The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) has been in the forefront of the economic justice movement in L.A. since 1994. LAANE is known for its broad-based labor/community/environmental coalitions and its combination of organizing, research, communications, and policy development. LAANE led the movement to pass a Living Wage Ordinance in the city of L.A. in 1997 and continues to advocate for policies and programs that benefit the unemployed, low-wage workers, low-income communities and the environment. For more information about our work, visit www.laane.org.
Campaign Description: LAANE is currently seeking a full-time campaign researcher for a campaign to win justice for workers in the port trucking industry at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. These are the largest ports in the country, responsible for nearly half of all U.S. containerized trade. This campaign seeks to achieve economic justice and put an end to wage theft for the 12,000 low-wage, mostly immigrant truck drivers at the Ports —most of whom are denied legal rights by being misclassified as “independent contractors.” The campaign also seeks to build from the dramatic environmental gains of the Clean Truck Program, to ensure environmental justice for the hundreds of thousands of people who live around the Ports and along associated goods movement corridors, who are currently plagued by devastating health impacts.
Position 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 corporate research, research on laws and public decision-making processes to inform policy development and campaign strategy, and research on the economy and communities using government and other public data sources. 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 Ports team as a whole.
Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to economic justice and the labor movement. Applicant must have a graduate degree in public policy or a related field, or relevant experience (especially, e.g., as a researcher in the labor movement). Also needed: willingness to work long hours and weekends when necessary, and ability to work independently. Skills required: excellent analytical skills, written and verbal communications skills, familiarity with database and word processing software, basic quantitative skills including familiarity with spreadsheets, interviewing skills, ability to work well in a team. Driving your own car required. Strong preference for: corporate research experience, public records experience, knowledge of Access software, experience writing reports, fluency in Spanish.
Terms of employment: LAANE’s salary and benefit standards are very competitive. Salary range starts at $45,000 and will depend on qualifications and experience. Full health benefits; pension; generous time off; parking. Friendly, team-oriented working environment.
Application Process: This position is available immediately. E-mail cover letter and resume to Jon Zerolnick at jzerolnick@laane.org no later than June 13. No phone calls please. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not receive a response.
LAANE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. PEOPLE OF COLOR, WOMEN AND LGBTQ ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
