Advocacy Associate, External Affairs

KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of free, public charter schools that prepares students for success in college and life. In 1995 we started our first middle school, KIPP Academy, in The Bronx. Our goal was to graduate students with the strength of character and academic abilities needed to succeed in high school, college and beyond – and in so doing, to prove what is possible for all students. Today, our New York City network is comprised of seven elementary schools, seven middle schools, one high school, and KIPP Through College and Career, a comprehensive support program for our alumni. KIPP NYC Public Schools currently serves more than 8,000 students and alumni and has a staff of more than 700. KIPP NYC is continuing to grow and will be opening two new middle schools and an elementary school in August 2021!

At KIPP NYC, we are committed to advocating for equitable access to resources, protecting parents’ rights to school choice, and improving access to a high-quality public education for all children in New York City and across the state. Our KIPP NYC Advocacy Associate will play a key role in our schools by training and empowering parents to be leaders in their communities. The Advocacy Associate will be responsible for organizing KIPP NYC parents around advocacy networks to be able to influence local and state educational policies and politics. The Advocacy Associate will report directly to the Director of Advocacy.

The Advocacy Associate should have a passion for education reform and be able to build strong relationships with parents, alumni and staff. They should also be able to organize local parent engagement activities and travel to political rallies. The Advocacy Associate will also be given professional development in basic organizing techniques in order to help train KIPP NYC parents in our communities.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Recruit parents and families through outreach, phone calls, and school events for advocacy across NYC and NYS
• Prepare families to attend meetings with elected officials, education policy makers, and other community stakeholders
• Research and develop ways for parents to learn about critical issues impacting our schools, public education, and local politics
• Execute voter registration efforts alongside parent leaders and Advocacy Point People (APP) in all our communities
• Attend Community and NECN Parent council meetings, CEC and CB meetings with families and APP, including meeting coordination and briefings
• Attend and Engage PTA and School Family Council meetings to build meaningful relationships with staff and families
• Support monthly Regional Family Council meetings
• Serve as a regional liaison to the NY Alumni Association
• Provide administrative support for the KIPP NYC Advocacy Team and manage data tracking
• Local travel to KIPP NYC schools and evening community events, travel to Albany for advocacy events

• Bachelor’s degree required. 2+ years experience in K-12 education and/or community relations preferred; Spanish fluency a plus
• Enthusiastic with strong interest in and commitment to education reform, with a strong ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, including written word and speaking in small and large group settings
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with multiple stakeholders across the organization
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, including Advanced Excel skills required, In-depth knowledge of Raiser’s Edge preferred
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high-quality work in a dynamic, fast-paced Environment
• Demonstrated passion for and a commitment to the KIPP mission for high-quality public education and the character traits we value: zest, grit, self-control, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor

This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.