Policy and Advocacy Programs Organizer

Position Summary:

The Policy and Advocacy Programs Organizer plays a crucial role in the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI). They work closely with the Policy and Advocacy Senior Manager to oversee the development and implementation of programs like the Bold Vision initiative – an effort focused on creating thriving futures for Black, Indigenous, Latiné, Asian, and Pasifika youth throughout LA County. The Bold Vision Programs Organizer represents SJLI in its role as the anchor organization for the initiative. They are responsible for building and maintaining relationships with youth council members, coalition partners, external partners, and ensuring fidelity to the initiative’s youth-forward framework.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIESYouth Engagement

• Co-design curricula and lesson plans for political education workshops
• Implement culturally relevant and trauma informed practices of youth engagement
• Guide youth leaders in the implementation of their campaigns
• Engage youth in leadership skill development in public speaking, persuasive and expository speech critical literacy, secondary data analysis, task and time management
• Conduct other duties as assigned connected to youth engagement.

Outreach and Partnership Building

• Build relationships with youth-serving partner organizations and community organizations concerned with issues of youth thriving in LA County
• Maintain effective communication with youth leaders and staff leads
• Conduct other duties as assigned for outreach and partnerships building and maintaining.

Program Management

• Guide convening bodies in campaign development and implementation
• Co-organize and develop the agendas for programs convenings
• Lead planning and coordination of Bold Vision Assemblies
• Conduct other duties as assigned for program management.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Collect and analyze data on initiative programs and campaigns
• Collect feedback from youth council members and staff leads
• Track event attendance and participation of youth council members and staff leads
• Prepare regular reports on programs and activities, achievements, and areas for improvement, sharing insights with the Policy and Advocacy Senior Manager
• Conducting other duties as assigned for data collection and reporting.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in community organizing and campaign management
• Demonstrated experience in event planning
• Proven experience in youth development or youth advocacy initiatives
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to engage and build trust with diverse youth audiences.
• Strong understanding of social justice principles
• Proficiency in using technology for outreach, communication, and data management.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently when required
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.

Core Competencies:

At SJLI, we believe that how we approach our work is just as important as what we achieve. The following core competencies reflect the values, skills, and mindsets that are critical for success in the Youth Programs Lead role and throughout our organization. These competencies guide our hiring decisions, inform our performance evaluations, and shape our professional development efforts. We seek candidates who demonstrate strength in these areas and a commitment to continual growth and learning.

Team Member Competencies:

• Growth Mindset: Demonstrates a willingness to learn, adapt, and improve continuously in response to evolving youth needs and social justice landscapes.
• Mission Driven: Shows a strong commitment to SJLI's mission and values, integrating them into all aspects of youth programming and advocacy work.
• Communication: Exhibits excellent verbal and written communication skills, adapting style to various audiences including youth, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Ownership: Takes responsibility for youth programs, outcomes, and stakeholder relationships, showing initiative and follow-through.
• Cultural Humility: Demonstrates respect and openness to diverse perspectives and experiences within the youth communities SJLI serves.
• Workload Management: Effectively prioritizes tasks and manages time to meet deadlines and achieve program goals.

Leadership Competencies:

• Develops and Motivates Others: Inspires and supports the growth of youth participants, volunteers, and team members in program activities and advocacy efforts.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates empathy and understanding in interactions with youth, team members, and community partners, particularly when addressing sensitive social justice issues.
• External Relationship Builder: Cultivates and maintains strong partnerships with youth-serving organizations, schools, and other key stakeholders to advance SJLI's youth-focused initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement Minded: Consistently seeks ways to enhance youth programs, engagement strategies, and advocacy efforts for greater impact.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligns youth programs with SJLI's broader goals and mission, anticipating challenges and opportunities in youth engagement and advocacy.
• Manages with Data: Uses data-driven insights to inform decision-making, evaluate the effectiveness of youth programs, and improve outcomes.

Candidates are encouraged to share how they have demonstrated these competencies in their past experiences and how they would apply them in this role. SJLI is committed to supporting the ongoing development of these competencies through mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

SJLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment for this position are consistent with those of a typical office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations:

The Youth Programs Lead must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to anti-discrimination laws, labor laws, and laws governing non-profit organizations. The Youth Programs Lead must also adhere to SJLI's policies and procedures, including those related to ethics, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest.

Background Check and Clearances:

Employment with SJLI is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and any required clearances or certifications, such as criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, or professional licenses, as applicable to the position.

At-Will Employment:

Employment with SJLI is on an at-will basis, meaning that either the employee or the organization can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise specified by applicable law or a written employment agreement.

Keywords

Youth EngagementOutreachProgram ManagementData CollectionCommunity OrganizingEvent PlanningSocial JusticeCommunicationTechnologyOrganizational SkillsProject Management