ExpandED is dedicated to ensuring that all young people have access to enriching learning opportunities that affirm their identities, teach them valuable skills, and spark new possibilities. Through program development, capacity-building, research and advocacy, we work toward our vision of a vibrant and stable publicly-funded system of school-community partnership so that all New York City children thrive.
Established in 1998, the organization today reaches more than 119,000 children and 900 programs throughout New York City to ensure that students in under-served communities have access to innovative, engaging ways of learning to enable them to reach their full potential. Over the last two decades, ExpandED Schools’ program, research and policy efforts have led to increased recognition of the academic, social, and emotional benefits of afterschool, increased funding, and new models for school-community partnership.
Purpose of Position
ExpandED Schools is seeking a Director of External Affairs, who will play a leading role in developing and advancing ExpandED Schools’ policy agenda and advocacy strategies to increase the quality, availability and sustainability of expanded learning opportunities for New York City’s children. Topics for policy development and policy and funding advocacy include but are not limited to: afterschool, career-connected learning, high-impact tutoring, literacy, and STEM. ExpandED’s robust policy portfolio has an emphasis on New York City budget and program priorities and also includes New York State and federal policy recommendations and advocacy. In addition, the Director is ExpandED’s representative with numerous partners and coalitions to design and advance policies that promote equity of opportunity for young people of New York City. The Director of External Affairs report to the Chief Advancement Officer.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Work with ExpandED’s senior leaders to set policy goals.
- Develop and implement ExpandED’s policy and government affairs strategy, including efforts to increase public funds for learning and enrichment; securing public funds for ExpandED, including discretionary funds from the New York City Council
- Advance programmatic priorities in topics such as afterschool, career-connected learning, high-impact tutoring, literacy, and STEM.
- Develop, maintain and build on relationships with state and local government staff and officials (both elected and appointed), including those who work in: the New York City Council, Office of the Mayor, New York City Department of Public Schools and Department of Youth and Community Development; and the Office of the New York State Governor, Assembly, and Senate, the State Education Department and the State Office of Children and Family Services.
- Create and coordinate opportunities to promote ExpandED Schools’ work and influence legislation, including meetings, conferences, events, and news articles, working in partnership with program and communication teams.
- Draft testimony, web text and articles and testify on behalf of the organization at legislative hearings and events.
- Manage advocacy-related grants, including City Council Discretionary applications, as well as contracts and relationships with Government Relations consultants.
- Testify on behalf of the organization at legislative hearings and events.
- Lobby elected officials and staff members in support of ExpandED’s policy agenda.
- Manage organization’s compliance with city and state lobbying requirements.
- Monitor and report all information regarding campaign finance guidelines.
- Develop, maintain and build on ExpandED Schools’ partnerships with alliances and coalitions throughout the city, state and nation, playing a lead role with groups and liaising with internal program partners at ExpandED.
- Groups include the New York City Youth Alliance, the Human Services Council, New York State Network for Youth Success, Work –Based Learning Coalition, the Coalition for Community Schools, the Coalition for Equitable Education Funding, and others.
- Coordinate Social Media Advocacy Campaigns with Communications staff.
- Perform other work as assigned.
Desired Qualifications:
- Deep commitment and passion for educational equity.
- Willingness and ability to travel within New York City frequently and occasional overnight trips (e.g., Albany).
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent speaking, writing, and facilitation skills with diverse audiences.
- Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail, and adapting to internal administrative processes.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and comfort with complexity and change.
- Strong cultural competence with respect for and knowledge of the cultures of the various stakeholders we work with and the communities we serve.
- Creative thinking, strong interpersonal skills, the desire to work collaboratively, and a sense of humor.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, with experience in public affairs, government relations, and / or legislative staff work.
- Must have experience with legislative or budgetary processes, preferably in New York City or State.
- Competent computer skills, including knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Salary Range: $104,000 – $107,000
Benefits:
ExpandED Schools offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a
comprehensive benefits package. Our benefits package includes:
- Full-time and eligible part-time employees receive medical, dental and vision plans for employees and dependents, largely subsidized by ExpandED Schools
- Health, dependent care and transit pre-tax accounts
- Employer-paid life insurance and supplemental disability coverage
- A generous paid time off package which includes 24 vacation days, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays (prorated for part-time staff)
- 403b retirement plan with eligibility for employer contribution of 5% of annual compensation after one year of employment (no match requirement)
- Commitment to work-life balance
- Partial tuition reimbursement offered to employees after six months of service
- Professional development opportunities, including funds to participate in external training and coaching opportunities
ExpandED Schools believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. ExpandED Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to: [email protected], Subject: Director of External Affairs Position. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
