Advocacy Manager, TennesseeCAN

Advocacy Manager

Position Overview:

TennesseeCAN is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team in the critical role of the Advocacy Manager, leading external relations as well as outreach and coalition-building efforts across Tennessee’s education landscape.

The Advocacy Manager will work directly with the Executive Director of TennesseeCAN in executing the organization’s advocacy strategy, including building community relationships, interacting with elected officials and executing the organization’s advocacy operations.

The Advocacy Manager will also have an important role with TennesseeCAN’s affiliated 501(c)(4) organization, TennesseeCAN Action Fund, including advocating for key education policies coming before elected bodies, introducing candidates to the issues of TennesseeCAN Action Fund, and coordinating advocacy and electoral activities with allies.

In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, our selected applicant will have:

• A passion for Tennessee and strong local ties,
• A natural propensity to forge strong relationships with funders, policymakers, educators and families, and
• A profound commitment to enabling academic success for every child in school.

This position is fully remote but applicants must reside in Tennessee. This role may be called upon to travel in-state and occasionally out-of-state. Additionally, this role may be called upon to occasionally work varying hours and/or attend evening or weekend events such as town halls or campaign events.

Key Responsibilities:

Campaigns

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of campaigns related to K-12 education policy issues
• Develop campaign strategies, mobilize supporters, and oversee outreach efforts to drive success
• Organize campaign plans, trackers and processes, and advise Executive Director on related opportunities
• Collaborate with consultants, vendors, and volunteers to implement campaign activities effectively

Coalition Building and Advocacy

• Foster bipartisan political relationships and manage related grassroots advocacy operations
• Build relationships with Tennessee elected officials, and provide support by sharing information and answering questions about important education issues
• Cultivate and manage coalitions of collaborative, diverse stakeholders including organizations and individuals aligned with TennesseeCAN’s priorities
• Plan and execute advocacy campaigns that motivate Tennessee citizens to speak to elected officials about important education issues

Organizational Policy and Strategy Support

• Stay abreast of education policy developments, legislative initiatives, and political trends at national, state, and local levels
• Conduct and/or gather policy analysis and research to inform and support advocacy strategies and positions
• Prepare briefs, reports, and presentations on relevant policy issues for internal and external audiences
• Assist the Executive Director with fundraising and awareness to bolster long-term sustainability
• Represent TennesseeCAN at events, as assigned by the Executive Director

Other Duties As Assigned

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, communications, or related field
• 3 years of experience in advocacy, political campaigns, government relations, coalitions or multi-stakeholder initiatives, or related fields, preferably within the education sector
• Strong understanding of Tennessee’s legislative landscape and elections
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective relationships with stakeholders
• Curiosity, creativity, integrity, and willingness to do “whatever it takes” in a fast-paced environment
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States

Working at 50CAN

The salary range is determined based on experience and qualifications. In addition, 50CAN offers a comprehensive benefits package. 50CAN is an equal-opportunity employer and we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply through 50CAN’s BambooHR portal here.  Please submit your current resume and cover letter through the BambooHR portal.

Keywords

Advocacy ManagerTennesseeCANEducationPolicyCampaignsAdvocacyCoalition BuildingLegislativeElectionsCommunicationStakeholdersUnited States