External Affairs Manager - Washington, United States - Children's Equity Fund

Description

CEF Internal Job Level: Senior Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Reporting to Title: Director of Policy

Hiring Salary Range: $115,000 - $125,000

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The Children's Equity Fund (CEF) is a 501(c)(4) organization that works to advance policy changes that combat the racial and economic inequities experienced by young children, families, early childhood educators, and communities. CEF believes effective, sustained policy change occurs when there is broad-based support from policymakers with diverse perspectives and different party affiliations. CEF collaborates with individuals and organizations that are aligned with the organization's goals, regardless of political party, and builds grassroots support and the political will for policies that promote the well-being of all children, families, and communities.

CEF focuses on five policy areas that support child and family well-being: early learning; mental health and well-being; health; family economic security; and housing stability. The organization also supports efforts to create a healthy democracy and robust civic engagement. The organization engages in direct lobbying and political/policy campaigns in support of more equitable policies in these areas and funds other 501(c)(4) organizations to advance these goals. CEF is seeking to build its internal capacity to more impactfully engage in its work and create positive change for those who have been systematically excluded from power, resources, and opportunities because of poverty and racism.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is who we are and what we do. It is not separate but at the heart of our work. We are committed to driving change that centers communities and results in equitable societies, starting with a commitment to equity and inclusion for our staff. Specifically, we have committed to center racial equity and become an antiracist organization. Our team is expected to demonstrate and uphold our core values as well as our commitment to DEI in every facet of their work.

The Children's Equity Fund works in concert with its sister 501(c)(3) organization, the Bainum Family Foundation, to advance similar outcomes. The work of both the Children's Equity Fund and the Bainum Family Foundation is structured through a portfolio of interconnected initiatives. This position may be assigned to support any of CEF's and the foundation's initiatives based on initiative cycles and evolving organizational needs. All staff play a role in learning and purposefully managing knowledge to further both organizations' Missions and Visions. Therefore, we expect all staff to gather care for, use, and openly share knowledge in ways that advance equity, support shared learning, and amplify community expertise.

POSITION SUMMARY

CEF is seeking an Outreach Manager to support its efforts to advance policies supporting children and families. This individual will be responsible for growing and maintaining CEF's coalition of interest groups, associations and nontraditional allies who will collectively work toward action at all levels of US government: state, local and federal. This position will play a critical role in growing the voices involved in this important work and in helping establish the Children's Equity Fund as a key player advancing equity in the early childhood space. The Outreach Manager will also assist with campaign and event planning, among other duties necessary to move the work forward.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy and Campaigns

• Assist Director with designing and planning targeted campaigns using different advocacy tools to advance CEF's agenda and facilitate community engagement with policymakers.
• Present CEF's work in the public/represent CEF's public profile, enhancing the organization's visibility and influencing public opinion.

Strategic Outreach Planning:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive outreach plan that aligns with CEF's mission and goals.
• Identify target audiences within specific industries or communities.
• Monitor sector trends and current events to identify collaboration opportunities or event sponsorships.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop a plan to elevate the work of external partners.
• Design and execute targeted campaigns to advance CEF's agenda.
• Facilitate community engagement with policymakers, ensuring their awareness of critical issues.
• Lead and/or coordinate with local businesses, community leaders, and other organizations to plan special events and programs.
• Represent the organization at external events, conferences, and meetings to promote partnerships and build networks within the community.

Coalition Building:

• Grow the organization's coalition by building relationships with individuals and groups committed to promoting better policy outcomes for children and families.
• Engage new organizations who share our mission.
• Facilitate regular meetings and communication with external partners to review progress, address challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Establish and nurture connections with other philanthropic stakeholders, including researchers, innovators, investors, and more.
• Conduct extensive research on potential anchor members to ensure their participation in regional events.

Stakeholder Management:

• Lead outreach efforts to external stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and philanthropic organizations.
• Create and maintain a comprehensive stakeholder management plan.
• Monitor program progress and outcomes, track key performance indicators, and ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives. Provide timely reporting to leadership on partnership activities.

Policy Monitoring and Advocacy:

• Monitor legislative and regulatory activities relevant to the organization's work.
• Advocate for policy changes that address economic inequities and promote the well-being of children and families.
• Collaborate with other advocacy organizations to amplify our impact.

Other Responsibilities:

• When requested, conduct research and prepare speeches, presentations, and talking points for the Director and the CEO on an array of topics and for a breadth of constituencies.
• Facilitate special projects by conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, drafting reports, and preparing presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee project management tasks, including strategic planning, progress assessments, and reporting.

FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Equivalent combinations of work experience and training that provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will also be considered.

• A bachelor's degree or higher is preferred.
• Minimum of five years of prior experience in outreach, community organizing, government relations, politics, or advocacy
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative and political processes
• Excellent writing, verbal and interpersonal skills, with the ability to cultivate and strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in using advocacy tools, social media, and event planning.
• Ability to build coalitions and invest constituents utilizing exceptional political acumen
• Experience navigating the workings of news media (print, broadcast, and online in national and local markets)
• Demonstrated ability to analyze program, policy, and advocacy issues and communicate findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences
• Experience working across cultural, geographic, and organizational lines to align work, solve problems, and achieve goals
• Administer day-to-day related activities such operations such as scheduling meetings, preparing outreach materials, and coordinating communications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described below are representative of the requirements by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may occur to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may regularly be required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use hands. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position will be performed in a hybrid workplace with a mix of in-office and remote work. The in-office work environment is typical of an office setting. The noise level is usually quiet. Remote work requires logging onto your computer at home during work hours, responding to emails, and participating in video calls and meetings throughout the day; therefore, access to high-speed, reliable internet is crucial. The Foundation provides all required equipment and supplies to undertake the tasks of the job at home, including laptop, monitors, and other accessories.