alert inputs aligned with NAYA priorities and community guidance.
• Produce clear decision memos for review by the Director and Executive leadership.
• Support Director-led endorsement processes, including candidate briefings and communications.
• Contribute to campaign efforts for endorsed candidates, policies, or ballot measures and initiatives.
• Coordinate fundraising efforts for the NAYA Action Fund or endorsed campaigns.
• Conduct data gathering, precinct analysis, and field activities as assigned.
• Engage in lobbying efforts during legislative sessions in Oregon and Washington alongside NAYA staff and community members.
• Coordinate and participate in advocacy days in Salem or Olympia as assigned.
• Participate in cross-departmental projects and represent NAYA professionally at community events.
• Maintain confidentiality and input data into required database systems.
• Contribute to fostering a safe and secure environment for community members and staff.

Application Instructions

Providing a cover letter helps us best understand your interest in the role, so we encourage you to submit one along with your resume. If you need accommodation during the application process, please email jobs@nayapdx.org.

Questions? Want to chat about this role before you decide to apply? Contact Kim Harless , Chief Operations Officer, or the HR team.

NAYA is committed to building a work environment that respects and inspires every community member. Our mission is to serve Urban Native youth and families, so we strongly encourage members of the Native community to apply. We encourage applications from members of other historically marginalized groups, as well, including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who have served in the military.