External Relations Associate

The Organization

The Education Trust–West (ETW) works for the high academic achievement of all students at all levels—pre-kindergarten through college. We expose opportunity and achievement gaps that separate students of color and low-income students from other youth, and we identify and advocate for the strategies that will forever close those gaps. We work alongside parents, students, educators, policymakers, and community leaders across the state in transforming P-12 and higher education institutions to serve all students well. Lessons learned in these efforts, together with unflinching data analyses, shape our state policy agenda.

 The Position

The Education Trust–West seeks an External Relations Associate to support the organization’s efforts to increase awareness of, and commitment to our mission. Reporting to the Director of External Relations, this position is part of the fast-paced and nimble External Relations team and is responsible for coordinating special projects and supporting key programs and functions within the department. This position is based in Oakland, though currently, all staff are working remotely due to Covid-19.

 The ideal candidate has a passion for social justice issues and improving the educational experiences and outcomes for low-income students and students of color, and an unwavering belief that these students could be much more successful if institutions better served them. Candidates with strong project management skills, experience building partnerships and working in a campaign environment are encouraged to apply.

 Major Responsibilities

 Issue/Policy Advocacy

Coordinate cross-cutting campaigns that educate and engage diverse stakeholders to support our issue and policy priorities and help advance these efforts through a variety of online and offline strategies and tactics.

 External Relations

Coordinate, participate in, and/or represent ETW in relevant advocacy coalitions, meetings, and events, as well as facilitate presentations or trainings on ETW’s data, research, policy perspectives, and community tools.

Build and maintain relationships with key partners, organizations, and decision-makers, and ensure they are regularly updated on our latest news, tools, and releases.

Collaborate closely with Communications staff on the growth, maintenance, and segmentation of the ETW contact database.

 General Support

Track the organization-wide impacts of outreach activities to maximize strategic goals and priorities including, but not limited to: speaking engagements, web-based trainings, policy briefings, regional meetings, community advocacy visits with key decision makers, and other related work with community audiences.

Write, copy edit, and/or distribute user-friendly content, including but not limited to fact sheets, talking points, community surveys, school and student data, PowerPoint presentations, training materials, and newsletters to ensure appropriate organizational positioning, messaging, and integration for community audiences.

Collaborate closely with Development staff to inform proposal writing and reporting.

Other duties as assigned to support the mission and work of the organization.

 Qualifications and Experience

A bachelor’s degree with at least two years of professional experience in grassroots advocacy, electoral organizing, coalition building, issue campaigns, or related experience with a demonstrated ability to forge and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with parent and community groups.

Ability to engage multiple education stakeholders, including state and local policymakers, business and community organizations, local education agency administration and personnel, educators, parents, and students.

Strong organizational and time management skills with demonstrated experience in project and event management.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-moving, team-oriented environment.

Strong computer skills, including MS Office and web organizing tools (e.g. Zoom).

Knowledge of California education policy issues is strongly preferred.

Familiarity with social media and digital organizing is a plus.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to travel on a flexible schedule as needed.

 Personal Characteristics

Passion for improving the educational experiences and outcomes for low-income students and students of color coupled with a strong knowledge of social justice and equity-related issues.

Commitment to “Walking the Talk,” which means operating with – and a willingness to develop – cultural competence, an understanding that systemic and institutionalized racism significantly affect communities of color and the historical impact of privilege and power on American systems, and sensitivity, humility, and a willingness to self-reflect.

The intellectual strength and curiosity to understand and appreciate the varied and complex pursuits of the program and policy staff, and the ability to translate that understanding to the layperson.

Results-oriented, achievement-driven approach to projects and tasks, with a clear understanding and focus on goals and a demonstrated commitment to excellence.

Creative problem solver who seeks out new ways of doing things.

Self-starter mentality and the ability to work independently.

 Compensation

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Education Trust–West offers a comprehensive benefits package.

 Application Process

The priority deadline for this role is November 13. Please provide a cover letter and resume, combined into one document. Your cover letter should describe your background and relevant experience. In the file name, please write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name: e.g. “External_Relations_Associate_Martinez”

Please submit your application materials using the link below.

https://bit.ly/2Hcca8N

The Education Trust-West is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.