Advocacy Manager

Austin Parks Foundation•Austin, TX

15d•$65,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is dedicated to partnering with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. A non- profit established in 1992, APF fills the city’s funding and resource gap in order to develop, maintain and enhance the area’s nearly 400 parks, trails and green spaces. Reporting to the Chief Mission Officer (CMO), the Advocacy Manager is a vital member of the APF Programs Team. Working with a variety of stakeholders, they play a key role in understanding the current political environment and maximizing APF’s impact. This position maintains and cultivates relationships with elected and appointed officials, and relevant city employees with the goal of supporting APF and a successful park system.

Requirements

Overall work experience of 5+ years required, with 2+ years of experience in advocacy, government relations, government affairs or other related field
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with expertise in distilling complex topics to diverse audiences
Effective public speaking skills and self awareness
Strong critical and strategic thinking skills
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with public officials, their staff and organizational partners
Ability and willingness to work as a team player, while at the same time able to work independently
Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Positive attitude, proactive and self-motivated
Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Austin political landscape, particularly Austin City Hall
Knowledge of Austin’s parks, green spaces and trails

Responsibilities

Cultivate and strengthen relationships with city council offices in support of APF’s policy and government relations agenda
Cultivate and strengthen relationships with parks board members and organizational partners
Partner with Chief Mission Officer to develop and execute overarching advocacy strategy
Support CMO in reviewing parks and recreation department assessments, unmet needs, strategic plans, and overall familiarity with PARD and the state of Austin’s parks
Educate elected officials and their staff and stakeholders about APF and the state of Austin’s parks
Attend and represent APF at city meetings including, but not limited to: City Council, Parks board, Climate, Water, Environment & Parks council committee and Audit and Finance council committee; speak during public comment or on specific agenda items when appropriate
Stay informed and keep APF leadership up-to-date on relevant local new, regional, state and national city parks issues
Monitor city budgeting and bond processes and cycles, and determine APF’s involvement in each
Monitor city and regional legislation and policy activities, and work with APF leadership to analyze potential impacts on APF and Austin’s parks.
Lead coalition advocacy efforts among partner organizations when appropriate
Write blogs, newsletters and one pagers to educate and inform elected officials and APF network of APF achievements, activities and park policy; collaborate with marketing team on their execution
Lead quarterly partner meetings and represent APF in various coalitions
Work with Programs team to keep City Council members informed of APF projects and volunteer opportunities in their districts
Work with Programs team to identify opportunities and work to inspire APF park stewards, volunteers and board members to become APF and park advocates
Maintain strong relationships with City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department and community partners
Manage advocacy budget and yearly goals
Other duties as assigned