BACKGROUND
Founded in 2011 through a partnership between schools and families, Families for Excellent Schools (FES) works to build power in communities by engaging parents in the transformation of their school systems. FES' mission is to harness the power of families to advance policies and political changes that create and sustain excellent schools. As an organization, FES envisions a future where public will and public policy guarantee an excellent education for every child. Currently, FES serves 41,000 families from over 100 schools in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
In order to build the public and political will for excellent schools, FES focuses on four core activities as follows:
- Educate and organize parents to build a grassroots base. FES manages parent training programs and grows neighborhood chapters to sustain this work;
- Mobilize parents for political power. FES organizes more than 200 public events annually to demonstrate strength;
- Create and cultivate coalitions. FES believes strongly in the value of community and coalition partnerships, and works to sustain collective action wherever it works;
- Take political action. FES manages independent expenditure efforts and develops parents as candidates to impact elections.
OPPORTUNITY
Families for Excellent Schools (FES) seeks a talented leader and organizer who will support implementing local organizing programs; develop and document the FES organizing model as its National Organizing Director ("NOD"). Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the NOD will have a chance to grow a relational organizing program with strong institutional support, access to philanthropic support, and an existing membership base as FES grows.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities of the NOD will include but are not limited to:
Design & Implementation of Organizer Training and Professional Development
The NOD will teach, model, observe and provide comprehensive feedback on how to:
§ Build powerful public relationships with parents and community allies§ Develop leadership capacity of parents§ Lead trainings§ Manage data and systems
Design & Implementation of Organizer Recruitment Program and Onboarding
The NOD will:
§ Own and lead, in partnership with the recruitment staff, in designing and implementing the strategy and system to create an ongoing pipeline of potential organizers from a wide spectrum of fields and backgrounds.§ Design and implement the following items as a part of the onboarding process for the organizers:
- Introduction and history of FES
- Organizational norms and culture
- Individual goals and metrics
- Movement orientation and introductions
Drive and Support Organizing Campaigns
The NOD will:
- Guide and support campaign planning sessions with state-level leadership, parent leaders, allies and organizers. Document and support best practices for drafting and ongoing maintenance of campaign plans.
- Drive strategic decision-making throughout campaign implementation by offering strong advice and counsel and reviewing performance to date.
- With state-level leadership, guide organizers through work through check-ins, performance assessment, and field observation.
Be a National Thought Leader Representing FES in Education Organizing Landscape
The NOD will:
- In a variety of forums, contribute to the national dialogue on parent organizing and education advocacy through presentations, panel discussions, etc.
- Document strategies for chapter building, basebuilding, and ongoing relational work.
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; Master's degree is a plus (or sufficient relevant work experience in lieu of education requirement);
§ Seven to ten years of experience working in a senior organizing role, and at least three years of experience managing organizers;
§ A deep understanding of and appreciation for relational organizing, with a strong track record of managing organizers within similar organizing programs;
§ An understanding of or experience working in schools and/or charter management organizations and/or advocacy organizations is a plus;
§ Fluency in Spanish is a plus;
§ Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills;
§ An exceptional coach, with a proven track record of staff management, support, and development within a culture of accountability, metrics and regular feedback; A track record of leadership and change management in a scaling organization;
§ Successful experience working in entrepreneurial environments, with the capacity to be flexible, collaborative, and solutions-oriented;
§ Demonstrated commitment to education, low income communities, and communities of color;
§ Ability to effectively build relationships with senior management, employees, and external partners.
In keeping with the work, candidates must be able to travel and work on site frequently, and work moderately irregular hours when needed.
COMPENSATION
Salary for the NOD is commensurate with experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.
LOCATION
Flexible (New York City, Connecticut, or Massachusetts)
HOW TO APPLY
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter by following the instructions on the FES job link.
Families for Excellent Schools is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment. FES does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. FES is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values teamwork, collaboration, creativity, and diversity.