Find & Apply For Social Science Researcher Jobs in Portland, Maine

As a member of the Advocacy Team, the Advocacy Manager guides local, state, and federal advocacy efforts to ensure all Mainers have the food, shelter, services, and housing they need. This social justice position identifies barriers to reducing poverty and oversees and guides strategy for community organizing efforts to address systemic or structural causes. Coordinating with the Advocacy Team, Preble Street staff, people with lived experience, and community partners, the Advocacy Manager implements strategic advocacy initiatives and solutions in alignment with the Preble Street mission. The Advocacy Manager also supervises the Community Organizer's efforts and strategies; partners with agency staff and community providers to address system-level barriers and gaps; and works collaboratively with the Advocacy team and with coalition partners to deliver on the agency's priorities.

Population Served:

Individuals and families experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger, and poverty. The regular schedule for this full-time position is Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm schedule , with some work during evenings and weekends occasionally required Qualifications The desired qualifications for this position include a bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, social sciences, or a related field; 3-5 years of professional experience in policy advocacy, community organizing, social work, or related work; and knowledge of local, state, and federal policymaking and budget processes. A master's degree in a related field is preferred.

Additional qualifications include:

Alignment with Preble Street's mission and positive regard for individuals accessing services for homelessness and poverty. Understanding and positive regard for individuals experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, often acting in a fast-paced, professional environment with experience breaking down complex concepts—dense statutory language, budget statements, or demographic data—for more effective organizing leading to successful policy changes. Strong ability to interpret and analyze data and policy research, and present policy recommendations grounded in the reality of people with lived experience to clients and the agency. Expertise in defining problems, collecting data, objectively assessing situations, evaluating information, verifying facts, and drawing valid conclusions. Ability to assertively engage and build collaborative relationships with people from different backgrounds. Self-motivated with the capacity to think creatively to identify challenges, actions and solutions to an array of anti-poverty issues Regional travel to meet with clients, attend meetings and conferences, and visit the statehouse is regularly required.