Organization Description:
Founded in 1993, Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) is recognized as a national leader in the effort to address the challenges of working poverty, inadequate health care and polluted communities. Combining a vision of social justice with a practical approach to social change, LAANE has helped set in motion a broad movement to transform conditions in Los Angeles and beyond. LAANE’s efforts to transform conditions in the region’s key industries have led to significant improvements for tens of thousands of working men and women, from 1997’s Living Wage Ordinance, to this year’s city-wide Minimum Wage increase. In-depth research into specific industries provides the basis for developing winning policy approaches. LAANE has also published a series of influential reports, including studies on working poverty and the impact of Wal-Mart on urban America. LAANE is also a co-founder of the Partnership for Working Families, a rapidly growing national alliance that is fighting for good jobs and healthy communities in nearly 20 major metropolitan areas.
Project Description:
LAANE is currently seeking a full-time researcher for a cutting edge, “blue-green” campaign to transform the waste and recycling industry to improve working conditions and mitigate the environmental impacts of this sector on low-income communities. Over the past six years, LAANE and the Don’t Waste LA Coalition has led efforts to in order to make Los Angeles the largest “zero waste city” in the nation and to improve the lives of workers and communities in L.A. County. In 2014, Los Angeles approved the Zero Waste L.A. franchise system, a comprehensive overhaul of the waste and recycling sector for businesses and multi-family buildings. This new system requires recycling and eventual compost collection for all Angelenos, cleaner trucks, certification of facilities that process our waste, and living wages for collection workers. To learn more about Don’t Waste LA, visit www.dontwastela.org.
Responsibilities:
LAANE’s Research Department conducts research both for policy campaigns and for publications that reframe the debate on the economy and low-wage work in Los Angeles. Researchers conduct various types of research, including research on laws and public decision-making processes to inform policy development and campaign strategy, research on the economy and communities using government and other public data sources, analysis of data sets, and original surveys. Researchers present their findings through written materials and oral presentations at community meetings, government hearings, council and commission meetings, and other venues. Researchers also represent LAANE at meetings with allies, attend LAANE actions, and support the work of the organization and the Don’t Waste LA team as a whole.
Qualifications:
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the labor movement, communities of color, and economic justice. Applicant must have a graduate degree in public policy (or a related field) or have relevant experience. Also needed: willingness to work long hours and weekends when necessary, and ability to work independently. Skills required: excellent analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communications skills, familiarity with database and word processing software, basic quantitative skills including familiarity with spreadsheets, interviewing skills, and ability to work well in a team. Driving your own car required. Strong preference for public records experience, land use/zoning laws, public education, campaign research, and experience writing reports. Fluency in Spanish is a plus, as is an interest in environmental and immigrant rights issues.
Terms of employment:
LAANE’s salary and benefit standards are competitive. Salary range starts at $45,000 and will depend on qualifications and experience. Full health benefits; 401K; generous time off; transit pass; parking; and annual salary increases. Friendly, team-oriented working environment.
Application Process:
E-mail cover letter and resume to Jackie Cornejo, jcornejo@laane.org. No phone calls please. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not receive a response.
LAANE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. WOMEN, LGBTQ, AND PEOPLE OF COLOR ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
