Research and Advocacy Manager, 50CAN

About 50CAN

50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now, is a nonprofit organization that works at the local level to advocate for a high-quality education for all kid8s, regardless of their address. We develop local education leaders by providing them with the research, tools and ideas needed to create learning environments that best meet every child’s needs. 50CAN operates in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Tennessee and is led by CEO & Founder Marc Porter Magee.

Position

The Research and Advocacy Manager of 50CAN is responsible for assisting our local teams in implementing legislative and political advocacy campaigns. The position will report to the Campaigns Manager.

This role will have responsibilities both for 50CAN, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, and 50CAN Action Fund, our related 501(c)(4). Most job duties will fall under the 501(c)(4).

Key Responsibilities

• Campaign Specialist: Provide guidance to state teams about advocacy and political campaign tactics that will assist them in passing legislation and electing supportive candidates. Once strategies and tactics are decided, the Research and Advocacy Manager will assist with the technical execution of the tactics.

• Research: Conduct research related to candidates, constituencies, electoral districts and public polling in service of the legislative and political goals of our state staff.

• Database management: Work with state staff to maintain a tracker that keeps everyone apprised of legislative and political developments in a particular state or region. Additionally, maintain and support our teams’ use of advocacy tools.

• Project Execution: The work of 50CAN can change quickly, due to the volatile nature of legislative and political advocacy. The Research and Advocacy Manager will work with the Campaigns Manager to quickly assess and support our state teams on fast moving projects needed to support their advocacy work.

• Training: Conduct internal trainings with 50CAN staff on software, strategies or use of data that help improve their effectiveness as an advocate.

Skills, abilities and experience

The ideal candidate has experience working on political campaigns and issue advocacy campaigns, and has a passion about using those skills and experiences on behalf of ensuring every child receives a high-quality education.

Additionally, they will demonstrate:

Political Work

• At least 5 years working in political roles, including campaigns, legislative offices, and issue advocacy organizations.
• Experience in diverse areas of political and issue advocacy campaigns, including communications and analyzing voter data and districts.
• An understanding of the unique political characteristics of different demographics and geographies.
• A willingness to work in a nonpartisan environment where one may work with candidates of either party to achieve policy goals.

Communication Skills

• Ability to effectively create briefs and memos based on issues and research tailored for states and districts.
• A strong writer who can quickly understand a situation and generate copy to be used for newsletters, social media, political mail, among other things.

Team Player

• Excellent people skills; job requires working well with diverse personalities and preferences, and not being easily offended in tense situations.
• Sense of humor, passion, strong work ethic, creativity and willingness to be scrappy and do “whatever it  takes” in a fast-paced work environment.
• Record of perseverance in the face of challenges, delivering against timelines and not  being intimidated by tasks or time limitations.
• Integrity (doing what’s right, even when it is uncomfortable), candor and directness.
• Flexibility - Ability to quickly adapt plans and goals to constantly changing circumstances.
• Willingness to travel and to work occasional weekend and evenings.

How to apply

The salary range is determined based on experience and qualifications. This role will require periodic travel for full-staff events, planning sessions, and various events.  In addition, 50CAN offers a comprehensive benefits package. 50CAN is an equal-opportunity employer and we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Interested applicants should apply through 50CAN’s BambooHR portal HERE.

Keywords

ResearchAdvocacyManagerCampaignPoliticalLegislativeEducationTrainingCommunicationTeam PlayerIntegrityFlexibility