Advocacy Manager

Advocacy Manager

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico (Remote)

Launched in 2018, NewMexicoKidsCAN: The New Mexico Campaign for Achievement Now is a local nonprofit organization that advocates for community-informed, student-centered and research-backed education policies. Connecting policy, instructional practice, and politics, the organization works to reimagine what is possible in New Mexico’s public education system to ensure our students become the future community, civic and business leaders New Mexico needs. To learn more, visit www.nmkidscan.org.

NewMexicoKidsCAN is part of 50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now, a nonprofit organization that works at the local level to advocate for a high-quality education for all kids, regardless of their address. 50CAN develops 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.

Position Overview

This opportunity is an ideal fit for someone who wants to serve a leading role in a state advocacy organization. The advocacy manager will work directly with the Executive Director of NewMexicoKidsCAN in executing the organization’s advocacy strategy. In particular, they will prioritize building community relationships, interacting with elected officials, and executing the organization’s advocacy operations.

The Advocacy Manager will also have an important role with NewMexicoKidsCAN’s affiliated 501(c)(4) organization, NewMexicoKidsCAN Action Fund. This will include advocating for key education policies coming before elected bodies, introducing candidates to the issues of NewMexicoKidsCAN Action Fund, and coordinating advocacy and electoral activities with allies.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who is skilled at building relationships, analyzing complicated political situations, and is passionate about NewMexicoKidsCAN’s cause. This role presents an excellent opportunity for a person to develop their skills, advance their career, and network with leading advocates in New Mexico and across the country.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Executive Director to develop the organization’s policy agenda
• Build relationships and strategic partnerships in the Albuquerque area with organizations and individuals that are aligned with NewMexicoKidsCAN’s priorities
• Build relationships with New Mexico elected officials, and provide support by sharing information and answering questions about important education issues
• Plan and execute advocacy campaigns that motivate New Mexico citizens to speak to elected officials about important education issues
• Provide support and coverage, as needed, during elected official meetings including but not limited to the New Mexico legislative session, Legislative Education Study Committee meetings, and Public Education Commission meetings
• Represent NewMexicoKidsCAN at events, as assigned by the Executive Director
• Organize NewMexicoKidsCAN Action Fund’s candidate evaluation process and other political engagement

While primarily a job that requires regular business hours, the Advocacy Manager may be called upon to work varying hours including weekends and nights. This could include attending legislative meetings, legislative sessions, school board meetings, or campaign events. The role requires constant use of strong independent judgment, self-motivation, and the capability of doing all the above duties with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills
• A willingness to work with diverse community stakeholders
• Ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively, including speaking in small and large group settings
• Strong strategic thinking skills and an ability to analyze policies and institutions
• Passion for creating more high-quality school options for working families
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills as well as the ability to be flexible
• Ability to thrive with minimal direct supervision/management and ability to communicate effectively with internal and external teams
• Intellectual curiosity, commitment to New Mexico students, and a natural propensity for teamwork and networking
• Proven ability to meet multiple deadlines and balance numerous projects while maintaining a perspective on long-term goals
• Comfortable providing and receiving feedback
• Embodies 50CAN’s core values (“PORCH”): plussing it, optimism, relentlessness, candor, and humility
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States

Preferred:

• Oral and written fluency in Spanish
• Two to five years of experience in advocacy or politics
• Experience in creating, supporting, and communicating complex public and educational policy matters

Working At 50CAN

This position is fully remote and operates in the Mountain Coast time zone. The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition, 50CAN offers a comprehensive benefits package.  This position is required one to reside in the Albuquerque metro area and will work remotely. 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.