Voices of Youth in Chicago Education (VOYCE)

Job Description – Campaign Director

Organization Description

Voices of Youth in Chicago Education (VOYCE) is a grassroots organizing collaborative for education justice led by students of color from six community organizations across the city of Chicago. VOYCE builds the power of the low-income youth of color who are most directly impacted by educational inequities, organizing for structural policy changes that expand racial justice and equal opportunity throughout public education. Since its formation in 2007, VOYCE has launched and won successful grassroots campaigns to re-write the Chicago Public Schools discipline code, roll back the use of high-stakes standardized testing in low-income classrooms of color, and limit the role of police in schools.

Albany Park Neighborhood Council (APNC), a multi-issue, multi-generational community organization on the north side of Chicago, is the fiscal sponsor for the VOYCE collaborative.

Position Summary

VOYCE seeks a highly motivated, strategic and passionate leader to helm the collaborative as the Campaign Director. The VOYCE Campaign Director works closely with youth, staff and leadership from member organizations and allied organizations to direct and execute grassroots, direct action organizing campaigns at the city and state level that expand racial justice through essential reforms to public education. The VOYCE Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of successful campaign execution, including strategic vision, policy research and analysis, alliance-building with aligned organizations, direct actions and all press and communications strategy. The VOYCE Organizing Director also works closely with Albany Park Neighborhood Council to lead the financial management and fundraising for the collaborative's $500,000 annual budget.

This is a dynamic leadership position that requires creativity, passion, and vision. The position reports to the Executive Director of the Albany Park Neighborhood Council, the fiscal sponsor for the VOYCE collaborative. This is an organizing position and willingness to work evenings and some weekends is required.

Responsibilities

Lead state- and city-level campaigns to end pushout and exclusion at all publicly-funded schools, invest in neighborhood schools and student supports, and expand equitable access to high-quality teaching, not test prep. Campaign leadership responsibilities include:

•     Developing and executing long-term strategic work plans for all campaigns
•     Working directly with students, parents, organizations, legislators, city and state officials, advocates, unions, and other key stakeholders to build a broad base of coalition support for campaign demands across Chicago and Illinois
•     Directing policy research and analysis as needed to support and develop recommendations
•     Holding meetings and public actions when needed to build public support for recommendations.

Lead all communications and press strategy for the collaborative, including: short- and long-term outreach to local and national press outlets; the development and execution of new media strategy for the collaborative; drafting, revising and circulating all public communications such as press advisories and releases; placing prominent editorials, op-eds and blog posts; and elevating VOYCE campaigns through other platforms (aligned blogs, funder briefings, etc.) as needed.

With Albany Park Neighborhood Council, lead financial management of the collaborative, including: grant writing and reporting; budget management and ongoing development of new donors and fundraising opportunities.

Additional program management responsibilities include working with the Safe Schools Consortium Coordinator to suppor and align citywide youth leadership development programming and evaluation and coordinating strategic partnerships on an as-needed basis.

Required Qualifications

•     Minimum of 5 years organizing experience with track record of grassroots victories and coalition-building for structural change.
•     Strong political analysis of public education, racial and LGTBQ justice, youth rights and organized labor.
•     Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills
•     Strong organizational skills, including attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines
•     Exceptional writing and oral communication skills
•     Excellent time-management and a willingness to work non-standard hours
•     The ability to proactively identify challenges and work to find solutions
•     The ability to work independently while collaborating with others on common goals
•     Strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office suite

Preferred Qualifications

•     3-5 years of experience in a supervisory or management position.
•     Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field.
•     Fluency in Spanish a plus.
•     Strong research and data analysis skills.
•     Basic web design and social media skill set.
•     Experience working with press and communications, including successful pitching to local and national news outlets.

Office Location

Albany Park Neighborhood Council is located at 4749 N. Kedzie Ave, Chicago. This position involves significant travel around the city and state and a car is required.

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits, including health care, vision and dental coverage.

Start Date

As soon as possible.

How to Apply

Candidates from underrepresented populations, including people of color and LGBTQ people, are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, send your resume, cover letter and the contact information for three professional references to mail@voyceproject.org.