Organizer - Families for Excellent Schools - NY, CT and MA
Richard Kwon
BACKGROUND
Founded in 2011 through a partnership between schools and families, Families for Excellent Schools works to build coalitions of families and their allies and running campaigns that change education policy. As an organization, Families for Excellent Schools envisions a future where every child attends an excellent school. Currently, Families for Excellent Schools works with 41,000 families and over 100 allies in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
In order to secure significant wins that create and expand excellent schools, Families for Excellent Schools convenes parents, institutions, and funders to develop and execute its campaigns with the following core strategies:
§ Organizing: Our parent organizing model focuses on building relationships that lead to actions that build power.
§ Mobilizing: When strategic, we assemble our supporters for large public events to effectively demonstrate power of our families and their allies.
§ Communications: Through earned, paid, social and digital media, we elevate stories of our families who are directly impacted by our failing education system.
§ Elected Engagement: The authority to enact the policy changes that we want will rest in school boards or state legislatures, and we work to create access to those politicians for our members.
§ Policy and Research: Thoughtful policy and research work bolster our credibility with the press and the public, as well as drive the press narrative and parental enthusiasm for our work.
§ Community Allies: Securing the support of community allies such as faith-based organizations and trusted community institutions lends credibility to a campaign.
OPPORTUNITY
FES seeks an Organizer to work in one of its three states: New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The Organizer will be responsible for conducting outreach to families, developing and managing events, developing and supporting parent leaders and engaging with elected officials. The Organizer reports to the State Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities of the Organizer will include but are not limited to:
§ Build a grassroots base of parent activists, leaders, and volunteers
§ Cultivate powerful relationships with parents, schools, and community organizations
§ Train and support parents to lead meetings and other events
§ Coordinate work with school and community partners
§ Manage outreach to families for events and hearings
§ Develop neighborhood chapters and advocacy committees
§ Mobilize and recruit parents for events and actions
§ Manage data; submit and analyze organizing reports
QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
Candidates should enjoy working in a dynamic, results-oriented environment in which expectations are high for both the quality and speed of work. In addition, they should have the following:
§ Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience);
§ Two years of organizing or campaign experience strongly preferred;
§ Excellent interpersonal skills;
§ Strong administrative and organizational skills, including an ability to manage and multi-task many projects;
§ Strong problem solving skills;
§ Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team;
§ Excellent written and oral communications skills;
§ Flexible schedule, including the ability to work late evenings and weekends, as needed;
§ Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office; especially Outlook, Word and Excel;
§ Demonstrated commitment to education, low income communities, and communities of color; prior knowledge of school system a plus;
§ Spanish speakers strongly encouraged to apply.
In keeping with the work, candidates must be able to travel and work on site frequently within states (New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts), and work moderately irregular hours when needed.
COMPENSATION
Salary is commensurate with experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.
LOCATION
New York, New York
New Haven, Connecticut
Boston, Massachusetts
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume according to the region you're applying to:
NY- http://familiesforexcellentschools.theresumator.com/apply/6qmFey/New-York-Organizer.html?source=jtal