Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement

About the position

The Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement has a critical role in supporting Green Dot’s mission to prepare students for college, leadership, and life. The Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement will lead efforts to advance the mission of Green Dot Public Schools through strategic advocacy, community engagement, and policy reform initiatives. This role is crucial in developing relationships with community leaders, elected officials, parents and other stakeholders to ensure access to high-quality education for all students. This role requires a passion for social impact, a deep understanding of advocacy processes, and the ability to mobilize parents through grassroots organizing. With a team of two, the Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement will work closely with organizational leadership and coordinate with other departments, such as Public Affairs & Compliance, Communications & Marketing and Operations. The Director of Advocacy & Community Engagement will play a pivotal role in the schools’ charter renewals and will track progress towards key performance indicators relevant to advocacy and community engagement. This position is part of the External Affairs Team and reports to the Chief of Staff. This is a role serving as part of Green Dot California’s central office team, primarily based in Los Angeles.

Responsibilities

• Lead advocacy campaigns aimed at advancing charter school policies and broader education reform initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.
• Work with lawmakers, school boards, and other education stakeholders to shape policies that support the expansion and sustainability of charter schools.
• Monitor legislative developments and public policy trends affecting charter schools and the broader education landscape, adjusting advocacy efforts accordingly.
• Represent the organization at policy forums, legislative meetings, and other events to advocate for charter schools and equitable education opportunities for all students.
• Cultivate relationships with key community groups, parents, students, and local organizations to build a strong network of advocates for charter public schools.
• Design and implement community engagement programs to ensure that charter school families are informed, empowered, and actively involved in the education reform process.
• Conduct outreach to diverse communities to ensure that marginalized voices are heard and represented in the advocacy process, particularly those from under-resourced communities.
• Organize town halls, parent meetings, and public forums to provide information about charter schools and engage community members in education reform efforts.
• Build and lead coalitions with other charter school organizations, education reform groups, and community stakeholders to promote policies that support innovation and choice in public education.
• Foster relationships with school leaders, teachers, and parent organizations to create a unified voice advocating for charter schools and education reform.
• Coordinate joint advocacy initiatives and campaigns with other education-focused nonprofits, ensuring alignment with broader educational goals and values.
• Work closely with the communications team to develop advocacy messages and materials that promote the value of charter schools and educational choice.
• Serve as the public face of the organization for media engagements, interviews, and speaking events on charter school and education reform issues.
• Utilize digital platforms, including social media and websites, to raise awareness of charter school initiatives and engage supporters in advocacy efforts.
• Develop and implement targeted campaigns to raise awareness of the benefits of charter schools, address local issues, mobilize community support, and advocate for necessary policy changes.
• Create educational materials and resources for schools, parents, and community members to better understand charter schools, their role in education reform, and how they can get involved.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy campaigns and community programs, using data and feedback to continuously improve outreach and engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with the development team to identify and pursue funding opportunities for advocacy and community engagement initiatives.
• Engage with donors and philanthropic organizations to secure resources for policy advocacy, community outreach, and public education campaigns supporting charter schools.
• Lead and manage a team of advocacy professionals, providing coaching, support, and professional development to enhance team performance and impact.
• Foster a collaborative work environment, ensuring that the team is aligned with organizational goals and effectively working towards the mission of advancing charter schools and education reform.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field (master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in advocacy, community engagement, or education policy, with at least 3 years in a leadership role focused on education reform.
• Strong understanding of the charter school landscape, education policy, and key issues affecting public education.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing advocacy campaigns, particularly in education reform or charter schools.
• Experienced in building and maintaining partnerships with education leaders, community organizations, and policymakers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex issues to diverse audiences.
• Experience with public speaking, including preparing spokespeople and engaging in public relations efforts to elevate the organization’s profile.
• Strong project manager with supreme organizational skills and able to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to leverage data to track progress on key performance indicators.
• Seasoned manager with experience coaching and developing individuals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, under deadlines, without close supervision.
• Acute attention to detail and ability to handle problems as they occur.
• Flexibility and adaptability to constantly changing environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with various types of people, including senior leaders inside and outside the organization.
• Demonstrated proficiency in writing and strong communications skills.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office with exceptional skills in PowerPoint and Excel and Google Suite.
• Strong sense of integrity, ethics, and drive to achieve and grow.
• Relentless commitment to and high standards for high quality execution and follow-through.
• Ability to pass a TB test and background check at time of offer.

Benefits

• PPO, EPO and HMO choices for medical, dental and vision coverage - including a 100% employee-only paid option.
• Employee Assistance Program (100% employer-paid).
• Life and AD&D Insurance (100% employer-paid).
• Optional Term Life & AD&D Insurance.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance (100% employer-paid).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health and dependent care).
• Monthly parking for Central Office-based employees (100% employer-paid).
• Wellness programs and resources.
• Financial planning/coaching access.
• Optional non-matching 401(k) plan.
• Potential for remote work opportunities (occasional or recurring).
• Potential for annual performance-based compensation increases.
• Approved family care and/or medical leave (unpaid).
• 15 days of paid time off during years 1-3 of service (20 days during years 4-6 and 25 days beyond 6 years of service).
• An additional 15 days (minimum) of paid time off each year for our Winter and Spring breaks.
• 10 annual paid holidays.
• 3-5 days of paid bereavement leave.