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Director: Advocacy and External Engagement

Job Details

Director: Advocacy and External Engagement
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
440 N. BROAD STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19130

Central Office

Job Number: 4600147222

Start Date:

Open Date: 11/21/2017

Closing Date:

Job Summary
Securing sufficient resources, achieving needed legislative reforms, meaningfully engaging with key stakeholders, building broad-based networks of support, and effectively communicating accomplishments and priorities are essential to the implementation of Action Plan 3.0 and improving the overall performance of The School District of Philadelphia. The Office of External Relations has the mission critical task of ensuring that key stakeholders understand, are interested in, and support the District's mission, vision, and priorities.
Reporting to the Chief of External Relations, the Director of Advocacy and External Engagement is charged with helping to develop and implement strategic advocacy, government relations, and community engagement programs to support the District's critical priorities, as outlined in Action Plan 3.0. The Director will be part of a team that executes strategy elements including: building one-on-one relationships with community, business, and civic leaders to call upon them for collaborative ventures; leveraging long-term and new relationships with elected officials to establish School District champions; and supporting the creation and expansion of partnerships with local non-profit and for-profit businesses and institutions to generate support for the School District.
Essential Functions
  • Assists in the development and drive implementation of a comprehensive advocacy and strategic outreach program including identifying, recruiting, and mobilizing allies and surrogates; expands and deepens community engagement and builds opportunities for information-sharing and collaboration.
  • Works with a defined cohort of City Council members to provide information in support of district initiatives, advocate on behalf of the District, respond to questions, and provide constituent services related to District issues/concerns.
  • Assists with developing and implementing strategies around gaining critical City Council votes on key issues facing the District.
  • Provides legislative information and assistance to colleagues within the School District.
  • Facilitates the growth of the School District's network of supporters on issues central to the progress of the District including attending community meetings and expands the District's outreach in areas of the city not engaged actively with School District issues and events.
  • Develops a strategy to engage at the grassroots level with community leaders, partners and parents to improve communications and support of the District's 4 Anchor Goals.
  • Works with key external [[advocacy, grassroots]] partners to promote the School District of Philadelphia.
  • Serves as the primary liaison between the External Relations Department and the FACE Office.
  • Represents the Superintendent and other District leadership during public presentations, speaking engagements, or other activities associated with District business, as requested; facilitates forums and other public meetings.
  • Pursues strategic outreach and identifies potential civic engagement to community members and community-based organizations to encourage community interest and participation in important School District-sponsored activities.
  • Supports the work of the Office of Communications and Government Relations.
  • Manages and supports the Superintendent's external engagements, as requested.
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Five years of full-time, paid, professional experience in a school district, governmental agency or non-profit organization which has included advocacy, community organizing, legislative affairs, communications or consulting.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • principles and theories associated with current School District organizational initiatives.
  • challenges in urban K-12 public education.
  • political landscape and legislative process.
  • principles and practices of effective community, intergovernmental, and media relations.
  • techniques for establishing and maintaining effective community and stakeholder relations.

Demonstrated ability to:
  • use persuasive skills to achieve strategic priorities.
  • communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of audiences.
  • exercise sound judgment and discretion.
  • respond to sensitive issues with diplomacy.
  • lead and implement strategic initiatives.
  • work on multiple projects simultaneously, as evidenced by an ability to balance and prioritize multiple competing priorities.
  • assess the relative strategic importance of competing requests and priorities.
  • adapt to different situations, particularly when new information is provided.
  • analyze complex problems and make sound decisions or recommendations to remedy problems.
  • understand, interpret, and analyze a variety of data sources.
  • identify and break down complex problems and develop strategies to address the identified issues based on evidence.
  • build and maintain strong, effective working relationships with colleagues across all levels of an organization.
  • build productive, collaborative relationships with external stakeholders, partners, elected officials, and community organizations.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Additional Job Information: This is a Non-Represented position. The salary grade for this position is 4028.

Interviews may be conducted to determine how well a candidate meets the established criteria. Note that not all qualified candidates may be selected for an interview. Additional factors including the ability to follow directions, punctuality and professional conduct will be considered in part of the evaluation process. The selected candidate must have no anecdotal record on file and have not been subject to any disciplinary action within the past eighteen (18) months, and have an excellent record of attendance and punctuality during the last three (3) years (defined as no more than eighteen (18) occasions of lateness or absence for personal illness in the last three years (3) years with the exception of one extended long-term absence.

Company

In classrooms across the city, teachers are changing lives. They are enriching students with experiences, skills, and knowledge that will help them to grow, achieve, and succeed. With their fellow teachers, principals, administrators, and leadership, SDP teachers are part of the District’s progress that includes increasing test scores and graduation rates, two 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools, and a multi-million dollar commitment to improving school facilities.

If you have a passion for making a difference in the classroom and in the community, we want you on our team. We offer the opportunity to work in a diverse district with students and families who believe in the power of a great public education. You will work with professionals who share your commitment to young people and want to join you in changing tomorrow. A competitive compensation package, professional development, and career advancement await you. More importantly, so do students looking to excel.

Teach Today. Change Tomorrow. Apply to Teach in Philly Now at www.teachinphilly.com 

Company info
Website
Telephone
2154004600
Location
440 N. Broad St.
Suite 222
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
19130
US

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