The Drug Policy Alliance is the leading organization in the U.S. promoting alternatives to the war on drugs. We envision a just society in which the use and regulation of drugs are grounded in science, compassion, health, and human rights; in which people are no longer punished for what they put into their own bodies but only for crimes against others; and in which the fears, prejudices, and punitive prohibitions of today are no more. Our mission is to advance those policies and attitudes that best reduce the harms of both drug misuse and drug prohibition, and to promote the sovereignty of individuals over their minds and bodies.

While we address the wide range of social, political, and economic issues touched by the war on drugs, nearly all of our efforts fall under three substantive issue areas: ending the criminalization of people who use, possess, or sell small amounts of drugs; replacing marijuana prohibition with a sensible system of regulation and taxation; and ensuring access to effective, evidence-based health interventions for people struggling with problems related to drug misuse. We approach this work with an emphasis on racial justice and supporting the communities most devastated by the war on drugs.

Over the last 15 years, DPA has expanded from its New York headquarters to a total of eight offices, 80 plus staff, an annual operating budget of approximately $17 million, 25,000 dues-paying members and more than 300,000 online subscribers.  It has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles. For more information, please visit our website at www.drugpolicy.org.

The Position

Reporting to the Senior Director, Grants, Partnerships & Special Projects, this position requires someone who not only appreciates working collaboratively, but possesses both significant project and personnel management skills. In addition to experience with philanthropy, the ideal candidate for this role must have a commitment to reforming drug policy; to racial justice; and to human rights. The Program Manager will have experience managing and assessing budgets and working with grassroots organizers. The Program Manager should possess exceptional organizational, writing, people, and event planning skills; the ability to work independently and complete projects on deadline; strong analytical skills; the ability to present publicly; and a mastery of the Microsoft Office Suite. This person must be open to a diversity of people and opinions; be able to travel a few times a year; and generally be comfortable with data and databases, social media, and other technology. This role requires a sense of humor and a good measure of patience.

Primary Responsibilities

The Program Manager will be expected to:

• Provide advice, guidance, and recommendations to directors and others seeking to move grants; convene, advise, and guide the Review Committee, the Senior Director, and the Executive Director about appropriate grants to make.
• Manage, oversee, and guide the day-to-day operations of the program that are undertaken by administrative staff.
• Manage and supervise the scholarship program of the biennial conference by convening meetings and securing recommendations from colleagues and finalizing the applications, and oversee the administrative staff responsible for its day-to-day operations.
• Conceive and manage various forms of engagement—virtual and live—to ensure the ongoing engagement of partners and allies across the nation.
• Work closely with the Senior Director and other colleagues to conceive, design, and execute special event projects including annual gatherings of partners we fund; special issue-oriented programs; telephone and live town halls; design and oversee budgets, create agendas, and ensure the successful execution of events in collaboration with the Senior Director.
• Work closely with the Senior Director and other colleagues to conceive, manage, design and execute monthly partner calls and other virtual partner engagement efforts, including webinars.
• Conduct periodic public speaking at events and on nationwide conference calls; write opinion pieces on issues in drug policy.
• Assist with fundraising efforts as directed by the Senior Director.
• Perform miscellaneous job related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher
• A strong commitment to drug policy reform
• A strong commitment to racial justice and human rights
• 5 years’ experience in project management
• Very strong writing skills
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills including the ability to occasionally present publicly at conferences and during other public events
• Ability to work with people of varied backgrounds
• High proficiency with various software including Microsoft Office applications, especially MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook
• High level of comfort with various technologies needed to execute webinars
• Some ability to create graphics
• Facility with social media
• Good internet research skills

Terms of Employment

This position requires the candidate to live in the NY Metropolitan area.  Telecommuting will not be considered.  Some travel required.

Compensation

The starting salary for this position is $65,000. DPA offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, long-term disability, and life insurance; a generous 403(b) plan; and 25 days paid time off.

Deadline

Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Process

Please send a cover letter and résumé to hr@drugpolicy.org. No phone calls, please. We will only contact candidates who are under consideration.

Please include the following in the subject line:  “Last Name, First Name – Program Manager”

Email submissions are preferred, but may also be submitted by mail to:

Devon Hutchins
Human Resources Manager
Re:  Program Manager
Drug Policy Alliance
131 West 33th Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10001

The Drug Policy Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, personal appearance, family responsibility, political affiliation, or any other status protected by applicable law. Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in hiring people who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.