Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) is a $3.7M nonprofit advocacy group whose mission is to promote and defend the foundational values of life, marriage and family, and religious freedom. Founded in 1995, they have seen more than 200 CAP-supported measures enacted by the state legislature. With 16FT and 2 PT team members CAP is dedicated to strengthening Arizona families through policy and education, by working closely with elected officials and strategic members of the community.
The Vice President of Policy will drive the development and execution of the organization’s public policy strategy. This individual should be well-versed in or ability to quickly learn CAP’s signature issues of life, marriage and family, and religious freedom as well as be bold yet humble in their communication and convictions. They will set legislative strategy and develop relationships with elected lawmakers, as well as track political developments impacting CAP and the issues. While a law degree may enrich the successful candidate’s qualifications, it is not required. Policy experience is a must. Relocation to the Phoenix area is required.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) is a nonprofit research and education organization committed to promoting and defending the foundational principles of life, marriage & family, and religious freedom. Established in 1995 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Arizona families through policy and education, CAP has worked with elected officials and members of the community to make Arizona the most welcoming state to raise a family.
The heart of CAP is to create an Arizona where:
The sanctity of human life is protected from its very beginning to its natural end.
Marriages and families are esteemed and thrive with enduring generational impact;
Religious freedom is affirmed and protected, free from government interference.
CAP is part of a national network of allies who work on similar issues in other states. National organizations which encourage and work with this network include the Family Policy Alliance as well as Alliance Defending Freedom. CAP is committed to being good stewards of the resources provided to them. As a part of this commitment, they are accredited members of the Evangelical Council for Financial Responsibility (ECFA). As members, they are in full compliance with ECFA’s Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship.
CAP STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe the Bible alone (the 66 books of the Old and New Testament) to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God, without error in the original manuscripts. The Bible is our source of religious authority for matters of faith and conduct.
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
We believe that all human beings are lost and sinful by nature. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. Justification is by faith alone, in Christ alone, and is not based on any human works or doctrine.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. The true Church is the body of Christ of which He is the head.
We believe the term “marriage” has only one meaning; the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture. (Gen 2:18-25) We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Cor 6:18; 7:2-5; Heb 13:4). We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.
We believe the differences between male and female, including biological differences, are divinely ordained, integral to God’s design for self-conception as male or female, and meant for human good. Therefore, the rejection of one’s biological sex and adoption of a transgender self-conception is inconsistent with God’s holy purposes in creation and a departure from Christian faithfulness and witness.
We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to defend, protect and value all human life. (Ps 139.)
The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God, speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, and is the sole and final source of all we believe. For purposes of the Center for Arizona Policy statement of faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Board of Directors is the final interpretative authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
WHAT THEY DO
CAP promotes and defends the foundational values of life, marriage and family, and religious freedom.
They do this through:
Being proactive in educating voters with voter guides and a website, www.azvoterguide.org
Advocating for good bills and working to defeat bills that would endanger the family or liberty. More than 200 CAP-supported measures have been passed since 1995. Find out more about current laws CAP is promoting HERE
Outreach to Hispanic community through initiative “Proyecto por la Familia de Arizona”
Operating a 501c(4) organization called the Center for Arizona Policy Action, www.azaction.org
Sharing email newsletter sent out by the president, Cathi Herrod, called Five Minutes for Families along with occasional Breaking News, Action Alerts, and Special Communications.
Foundational Principles at CAP
The Center for Arizona Policy is a Christian ministry. Christ will measure the success (Proverbs 16:2-4) and any glory belongs to Him. (Psalms 34: 1-7)
They also:
Represent Jesus Christ in all that's done and as such they conduct business in a way honoring to Christ and consistent with Scripture. (II Corinthians 5:20, 6:3)
Serve, not to be served. (Matthew 20:20-28)
Are completely truthful in everything they do. (Psalms 15:1-3)
Advocate characterized by civil persuasion not belligerent confrontation. (Proverbs 15:1-2)
Take great care as they appropriate the resources God gives us to do it as good stewards under His direction. (Luke 16:10)
Do not compromise these principles or their integrity regardless of the circumstances or perceived benefits. (Ephesians 6:10)
CAP is wholly financially dependent upon the support of their ministry friends. They believe “support follows service.” Financial support is earned based on their record of service and their stand forrighteousness. They want to serve the community in ways that are recognized and rewarded.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
CAP has a good name in Arizona; their friends and allies recognize the important contribution to public policy and advocacy for families to thrive. Over the past three years, they have experienced growth in contributions and staff (16FT and 2 PT team members) as well as a move into their new office. In their signature space, they can host community events up to 100 persons and share the vision and mission of CAP with donors. The organization has strengths in policy expertise, a committed donor base, and is known for their voter guides which educates voters on issues and measures.
A key scripture for CAP is Proverbs 21:31, “The horse is made ready for the day of the battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” Challenges are mounting to their work with a change in political leadership in Arizona. They are poised to work towards stopping an anticipated Arizona pro-abortion ballot measure that will be brought up in 2024. The new VP of Policy will discover that the work of CAP is fast paced and intense—things can quickly change based on a court decision or policy which needs urgent attention. The Vice President of Policy has to be ready to pivot when the need arises and quickly work towards the task at hand. Another key focus for CAP in 2023 and beyond is to continue support for a pro-life legislature.
This individual will need to know the policy world and have an instinctive nature concerning when, and how, to communicate to the right people at the right time.
