Stand for Children – a bold independent voice for public education reform – seeks an exceptional, driven individual to build and lead the organizing program in its new chapter in Seattle.

The Organization

Stand for Children’s mission is to use the power of grassroots action to help all children get the excellent public education and strong support they need to thrive. Stand for Children is a dual-entity organization, which includes Stand for Children Leadership Center, a 501(c)3, our leadership development organization, and Stand for Children, a 501(c)4, our grassroots membership and lobby for children which is also permitted to endorse candidates. To date, Stand for Children’s five state affiliates (OR, MA, TN, WA, and CO) have won more than one hundred victories that have impacted the lives of more than two million children.

We organize parents, educators, and other concerned community members into a strong, sustained constituency that:

• Helps elect strong local school board members, state legislators, and statewide elected officials who champion public schools.*


• Advocates for education reforms at the state and local level, including reforms that increase teacher and principal effectiveness, support school autonomy with accountability, and expand instructional time, that improve student achievement and close the achievement gap.


• Lobbies the state legislature for strategic K-12 investments and then ensures local school districts spend those dollars wisely.


• Campaigns for referenda and needed school construction bonds and operating levies.

The Position

Washington Stand for Children seeks an outstanding Seattle-based advocate to lead community and collaborative organizing efforts critical to improving public education and results for Seattle children.

Working as a key member of a fast-growing statewide Stand for Children staff, the Seattle Director will be responsible for implementation of an organizing strategy that includes both effective collaboration with existing well-established city neighborhood and constituency groups, and direct organizing of community-members motivated to help improve Seattle schools through effective advocacy.

Responsibilities

Community Organizing

• Using Stand for Children’s organizing model, direct the development and implementation of outreach and organizing plans, including training, communications, and specific campaign plans;


• Develop and lead efforts to recruit community leaders through face-to-face meetings and effective collaboration with allied organizations;


• Plan and coordinate outreach meetings to build an effective, ongoing chapter and maintain the involvement of grassroots leaders;


• With support and training from the Washington Executive Director, facilitate development of grassroots action campaigns, including coordinating with coalition allies.

Policy Research & Advocacy

• Work with staff team to develop Seattle-based advocacy strategy;


• Identify policy research and advocacy opportunities in alignment with the agenda of Stand for Children; remain informed on education best practices;


• Develop effective relationships with municipal, allied, and Seattle Public School leaders to ensure effective grassroots direction.

Fundraising

• Cultivate and solicit financial supporters of Stand’s mission in Seattle;


• Work with key Seattle foundations to build relationships and secure support.

Support

The Seattle Director of Stand for Children will be joining a national team of professionals committed to substantially improving educational outcomes in state affiliates across the country. Stand for Children’s managers and supervisors are empowering, entrepreneurial leaders who are committed to providing outstanding supervision in order for staff to develop as professionals and grow within the organization.

Qualifications and Qualities Required

• Passionate belief in Stand for Children’s mission to improve public schools;


• Knowledge of the City of Seattle and familiarity with its constituencies;


• Minimum of 3-5 years of working closely with community members or parents to achieve change, including teaching, community or political organizing, advocacy, or relevant leadership experience;


• Track record of success working collaboratively with diverse organizations and constituencies;


• Strong interpersonal, communications, and team-building skills;


• Availability to attend key community events on evenings and weekends;


• Fluency or proficiency in Spanish a strong plus.