Advocacy Associate Position Available In DeKalb, Georgia

Advocacy Associate 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 1445 Maynard Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30331 Organizational Overview KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. Job Overview Reporting directly to the Director of Family Engagement and Partnerships, the Advocacy Associate will work with the Director to set the strategic direction for advocacy at KIPP Atlanta Schools and advise the team on the development and implementation of growth-related goals and strategies. The Associate will also lead efforts to engage with community partners, manage parent advocacy, and support the Director in developing family leadership structures within their schools. The Associate will also lead grassroot advocacy activities on behalf of the organization and develop and maintain collaborative relationships with government officials and other advocacy organizations to ensure the success of KIPP’s policy programs, advocacy goals, and growth plans. The associate will also advise leadership on political matters, and lead the development and maintenance of the organization’s partnership database. This job description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

Job Responsibilities:

Advocacy 50% Lead the advocacy functions of the organization under the direction of the Director; Create and oversee the management of the organization’s advocacy coalition; establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local coalitions, and other advocacy organizations to advance the organization’s policy and advocacy goals Expand KIPP Atlanta Schools’ voice, influence, and impact on key issues facing the communities we serve Identify opportunities and develop ways to strategically maximize collaboration and coordination with external partners Identify opportunities for capacity-building activities around advocacy at the local and state level, and work directly with state-based organizations to develop strategies to build momentum for action Proactively engage with current and potential KIPP Atlanta families and communities, as critical advocates and ambassadors for KIPP Atlanta Schools Support the Director in the coordination of Advocacy Committee events and participate in committee events as appropriate Develop advocacy materials including researching and drafting fact sheets, talking points, and other materials as required Develop and maintain an accurate calendar of department event dates and deliverables. Develop local and federal grassroots advocacy campaigns including recruitment, training, engagement, and retention of advocates Identify key grassroots allies in local communities (including neighborhood associations, NPUs, civic organizations, etc.) and explore opportunities for deepening our relationships Educate community leaders, advocates, donors, and elected officials about our schools through relationship building, school visits, community events Provide strategic counsel to the Director, MD, and CIO on policy and legislative issues Strategic Partnerships 50% Support the Director in building relationships and partnerships with key community leaders in the neighborhoods we currently serve as well as those we plan to serve Enthusiastically build relationships with Atlanta’s major stakeholders and constituencies, including the media, community groups, elected officials, community leaders, and other influencers. Establish and maintain a sophisticated state and local political contact network Engage with key charter school partners and coalitions to support education reform issue advocacy; lead engagement with local charters and other allied organizations to develop coalitions and working groups Manage organizational partnership and donor database (currently Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge & HubSpot) Develop and maintain working coalitions with trade associations and other partners to ensure collaboration on key initiatives Inform regional and school staff, principals, and parents about coalition activities, as appropriate

Additional Information Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation for this role is between $55,000 – $65,000 The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications. KIPP Atlanta Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 19 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays and regular school breaks including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break. Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability Paid Parental Leave Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan

Location & Work Conditions:

This position requires candidates to be based in Atlanta and regularly be in schools and able to attend in person meetings and events. Additional in person time may be necessary based upon organizational needs. Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferred Minimum 5 years of experience in education, public policy, advocacy, political campaigns, or lobbying Strong political and legislative experience Knowledge of and personal ties to the greater Atlanta community Strong strategic and critical thinking skills and good judgment Experience working in politically sensitive environments Flexible and able to adapt quickly to new, difficult, and/or shifting circumstances Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; confidence in communicating across a wide variety of platforms, including digital, written, and in-person presentations to small and large audiences Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high-quality work in a dynamic environment Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop relationships with a diverse group of key stakeholders Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, demanding environment Team player capable of working both collaboratively and independently Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)