POSITION PROFILE
Title: Vice President of Policy
Reports to: President
Supervises: Policy Team (Policy Coordinator, Legislative counsel, Communications)
Position Location: Phoenix, Arizona or surrounding cities - Maricopa County
Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits
JOB PURPOSE
Serve as CAP’s Vice President Policy, driving the organizations’ public policy strategy, development, and execution. This individual should be well-versed in CAP issues of life, marriage and family, and religious freedom as well as be bold yet humble in their communication and convictions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead and guide CAP’s policy direction and goals in consultation with the president.
Direct vision of CAP’s Policy Pages and other policy publications.
Direct research and writing on CAP policy issues; develop expertise on key CAP policy issues.
Direct policy elements of the AZ Voter Guide.
Lead CAP Policy Team’s efforts to develop and pass CAP’s legislative agenda.
Conduct research in support of the bills on CAP’s legislative agenda.
Draft legislation and amendments.
Prepare and give legislative testimony in support of bills on CAP’s legislative agenda or in opposition to bills that undermine family values.
Discuss bills with legislators and legislative staff members and participate in stakeholders’ meetings.
Oversee review of legislation introduced in the Arizona Legislature and any amendments for impact on CAP issues.
Attend legislative committee hearings and floor debates on bills of interest to CAP.
Attend other non-legislative meetings and seminars on issues of interest to CAP.
Draft Fact Sheets on CAP’s primary bills and select CAP-opposed bills.
Participate in appointments with legislators and other meetings and events.
Provide research on CAP issues and potential issues to find new ideas for legislative proposals and policy initiatives.
Direct implementation of CAP-supported bills that have become law.
When needed, conduct media interviews as requested on behalf of CAP.
Coordinate efforts with CAP’s Communications and Messaging Specialist on key communications.
Present CAP’s mission and information on CAP-related issues at public speaking engagements.
Provide periodic analysis and reports for management.
Work with Chief of Staff and President to develop departmental budget and control expenses to keep on budget.
Other relevant duties needed to help drive the vision, fulfill the mission, and abide by the organization’s values as directed by the president.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
Five to seven (5-7) years of experience in a policy-related field required.
Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in a relevant field highly appreciated (JD, MBA, MA Public Policy, etc.)
Strategic thinker and leader.
Basic knowledge of politics, public policy issues, and legislative processes.
Character
Mature Christian, currently attending or pursuing attendance in a local Bible-believing church.
Agreement with and adherence to CAP’s Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct.
Demonstrated commitment to and agreement with CAP’s mission and position on core issues.
Humble but passionate about CAP’s foundational pillars: Values of life, marriage and family, and religious freedom.
A learner with a high sense of teachability, intuition and discernment.
Competence
Ability to work discreetly with confidential information, trustworthy and responsible.
Tactful and diplomatic, building consensus rather than emphasizing differences.
Maintain a high level of professionalism.
Exhibit strong leadership qualities.
Ability to be proactive and strive to close gaps in skill and knowledge.
Strong time management and organization skills, punctual, able to operate on a schedule, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to remain flexible with ever changing priorities.
Thrive in and enjoy working in a multi-tasking, fast-paced work environment; able to get things done, highly efficient.
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Outlook.
Strong research and writing skills.
Others-focused, friendly personality
Chemistry with the Culture
Self-starter, independent, motivated daily by a passion to see CAP’s work advance.
CAP values a team spirit that builds unity and exhibits a “can-do” attitude. Team members are expected to step up, do what it takes, and look out for one another. Pitch in and help with the mundane for the greater good of the organization.
CAP highly values collaborative process, collegiality among staff, and “disciplined initiative.” CAP encourages team members to take initiative by seeking collaborative input and proposing solutions, not just raising problems/concerns.
CAP is committed to prayer … for EVERYTHING. Corporate prayer is our foundation. A dedicated personal prayer life is a necessity.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: A salary commensurate with experience will be discussed in personal interviews.
Benefits: CAP pays 100% for health, dental for family; life insurance policy for staff member along with LTD
Vacation: 3 weeks, paid holidays, and PTO (40 hours for first 3 months; 40 additional hours after 6 months) Afterwards, annually upon hire date, the entire PTO is awarded.
Travel: 2-4 conferences out of state typically in a year. Time spent at state capital for state briefings
ABOUT THE AREA
Known as the “Valley of the Sun,” Phoenix is the capital and most populous city in Arizona, with more than 1.6 million people living in the city proper. As of the 2020 census, the two-county metropolitan area had 4,845,832 residents, making it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the nation. Averaging approximately 300 days of sunshine per year, the city is alive, growing and the perfect place to enjoy all types of outdoor leisure activities such as hiking, camping, boating, and trail-riding via bikes, motorcycles, and ATVs.
Phoenix is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, and Arizona Coyotes. In addition to being one of the top golfing destinations in the world, the city is also the headquarters of major corporations like PetSmart, U-Haul and Best Western, as well as the University of Phoenix, with its nearly 85,000 students worldwide.
Just like the sunshine, the food scene in Phoenix is abundant. The Valley is home to a diverse lineup of creative up-and-coming chefs reinventing Arizona’s culinary landscape. In addition, Phoenix enjoys a vibrant arts and culture scene, with museums, symphonies, and daily opportunities for a new entertainment experience. The average price for a typical three-bedroom home is in the $400,000 range.
To learn more about the work of the Center for Arizona Policy, please visit their website at www.azpolicy.org. To view their annual report, click here.
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you sense this role and organization could be a good fit for you, please click on the APPLY NOW button below. If you know someone who may have an interest, please use the social media share and email buttons at the top.