Advocacy Manager (Immediate Opening)

Description

Advocacy Manager

Role Mission:

The Advocacy Manager is charged with leading IDEA’s grassroots advocacy programs with families and alumni across all IDEA Public Schools Regions in Texas by identifying, cultivating relationships with, and developing the advocacy and organizing skills of parent and alumni leaders within those communities. The Advocacy Manager will engage IDEA families and alumni through one-on-one meetings, group meetings and workshops, and online/digital forums (e.g. email, texting, Facebook), and will lead logistics and planning for small and large events, such as meetings, school tours, and rallies. In addition, the Advocacy Manager will partner with their peer co-worker in the other Advocacy Manager role who oversees similar work in IDEA’s states and regions of: Florida (Jacksonville and Tampa Bay); Louisiana (East Baton Rouge); Ohio (Cincinnati). Together and across the External Affairs team, they will advance IDEA’s grassroots advocacy programs and execute the vision and strategic priorities set by the team. The Advocacy Manager will effectively facilitate communication between IDEA families, IDEA alumni, IDEA teammates, elected officials, external coalition partners, civic leaders, and other key stakeholders.

The Advocacy Manager will report to the Managing Director of External Affairs and be a part of a four-person External Affairs team. The External Affairs team leads the organization’s policy, advocacy, and growth efforts. More broadly, the team is part of IDEA’s Advancement Team and rolls up to the Sr. Vice President of Advancement.

Location:

This is a full-time position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations: This role requires travel within Texas IDEA regions: Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Tarrant County (Fort Worth). Average travel: 10-15%; Seasonal travel peak: 40%.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Identify new potential parent advocates in IDEA’s Texas regions to join the regional Advocacy Action Team.
• Host 1:1 meetings with prospective parent advocates
• Maintain relationships with parent advocates through on- and off-line engagement (texting, Facebook group engagement, email, and in-person meetings)
• Develop and support a regional Advocacy Action Team pipeline of master advocates across Texas resulting in at least 20 parent-led advocacy events/actions over the course of the school year.
• Develop the skills of parent leaders through 1:1 meetings and group trainings/workshops
• Motivate and coach parent leaders to set and achieve ambitious advocacy goals to make positive change in their local community and public education in IDEA regions
• Plan and coordinate constituent meetings and tours with state and local Texas lawmakers and elected officials.
• Provide trainings to help parents, staff, teachers, and alumni craft their stories to share with lawmakers
• Support IDEA parents, staff, teachers, and alumni in hosting meetings to share their stories and experiences
• Plan and execute community organizing and advocacy events throughout the year
• Create event project plans, promote attendance, secure RSVPs, and track attendance for elected official meetings, school tours, and other advocacy events (multiple events/meetings per month)
• Coordinate event logistics with state and local elected officials and their offices in service of executing successful events that elevate the voices of IDEA families, educators, and alumni
• Oversee the execution of the IDEA Votes campaign in IDEA Texas regions to ensure all IDEA Team and Family receive 501(c)(3) compliant communication on voting
• Partner with local organizations to provide “What’s on My Ballot” trainings to families and staff
• Enlist family advocates on the Advocacy Action Team to support with voter registration campaigns and GOTV efforts in their regions

Supervisory Responsibilities: Coaching a network of 30+ volunteer parent advocacy leaders across IDEA Public Schools’ Texas regions and supporting them as they develop their skills as advocates.

What You Bring – Competencies

Knowledge and Skills:

• Passion for IDEA Public Schools’ mission and vision
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion practices
• A fundamental belief that all students deserve a high-quality education and can achieve
• Demonstrated skill in developing leaders, building unity within a diverse group, and inspiring others to take action
• Excellent communication skills in one-on-one and group settings
• Track record of managing volunteers to hit ambitious goals
• Experience delivering high-quality trainings and workshops
• Exceptional event planning and execution skills
• Demonstrated skill in creating and executing community organizing plans with specific goals and measurable outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to use independent judgment within the context of an overall plan and structure
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings
• Ability to travel between all schools across of IDEA’s Texas regions on a monthly basis

Required experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required
• Years of experience: 2 years in grassroots organizing, outreach, and/or campaign management
• Required technology: high level of proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with Salesforce or a similar management platform
• Knowledge of K-12 education policy issues
• Bilingual Spanish strongly preferred

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $66,600 and $80,600, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA 

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values