POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION: Senior Strategist, Civic Engagement Department
LOCATION: San Antonio, Texas
CONTACT: Darcy Eischens
OPEN: Immediately
CLOSING: Until filled
SALARY: Commensurate with experience
SUMMARY
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR)—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, 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.
Founded in 1968, NCLR is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Washington, DC, serving all Hispanic subgroups in all regions of the country. It has state and regional offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, and San Antonio.
BACKGROUND
NCLR is seeking a Senior Strategist in its Civic Engagement department to provide leadership, management, and strategic oversight for NCLR's national- and state-level issue campaigns, nonpartisan electoral programs, regional capacity-building initiatives, and other civic engagement projects.
Housed in the Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation (ORAL), NCLR's highly respected policy analysis and civic engagement division, the Civic Engagement department works to expand the power and influence of the Latino community to shape public policy and opinion in ways that strengthen the nation and improve the social, civic, and economic well-being of Hispanics. The department strengthens Latino voting and advocacy engagement by linking eligible immigrants to citizenship, citizens to registration and voting, and the community at large to ongoing issue education and advocacy. The department's goals are: 1) expand the size of the Latino electorate; 2) increase the opportunity, ability, and motivation of Latinos to engage civically; 3) increase the collective power and influence of Latino-serving organizations; and 4) increase the number of Hispanic leaders and their ability to influence decision-making tables.
The Senior Strategist will report to the Deputy Director of Civic Engagement and will be based in NCLR's regional office in San Antonio, Texas, with frequent travel for work with field staff, Affiliates, and partners within Texas and across the country.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership
• Work with the Deputy Director and other Civic Engagement managers to shape the strategic priorities for NCLR's civic engagement programs.
• Develop strong collaborative relationships with issue teams in ORAL, as well as Affiliate Membership Services (AMS), Programs, and other relevant components, to help shape highly aligned field campaigns, identify opportunities, and maximize outcomes leveraging institutional assets. Work with teammates and AMS to develop a deep knowledge of NCLR's Affiliate Network in relevant states.
Program Management and Execution
• Independently manage state and national issue campaigns, electoral programs, and other civic engagement projects. In coordination with relevant Civic Engagement and Policy staff, develop strategies, work plans, and project budgets for Civic Engagement programs and oversee their day-to-day execution.
• Develop effective tracking and reporting mechanisms to measure progress and document outcomes to be communicated to senior leadership, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Organize town halls, convenings, phone banks, media events, and other field tactics in support of NCLR policy initiatives.
• Work closely with the Communications department to execute effective communications strategies in support of civic engagement initiatives, integrating online communications, social media, and traditional media to create a stronger brand for NCLR and advance NCLR's agenda.
Supervision and Staff Development
• Supervise civic engagement strategists in different regions, overseeing work plan development and conducting ongoing assessment and annual performance evaluations.
• Support the growth, integration, and professional development of the Civic Engagement team. Help design and execute plans for staff development and training and organize team conference calls, webinars, and convenings.
• Attract, lead, develop, coach, and retain quality staff, empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility, span of control, and performance.
Administration, Operations, and Fundraising
• Assist the Deputy Director in the development and monitoring of program budgets, tracking of expenditures, and preparation of expense reports.
• Assist with internal communications. Help draft board quarterly reports, prepare talking points on relevant programs for senior managers, and prepare presentations on civic engagement goals and initiatives to other staff.
• Support fundraising to ensure the growth and sustainability of civic engagement operations.
• Assist with funder reports, concept papers, and proposals, and participate in relevant funder meetings.
External Partnerships and Communications
• Strengthen partnerships with relevant decision-makers and allies to advance a Latino policy agenda.
• Serve as a spokesperson on Latino policy priorities, representing NCLR priorities before policymakers, experts, and issue stakeholders.
• Represent NCLR at regional tables and coalitions with shared advocacy, civic engagement, and electoral goals and objectives.
• As appropriate, interact with the media, respond to interview requests, and support the institution's blog and social media outreach.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Significant electoral, organizing, and advocacy experience
• Successful track record overseeing high-impact initiatives in policy, advocacy, and/or civic engagement, including federal- and state-level issue campaigns and electoral programs
• Significant experience and skill managing other field staff
• Strong communications and writing abilities
• Excellent strategic ability and vision
• Superior project management skills; proven ability to multitask and set priorities strategically
• Ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs that combine field organizing, policy development, legislative advocacy, and media and communications efforts
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills; ability to manage upward and laterally in a complex organizational environment
• Knowledge of the demographic, economic, and social characteristics of Latinos
• Knowledge of and familiarity with relevant external organizations working on Latino issues and state and local landscapes
• A firm commitment to the Latino community, underserved/marginalized communities, the institution, and NCLR Affiliates
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills preferred
Please note: Only those applicants who submit a cover letter and writing sample along with a résumé will be considered for this opportunity. SEND COVER LETTER, RÉSUMÉ, AND WRITING SAMPLE TO:
or
National Council of La Raza
Raul Yzaguirre Building
Attn: Darcy Eischens
1126 16th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
No phone calls please!
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.