Job Posting: State Program Coordinator or Director (Denver, CO; Columbus, OH; Cincinnati, OH; and Boston, MA)

[Darlene Perry O'Neill]

SFER is looking for a State Program Coordinator or Director that will work directly with student organizers to build and support a strong campus based movement for education reform by creating systems and structures that support member action to end educational inequity through public action, grassroots lobbying, and media action. The right candidate must be able to build a diverse, thriving membership; build relationships with legislators, community leaders, partner organizations and local donors; recruit a network of local SFER chapters and provide training and coaching on organizing skills to chapter leaders by developing a student-led strategy for policy and political change.

Students for Education Reform (SFER) develops college students into grassroots organizers who fight for educational justice in their communities. SFER is a student movement that champions educational equity for all children, regardless of race or background.

Why work for SFER? We approach this work with the audacity of believing that students have the power to change the education system and the humility to recognize that thousands have come before us in this fight and that change takes time. We work with urgency, passion, and—most importantly—a lot of joy. We are looking for talented, passionate student leaders to join our first cohort of full-time field organizers to continue the local fight for educational equality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SFER State Program Management

• Identify, recruit, train and support new and existing students to become active members of SFER, with a focus on starting and building new chapters and building new chapters                                                
• Provide ongoing organizing training and coaching to student leaders

• Empower students to plan, lead and execute grassroots organizing and lobbying activities, including rallies, lobby days, legislator meetings, letter writing campaigns, and earned media pushes

• Serve as member of the national team to lead in SFER’s first cohort of full-time field organizers 

• Responsible for chapters’ ability to meet national membership expectations

• Develop and manage initiatives that build structure for training and campaign efforts

• Work with local staff to produce state-level student organizing and policy advocacy strategy in conjunction with student leaders and partner policy advocacy groups

• Track chapter and coalition health through data management systems

Director level:

• Lead coalition through 2-3 issue campaigns each year in line with larger policy and electoral strategy
• Develop and support both breadth of numbers and depth of quality among student leaders to create a sustainable local organization
• Build and manage relationships with a diverse group of state stakeholders, including local education advocacy groups, education non-profits, universities, media outlets, legislators, and community organizations
• Fundraise 10-30% of local budget with support from the development team
• Develop state-level student organizing and policy advocacy strategy for the next 1-3 years in conjunction with student leaders and partner policy advocacy groups 

SFER Action Network Organizing Fellowship

Partner with SFER Action Network National Team and local strategists to

• Design, organize and deliver a community organizing and canvassing training program, metrics and manage its execution

• Design and/or implement an effective voter contact strategy

• Direct a robust voter outreach program and effectively execute the associated managerial tasks (setting goals, analyzing data, managing staff, nightly reports, sharing out information with Organizing Fellows etc.) and supporting Organizing Fellows to take ownership of these tasks over time

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Management experience 
• 1-2 years (Coordinator)
• 3-5 years (Director)
• 1-2 cycle of electoral and issue organizing experience (preferred for Coordinator, required for Director)
• Grassroots organizing or campaign experience strongly preferred
• Willingness to learn and gain fundraising experience (Coordinator); Knowledge and demonstrated experience in fundraising (Director)
• Working knowledge of voter databases preferred
• Experience in an education policy or other issue advocacy environment a plus
• Passion and talent for community organizing and social justice work; outstanding relationship-building skills
• Collaborative work ethic and ability to work along lines of difference
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to work autonomously as part of an innovative team
• Strong strategic thinking skills and politically savvy
• Appreciation and desire to build strong coalition with deep knowledge of and/or personal experience in the local public schools
• Ability to manage a nontraditional work schedule that includes some evening and weekend events
• Access to a car, and a valid driver’s license

 

VALUES

·       Growth. We give and get a high volume of feedback and work relentlessly to improve.

·       Voice. We exist to empower our members and create a powerful voice for students in the policy sphere.

·       Tenacity. We set big goals, persist in the face of challenges, and commit to excellence.

·       Audacity & Humility. We are willing to take risks, think big, and work hard to bring about transformational change, even while acting and listening with humility, respect, and empathy.

·       Dignity. We commit to social justice work because we believe in the fundamental value of every child and person.

·       Collaborative Leadership. Empowering others is the hallmark of transformational leadership. We emphasize both personal growth and shared responsibility while investing in our greatest resource: our people.

 

COMPENSATION

Salary for this position is competitive and depends on prior experience. A comprehensive benefits package is included in addition to generous professional development opportunities.

 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY 

Students for Education Reform seeks individuals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization and recruiting a team that reflects our student movement.    

HOW TO APPLY

Email jo...@studentsforedreform.org with a resume and a cover letter explaining where you found the job posting and why you are an ideal candidate for this position. Please indicate in your letter where you learned of the position. A limited number of candidates will be scheduled for phone interviews.