Advocacy Director
About HawaiiKidsCAN
Launched in spring of 2017, HawaiiKidsCAN: the Hawaii Kids Campaign for Achievement Now is a locally-led, education advocacy non-profit organization committed to ensuring every student’s access to a high-quality education. HawaiiKidsCAN is part of the national 50CAN network of states.
About 50CAN
50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now, is a nonprofit organization that works at the local level to advocate for a high-quality education for all kids. We develop local education leaders by providing them with the research, tools and ideas needed to create learning environments that best meet every child’s needs. 50CAN operates campaigns in Connecticut, Delaware, Denver, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina and Tennessee and is led by CEO & Founder Marc Porter Magee. Part of its role is to provide back office support to its state campaigns, so that the local campaigns can devote more time to creating lasting change.
About the Position
The Advocacy Director of HawaiiKidsCAN is part of the organizational leadership team with the Executive Director and will report directly to the Executive Director. The Advocacy Director will work with the Executive Director to set individual goals for their work and the Executive Director will conduct semi-annual performance reviews.
The Advocacy Director is ostensibly responsible for assisting the Executive Director in all areas of organizational management, including governance, communications, policy, strategy, project management, and development/fundraising. The Advocacy Director will provide feedback and perspective to the Executive Director in setting the vision and goals of the organization. The Executive Director may delegate management of staff or contracts to the Advocacy Director, and the Advocacy Director should always be prepared to represent the organization at any meeting or any task the Executive Director would normally facilitate for the organization.
The Advocacy Director has responsibilities to both HawaiiKidsCAN, a 501(c)(3) organization, and its related 501(c)(4) organization, HawaiiKidsCAN Action Fund.
This position is a unique opportunity to have a clear and immediate impact with a respected local non-profit education advocacy organization with a diverse portfolio of initiatives, from successful policy change to community projects. The Advocacy Director will have the opportunity to grow their leadership skills across a wide range of dimensions and expand their professional networks. The position offers a high-level of job flexibility and remote work options, travel opportunities, and professional development.
Key Responsibilities
Advocate: The Advocacy Director will closely collaborate with the Executive Director and align with state and ecosystem partners to change state and school district level policy through legislative and administrative action by crafting and executing the organization’s strategy and policy plans. These efforts include direct engagement with policymakers, organizing coalitions, and mobilizing grassroots supporters.
Project and grant execution and oversight: The Advocacy Director will assist the Executive Director with the planning and execution of HawaiiKidsCAN’s grant projects and programs. This includes ensuring the proper collection and tracking of metrics and data, close attention to deadlines, and supporting grant reporting needs.
Local fundraising: The Advocacy Director will assist the Executive Director with fundraising and awareness of building support for the long-term sustainability of the organization. This includes drafting proposals and attending donor pitches and meetings.
Manager and mentor: The Advocacy Director may be delegated to manage staff and contracts by the Executive Director. If so, they will work with any relevant staff they manage to set annual individual goals.
Political strategist and relationship builder (501(c)(4) responsibilities): The Advocacy Director will foster bipartisan political relationships, assist with the organization’s political and legislative goals and strategies, and manage related grassroots advocacy operations, as needed.
Key skills, abilities and experience
The ideal candidate has strong local ties, experience and/or degree in education, non-profit, government, legislative, or electoral sectors, and a commitment to ensure every child receives a high-quality education. Additionally, they will demonstrate:
Relevant professional impact
- At least 5-8 years of experience in high-impact roles with significant responsibilities.
- Track record of delivering measurable results.
- Success in participating in a long-term, multi-faceted project, campaign or initiative—an ability to implement vision, think strategically, take initiative, creatively problem solve, exercise good judgment, lead change and exceed established goals.
- Record of perseverance in the face of challenges, delivering against timelines and not being intimidated by tasks or time limitations.
- Experience with or strong interest in advocacy, policy or social justice work.
- Knowledge of Hawaii’s education system.
- Local political and/or campaign experience
- Knowledge of Hawaii’s political landscape and legislative process.
Commitment to HawaiiKidsCAN’s vision
- Strong commitment to education reform and HawaiiKidsCAN’s mission to close the achievement gap and fight for educational equity, including on issues such as career and non-traditional learning, public charter schools, early literacy, and college affordability.
- An aptitude for building relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including differing political and cultural views.
- Deep empathy for kids, families, and educators.
Collaboration and convening
- Excellent people skills; past success convening different groups or individuals, cultivating buy-in and developing a consensus.
- Deeply committed to being an engaged team player.
- High level of personal integrity and accountability
- Proficiency in a self-directed work environment that requires proactive planning and communication.
- Ability to represent HawaiiKidsCAN at events and network successfully, as assigned by the Executive Director.
Communication
- Ability to effectively tailor messages and communications that engage community leaders, teachers and other stakeholders.
- Sense of humor, passion, strong work ethic, creativity and willingness to do “whatever it takes” in a fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to receive and provide both positive and constructive feedback.
- Strong personal accountability and ability to manage up in a fully remote work environment that may cross wide time zone differences.
- Entrepreneurial spirit, curiosity, adaptability and excitement to be part of a unique opportunity.
- Outgoing personality with eagerness to network and develop relationships.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Exceptional writing skills.
Travel and learning
- Willingness to travel within Hawaii (including neighbor islands) and to the continental United States to meet with partners, participate in 50CAN retreats and summits, and attend relevant conferences.
- Excitement to participate in professional learning opportunities.
Working At 50CAN
This position is a hybrid approach, which includes working from home/remotely and in-person engagements, and operates in the Hawaii Standard time zone. In addition, 50CAN offers a comprehensive benefits package. 50CAN is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.
How To Apply
Interested applicants should apply through 50CAN's BambooHR portal HERE. Please include your current resume and cover letter through the BambooHR portal only.