Civic Engagement Strategist

Native American Youth And Family Center•Portland, OR

2d•$75,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

NAYA Family Center is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and community-minded Civic Engagement Strategist to support civic engagement and advocacy programming for both NAYA Family Center and the NAYA Action Fund. This role helps activate NAYA clients and community members to participate in power building, leadership development, and political advocacy across Oregon and Washington. A primary focus of this position is the Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy Development (LEAD) Program, an annual cohort experience that builds relationships and develops leadership and advocacy skills among Native community leaders. You'll lead recruitment and selection, coordinate program logistics, support presenters and participants, and create opportunities for LEAD participants and alumni to engage in advocacy work. You'll also support NAYA's annual Legislative Days of Action in Salem, Oregon and Olympia, Washington, along with community forums, town halls, elected official meetings, Portland Indian Leader Roundtables, and other civic engagement activities. This role brings together project management, communications, event coordination, relationship-building, and advocacy to help Native community members engage effectively in the political process. The Civic Engagement Strategist will work across NAYA Family Center and the NAYA Action Fund and will collaborate with community partners, organizational leaders, elected officials, policy staff, and NAYA teams. This position is ideal for someone who is self-motivated, detail-oriented, comfortable managing multiple priorities, and passionate about developing Native leadership and strengthening community power. This is a full-time, exempt role. The salary range is $75,000 to $85,000.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in community advocacy, public policy, coalition building, nonprofit leadership, or nonprofit program work.
Strong understanding of Native American history, the diversity of local American Indian and Alaska Native communities, and the Urban Indian experience.
Strong project management, organization, planning, and attention-to-detail skills.
Comfortable managing multiple projects, stakeholders, deadlines, and moving pieces with limited supervision.
Self-directed and able to set priorities, manage deadlines, anticipate changes, and follow through without needing to be reminded.
Communicate clearly and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and bring strong emotional intelligence and active listening skills.
Comfortable communicating through email, phone, text, written materials, presentations, and community-facing events.
Able to translate complex policy and advocacy issues into clear, accessible, and engaging communications.
Experience working with diverse populations; experience working with urban or reservation-based Native communities, tribes, boards, or other Native-serving organizations is strongly preferred.
Experience navigating local or state government systems; knowledge of Oregon and Washington legislative and local government processes is preferred.
Experience with a 501(c)(4) organization is strongly preferred.
Connections to or experience working in Southwest Washington are strongly preferred.
Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively and can adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, web-based research, Word, Excel, and email.
CPR, First Aid, and AED certification, or the ability to obtain and maintain these certifications.
A valid Oregon or Washington State Driver License, or are able to obtain one upon hire, and are eligible to be an insured driver under NAYA Family Center's liability insurance policy.
Able to successfully complete required background investigations, including fingerprinting and a DHS Background Check Unit review.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in public policy, communications, political science, sociology, urban planning, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead recruitment and coordinate the annual selection process for the LEAD cohort.
Plan and coordinate LEAD program logistics in partnership with NAYA leadership, including scheduling presenters and participants, securing venues, coordinating meals, and organizing welcome and graduation events.
Organize LEAD alumni events and create opportunities for alumni to participate in civic engagement and advocacy.
Support planning and logistics for Legislative Days of Action in Oregon and Washington, including scheduling meetings with legislators and policy staff, coordinating transportation and meeting spaces, creating agendas and maps, and organizing meals for participants.
Coordinate advocacy events and community engagement opportunities, including Portland Youth and Elders Council meetings, Portland Indian Leader Roundtables, town halls, elected official tours, and community forums.
Support NAYA Action Fund communications, including social media and electronic newsletters, to keep community members, partners, and stakeholders informed and engaged.
Write policy and advocacy communications that generate excitement and participation in civic engagement.
Translate complex policy issues into clear, accessible messaging for community members and partners.
Maintain consistent communication and coordination with community partners, organizational leaders, presenters, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
Track and maintain participant and funder data in CaseWorthy and other required systems.
Pull and review participant reports and data to support program monitoring, funder reporting, program improvement, and grant writing.
Take detailed meeting notes and minutes and ensure follow-up items are completed.
Support coordination and alignment between NAYA Family Center and NAYA Action Fund programs.
Manage deadlines, tasks, goals, and priorities independently while adapting to changing needs.
Participate in trainings and meetings that support program outcomes and professional development.
Maintain confidentiality and handle participant and organizational information appropriately.
Represent NAYA Family Center and the NAYA Action Fund with professionalism at community events and public-facing opportunities.
Work as an active and collaborative member of the department and across NAYA teams.
Contribute to a safe and welcoming environment for community members and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.