Application Guide
How to Apply for Advocacy & Policy Strategist
at Oregon Health Equity Alliance
🏢 About Oregon Health Equity Alliance
Oregon Health Equity Alliance is a people of color-led collaborative uniquely focused on dismantling white supremacy and shifting power imbalances in Oregon. They advance racial justice-informed health equity policies and practices, offering a chance to work with a mission-driven team committed to systemic change.
About This Role
As Advocacy & Policy Strategist, you will lead OHEA's state legislative agenda, build relationships with decision-makers, and create accessible policy updates for community organizing. This part-time remote role is impactful because you'll directly influence health equity policies in Oregon, working with coalitions and communities most affected by inequities.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with checking legislative updates and emails from coalition partners, then attending a virtual meeting with the Policy Committee to strategize on a bill. You might draft a policy brief for community education, then have calls with elected officials' aides to build support for OHEA's agenda. The role balances independent work with collaborative meetings, all remotely.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Oregon Health Equity Alliance Is Looking For
- Has 5-7 years experience in social, racial, gender justice, or health equity, with proven coalition building and community organizing skills.
- Brings 3-5 years experience in state and county policy advocacy, including lobbying or campaign management, and deep understanding of Oregon's political landscape.
- Possesses excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with ability to work remotely and independently.
- Has lived experience with health inequities and racial injustice, and a commitment to centering affected communities in policy work.
📝 Tips for Applying to Oregon Health Equity Alliance
Highlight specific Oregon policy campaigns you've worked on and your understanding of the state's legislative process.
Showcase your experience working with people of color-led organizations and your commitment to racial justice.
Emphasize your ability to translate complex policy into accessible updates for community education and organizing.
Demonstrate your experience convening committees or coalitions, especially with diverse stakeholders.
Tailor your resume to reflect remote work experience and self-management skills.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your personal connection to racial justice and health equity, especially in Oregon.', 'Specific examples of leading policy advocacy that advanced health equity and involved coalition building.', 'Your ability to communicate with both policymakers and community members, making policy accessible.', "Why OHEA's mission and people of color-led approach resonates with your values and experience."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review OHEA's current policy priorities and recent legislative wins on their website.
- → Understand Oregon's health equity landscape, including key disparities and relevant bills.
- → Learn about OHEA's member organizations and coalition partners to see who you'd work with.
- → Read OHEA's communications (press releases, blogs) to understand their messaging and tone.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Downplaying the importance of lived experience and community-centered approaches in favor of technical policy skills.
- Focusing only on national advocacy without demonstrating specific Oregon knowledge.
- Ignoring the part-time nature and not addressing how you'll manage workload or other commitments.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Oregon Health Equity Alliance!