Location: Multiple Locations (Boston, MA; Columbus, OH; and Denver, CO)
GENERAL SUMMARY
The State Program Director will work directly with student organizers, recruiting a network of local SFER chapters, providing training and coaching on organizing skills to chapter leaders, and developing a student-led strategy for policy and political change. The State Program Director must be able to build a diverse, thriving membership base; build relationships with legislators, community leaders, partner organizations and local donors; build the capacity of the local SFER membership base to take action; and organize students to take action to end educational inequity through public actions, grassroots lobbying, and media action. The State Program Director also manages all aspects of SFER's summer program in a given site, including directing a robust voter contact program, delivering organizer training and managing SFER Action Network Organizing Fellows. They are culture warriors who ensure a positive experience for all Organizing Fellows.
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? While the work is hard, we approach it with the audacity of believing that students have the power to change the education system and the humility to know it takes time and that thousands have come before us in this fight. We work with urgency, passion, and — most importantly — a lot of joy. We are looking for talented, passionate individuals to join our team and work with us to continue the 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
● 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
● Act as a key player on the national team to lead in SFER's first cohort of full-time field organizers
● Reinforcing membership expectations at the chapter and coalition level
● 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
● 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
● Design, organize and deliver a community organizing and canvassing training program, metrics and manage its execution
● Work with SFER Action Network Field Specialist and local strategists to 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
● 3-5 years of management experience
● Demonstrated grassroots organizing or campaign experience
● 1-2 cycles of electoral experience required; Regional Field Director level experience or higher preferred
● One year of issue organizing experience
● Knowledge and demonstrated experience in fundraising
● Working knowledge of voter databases required
● 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
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 jobs@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.
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