Summary
Description
Job Title: Director of Grassroots Advocacy
Reports to: Executive Director, CLCS Action
Classification: Exempt
Organization: CLCS Action is the Colorado League of Charter Schools' partner 501(c)(4) organization. Founded by and closely allied with the League, CLCS Action elevates the entire charter sector through enhanced advocacy support and increased advocacy engagement.
Position Summary: This hybrid role is responsible for leading and working within districts and school communities to assist charter school leaders, families, and staff in developing and executing multi-level advocacy agendas. The position will be responsible for creating strategies to build knowledge and skills among a network of parents, teachers, and supporters and then mobilizing them around local and statewide charter school priorities and initiatives, including engaging in elections. Our staff works independently in their home office and our Denver-based office throughout the year.
Areas of Responsibility
State-Level Engagement – 50%
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Grow the Act for Charters Today (ACT) Network and increase engagement moving network members up the ladder of engagement.
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Coordinate events and activities demonstrating the power of the charter school community, including an annual advocacy day at the state capitol.
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Lead program and content development for training sessions for charter school students, staff, and family members.
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Establish and maintain League relationships with other advocacy organizations and direct service providers to promote opportunities for collaboration and engagement.
District-level Engagement – 30%
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Help prioritize communities for grassroots engagement and set strategy for engagement in those areas.
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Work collaboratively with the rest of the advocacy team to develop short- and long-term advocacy goals.
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Identify charter school families and staff in priority areas, recruit them to join the ACT Network, and activate them to advance advocacy goals.
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Facilitate collaboration among charter schools in priority areas.
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Build, maintain, and leverage relationships with local advocacy allies.
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Assist in the identification and development of community leaders, including recruiting candidates for elected office.
Data and Communications – 20%
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Oversee the ongoing maintenance and implementation of the advocacy team ladder of engagement.
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Track and regularly report progress against goals for network growth, engagement, and advocacy activities.
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Assist in research and development of a strategy for district selection for engagement in upcoming state and local elections.
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Track local school board meetings and develop the necessary communications materials to keep charter school leaders and their communities informed, engaged, and mobilized.
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Support the management and maintenance of databases of advocates and voters.
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Support the application completion and reporting of advocacy-related grants.
Qualifications
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A Bachelor’s degree or higher in education, advocacy, communications or a policy-related field.
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A minimum of five years of experience in education advocacy.
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Experience recruiting, developing, and/or supporting candidates for elected office.
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Experience working in a non-profit or startup, with minimal supervision and resources, and the ability to be highly adaptable as the organization changes.
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Strong leadership, project management, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
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Ability to speak in public before a variety of audiences.
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Resilient, self-aware, and responsible professional with exposure to diverse experiences and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives.
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Driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
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Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish is preferred.
Physical Demands
An employee must meet the physical demands described here to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Work Environment
This is a hybrid remote and in-office role, requiring working at least two days per week in the Denver, Colorado office to attend in-person staff and team meetings. Outside of those two days, there is flexibility to work off-site or remotely. Off-site travel will be required to attend meetings and events at schools across Colorado, as well as occasional evening and weekend availability to attend key events.
Salary Range: $105,000 – $115,0000
Benefits
The League offers medical and dental insurance after a 30-day to the first-of-the-month waiting period, including 100% premium coverage for the employee on multiple medical plans. The company also offers generous PTO, 20 days of Holiday pay, and a company-matching 401k plan.
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter by September 30, 2024, to careers@coloradoleague.org.
CLCS Action is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity.
