Education Strategist (Lower Hudson Valley)

New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation•New York, NY

4d•$65,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) is seeking an Education Strategist to coordinate youth organizing efforts in the Lower Hudson Valley. This role involves building a Teen Activist Project, engaging with young people on policy priorities such as school discipline, protections for immigrant students, bullying, and inclusive curriculum. The strategist will work with students in the East Ramapo Central School District and potentially other schools in Rockland and/or Westchester Counties, representing the NYCLU and building relationships with students, parents, educators, and community organizations. The position will also support public-facing initiatives like Youth Lobby Day and Know Your Rights workshops. The role is based in the Mid to Lower Hudson Valley with regular travel to NYC, requiring a hybrid work model with in-person days and a reliable remote workspace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required. Degrees can be in Education, Sociology, Social Work, Human Development, Community Organizing, Gender or Cultural Studies, or other related disciplines.
At least two years of experience in youth organizing, youth development, education, or a related field that demonstrates consistent engagement with young people.
Ability to plan strategically to sustain and grow a Lower Hudson Valley youth program.
Experience with developing and managing a program budget.
Experience in a low supervision environment. Self-starter with excellent skills in time management and prioritization.
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including experience working with diverse populations, and advocating on behalf of young people.
A deep understanding of trauma-informed advocacy and a commitment to anti-racism, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Experience delivering trainings for youth and community stakeholders.
At least 2 years of working with systems that serve youth (such as school systems).
Understanding of and commitment to the nonpartisan mission and goals of the NYCLU and ACLU.
Valid New York State Driver’s License and reliable personal transportation required.
Availability & willingness to travel across Hudson Valley, and to work some non-traditional hours.

Nice To Haves

Spanish fluency strongly preferred.
Experience living or working in the Lower Hudson Valley strongly preferred.
Experience working with social justice and/or legal professionals a plus.

Responsibilities

Recruit and supervise members of our peer education program(s) for teenagers in the Lower Hudson Valley (Rockland and/or Westchester Counties).
Monitor and respond to civil liberties and civil rights issues impacting youth in the region.
Contribute to the Education Policy Center's strategic priorities by advancing departmental goals and performing other duties as assigned.
Work closely with the youth programs team, create content for our Teen Activist Instagram account, and train youth members to be spokespeople on NYCLU issues.
Design and undertake a regional youth program to build and nurture strategic partnerships with youth activists, youth-serving organizations, policymakers and educators.
Hold weekly program meetings with teen activists and facilitate workshops and related trainings.
Develop and update curricula for NYCLU workshops with youth and educator input.
Respond to requests for support and information from community members, legislators, and regional offices.
Serve as a media spokesperson for NYCLU initiatives.
Contribute to blog posts and policy briefs.
Other duties as assigned.