Policy and Advocacy Manager

SchoolHouse Connection, a fast-paced, results-oriented, national nonprofit organization working to overcome homelessness through education, is seeking a Policy and Advocacy Manager for our state policy advocacy team.

 

 

 

Since 2017, SchoolHouse Connection’s nonpartisan state policy program has worked in nearly two dozen states to help pass nearly 30 state laws that support children, unaccompanied youth, young adults, and families experiencing homelessness in accessing shelter and housing, medical and mental health care, employment, and education, from early childhood through postsecondary.

 

 

 

The Policy and Advocacy Manager will work with the Director of State Policy to develop and execute nonpartisan legislative reform strategies and ensure implementation of enacted reforms, in collaboration with youth and families, advocates, and engagement of leaders in state legislatures and administrative agencies across the U.S. Additionally, the Policy and Advocacy Manager will leverage our state advocacy network to advance SHC’s federal policy agenda. The position will also support programmatic work as needed, including SHC’s State Policy Fellows Program and Community of Practice (CoP). Through the CoP, we provide adult and youth partners throughout the country with state legislative advocacy support and policy guidance, while connecting professionals and growing the community of advocates collectively addressing youth homelessness.

 

 

 

In addition to strong policy and advocacy experience, the ideal candidate for this position will have knowledge of education and youth homelessness, or similar issues.

 

This is a full-time, salaried position with generous benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development. The Policy and Advocacy Manager must be a self-starter, and be both productive and efficient while working independently. This is a remote position, as are all of SHC’s employees.

 

 

 

SchoolHouse Connection is committed to developing a diverse and dynamic team and encourages applications from people of color, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

 

 

 

Job Responsibilities

 

The Policy and Advocacy Manager will report to the Director of State Policy and is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

 

• Developing and executing coalition building and mobilization strategies to support state and federal policy reform campaigns that improve outcomes for children, youth, young adults, and young families experiencing homelessness. Cultivating and managing relationships with state and federal partners in SHC’s reform campaigns, including youth experiencing homelessness, service providers, advocates, community organizations, associations, elected officials and their staff members, to ensure implementation of effective advocacy strategies. Collaborating with SHC’s federal policy team to leverage our state networks to advance SHC’s federal policy agenda, including outreach and engagement of elected officials, staff members, agency representatives, allies and other stakeholders to drive Congressional reform. Conducting legislative research and producing reports on legislators, legislative campaigns, bill histories, committee hearings, and related activity to support policy work. Conducting legal research on state and federal laws. Developing advocacy materials for partners and allies including, policy briefs, fact sheets, FAQs, action alerts, talking points, digital content, and other documents. Recruiting and preparing witnesses for legislative hearings, including drafting testimony, talking points, rebuttals of opposition, and responses to anticipated questions. Creating content for SHC’s e-newsletter and social media channels and supporting strategic advocacy communications. Organize and lead advocacy training sessions for youth/young adults, coalition partners and supporters. Working with SHC’s communications team to ensure that state policy content is updated on the website and on SHC’s social media platforms as necessary. Managing assignments for State Policy Fellows, Community of Practice, and other programmatic work as needed. Performing other related duties and tasks as assigned by the Director of State Policy.

 

 

Qualifications

 

 

 

The Policy and Advocacy Manager must have at least two years of proven experience in legislative or issue advocacy, organizing, or political campaigning. Qualified candidates for this position will both understand how state legislatures function and be familiar with the workings of the U.S. Congress. In addition to policy and advocacy experience, the ideal candidate will have some knowledge of education, youth homelessness, or related social issues.

 

 

 

This is a work-from-home position, as are all positions at SHC. As such, the Policy and Advocacy Manager must have the ability to work independently, diligently, and efficiently. The successful candidate will exemplify each of SHC’s core competencies: being a strong communicator, a team player, self-directed, and having a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

 

 

 

Specific required qualifications include:

 

We’re seeking candidates with a passion for advocating for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. Strong candidates will demonstrate success in building and managing coalition relationships, be results-oriented, and have superior written and verbal communication skills. You must have:

 

• A proven track record of developing and conducting successful advocacy, organizing, or campaigning, and an articulable knowledge of the functioning of state legislatures. A willingness to maintain SHC’s nonpartisan approach to reform in advocacy and communications and to work with partners regardless of party affiliation. The ability to write effective public policy materials for legislators, external partners, and campaigns, in addition to writing e-news, social media, reports, and other content for SHC as needed. Strong research skills. Experience convening advocates, leading training sessions, and/or teaching advocacy skills. Demonstrated commitment to SHC's advocacy principles. A high level of attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness. A demonstrated ability to handle a heavy workload, and achieve results, even in the face of obstacles, while displaying high standards of excellence and integrity.

 

 

Some travel will be required. Consideration of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and COVID-19 safety protocol are always a priority for our staff and factor into each trip.                                                                      

 

 

 

SchoolHouse Connection provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or veteran status. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

 

 

 

Salary and Benefits

 

Salary: $65,000 - $75,000

 

Benefits: Work from home; flexible work schedule; generous holiday, personal, and vacation leave; health insurance; 403(b) retirement plan; small, collegial team; many opportunities to use skills, learn, and grow professionally.

 

 

 

How to apply

 

To apply, please submit the following materials to jobs@schoolhouseconnection.org with the subject line “Policy and Advocacy Manager” by August 1. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified.

 

 Please send:

 

1. A cover letter specific to the duties and both the general and specific qualifications of the position; A current resume highlighting experience relevant to this position; At least two writing samples specifically related to policy advocacy, organizing or campaigning (which could include a bill issue brief, campaign or organizing advocacy plan, hearing testimony, an outreach email asking others to contact their legislators, etc.); and At least two references.

 

 

About SchoolHouse Connection

 

 

 

SHC is the nation’s leading expert on the early care and education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. We provide strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with early childhood programs, schools, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth. We have assisted with passage of many critical policies and programs for children and youth experiencing homelessness, and provided extensive implementation assistance to ensure these policies lead to real outcomes.