The Education Policy Field and Campaign Organizer will work as part of the Education Policy team to advance NCLR’s Latino High School Reform Project, which is designed to increase high school graduation rates among Latinos by advocating for effective assessment practices for Latino and English language learner (ELL) students at the high school level, the development of authentic accountability systems, and the expansion and creation of federal education programs and policies serving high school students. The Education Field and Campaign Organizer is primarily responsible for building a strong network of advocates working on improving education for Latinos, with an emphasis in increasing Latino graduation rates. Specifically, the Education Field and Campaign Organizer is expected to work in consultation with supervisors and colleagues to design and execute a network-building and advocacy program, and will include supporting the development and implementation of advocacy tools and technical assistance strategies. The Education Field and Campaign Organizer will work independently to conduct an analysis of the community-based education reform sector, determine what it requires to increase its engagement on high school reform, and implement a training and technical assistance program designed to strengthen Latino community-based education advocacy.

Salary: Commensurate with experience

The National Council of La Raza – the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States – works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations (CBOs), NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. To achieve its mission, NCLR conducts applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective in five key areas – assets/investments, civil rights/immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. In addition, it provides capacity-building assistance to its Affiliates who work at the state and local level to advance opportunities for individuals and families.

The position is housed in the Policy Analysis Center within the Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation (ORAL). ORAL serves as a think tank on public policy issues, generating information for public- and private-sector decision-makers, the Hispanic community, the media, and the general public on such issues as civil rights, education, housing, immigration, and financial security. The Education Field and Campaign Organizer will report to NCLR’s Senior Legislative Director and the Associate Director of the Policy Analysis Center. NCLR offers a collaborative, team-based environment that fosters a culture of ideas and debate. The Education Field and Campaign Organizer will work closely with other members of the policy team and coworkers with extensive expertise in communications, editing/production, media, fundraising, special events, and marketing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct a field assessment of NCLR’s Affiliates, including its network of approximately 100 charter schools, which will entail conducting in-depth telephone surveys and site visits when appropriate. The purpose is to evaluate Affiliates’ knowledge and capacity to engage in high school reform activities.
• Build and maintain ongoing communication with a network of Latino education advocates through meetings, conference calls, website communication, and an electronic newsletter.
• Identify and support approximately 10-12 local groups to adequately engage in advocacy for federal high school reform by providing technical assistance and training, including drafting tool kits and producing other training materials.
• Develop and nurture relationships with policy experts, policy organizations, and local advocates.
• Serve as an advocate and NCLR representative in policy forums and other venues.
• Monitor state legislation and policy development related to high school reform and Latino student achievement.
• When appropriate, represent NCLR in relevant coalitions and with NCLR’s Affiliates.
• Fulfill existing grant requirements, including preparing reports to funders.
• Prepare written internal and external reports and/or memoranda.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, plus two to three years experience, required.
• Experience conducting needs assessments and training sessions required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), Outlook, and Internet queries required.
• Must demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as execute projects independently required.
• Ability to take initiative, work effectively under tight deadlines, and coordinate multiple projects required.
• Ability to travel required.
• Oral communication skills and experience in public speaking is a plus.
• Experience working with the Hispanic community or community-based organizations is a plus.
• Familiarity with current education policy issues facing immigrant and low-income communities is a plus.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) a plus.