Director of Advocacy

Updated: September 9, 2022

FTE 1.0 Exempt, Reports to: Executive Director

About CHOOSE 180

CHOOSE 180 transforms systems of injustice while working to support the young people who are most impacted by these systems. CHOOSE 180 transforms the lives of youth and young adults by partnering with institutional leaders, connecting them with community, empowering them with choice, and teaching them the skills necessary to avoid engagement with the criminal justice system.

CHOOSE 180 is made up of passionate individuals who together create a workplace deeply rooted in the community. We place an emphasis on bringing your whole self to the work of CHOOSE 180 as it is our shared conviction that you can t compartmentalize greatness and to do so we have created a safe space for our team to be supported in their highs, lows and everything in between. This is the secret to our impact; passionate people who are committed to being their best, so that they can give their best to our youth and young adults.

Job Purpose

The Director of Advocacy will build transformational relationships with community, allies and system partners in effort to collaboratively create and implement policies and practices with the expressed purpose of ending the school to prison pipeline. The ­­­­­­­­­­­­­Director of Advocacy will lead this work in close collaboration with staff and leadership of CHOOSE 180. They will work in coordination with grassroots partner organizations, maintaining, expanding, and strengthening those partnerships and relationships in addition to cultivating and creating relationships with system stakeholders including prosecutors, police officers, school administrators and court officials.

The Director of Advocacy will oversee the entirety of a body of work that helps to drive strategic initiatives internally within the organization as well as externally, in community as decided by members of the community and CHOOSE 180.

Duties And Key Responsibilities

• Community and youth-centered advocacy
• Build Intentional relationships with community and system partners
• Be the bridge between the organization and community-led advocacy efforts
• Create a youth advisory board to help inform advocacy priorities
• Work with community and system partners to co-create practices and policies that bring about the end of the school to prison pipeline.
• Assist in the identifying and writing of grants that support the expansion of organizations advocacy work and strategies
• Works closely with the Director Team to ensure advocacy priorities are reflected within our programs and organizational communications.
  

Organizational Leadership and Development

• Leads and participates fully in all relevant meetings and committees including but not limited to all staff meetings, Director team meetings, supervision meetings, trainings and others.
• Engage staff, volunteers and participants in civic engagement activities focused on justice reform
• Listens and communicates effectively between staff and organization
• Oversees and manages budget effectively
• Other duties as assigned
  

Desired Qualifications For This

• Commitment to the vision and goals of CHOOSE 180
• 2-4 years of supervisory experience
• 3-5 years of community organizing work including but not limited to; grass root campaigns, mutual aid and community education forums.
• Experience working in relationship with system partners in school systems and the criminal justice system
• Ability to communicate CHOOSE 180 s mission accurately, effectively and inspirationally
• Entrepreneurial and results-oriented with ability to anticipate/respond to changing circumstances/priorities
• Strong interpersonal and customer care skills with ability to communicate successfully through multiple media channels
• Exemplary verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal skills
  

Working Conditions

This position is required to work some weekend days as well as attend after-hours events, and to be available for consultation when needed. In addition, this position may be called upon and must be capable of compassionate de-escalation and crisis intervention involving youth and/or family members working through trauma.

Compensation And Benefits

CHOOSE 180 is committed to providing employees with a competitive salary and benefits package. The salary for this position is $80,000 annually. Position comes with medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement and a wellness investment.

To Apply

Please visit the website at www.choose180.org/careers and apply online by submitting your resume as well as a cover letter concisely explaining your interest in and relevant skills and experience related to the position, as well as why you want to work at CHOOSE 180.

CHOOSE 180 an Equal Opportunity employer regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Those who have experienced incarceration are encouraged to apply.