Overview
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY
The Education Trust–West (Ed Trust-West) seeks an External Relations Associate to join a passionate staff who are committed to closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families.
The Associate builds awareness of and commitment to our mission. This position engages partners through collateral releases, coalition engagement, and hosting external-facing events (in person and virtual) that showcase our collateral and work. The Associate collaborates with various internal teams on collateral releases and developing programming. This role participates in campaign development to engage stakeholders on our issues and represents Ed Trust-West on relevant advocacy coalitions.
Ed Trust-West is comprised of fierce advocates for the high academic achievement of all students — pre-kindergarten through college, particularly those of color or living in poverty. Through research and advocacy, Ed Trust-West’s goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement that affect millions of young people across the U.S. — especially students of color and those from low-income families. We work alongside educators, policymakers, parents, and community and business leaders across the country to advocate transforming schools and colleges into institutions that serve all students well. Lessons learned in these efforts, together with unflinching data analyses, help shape our state and national policy agendas.
This role, available immediately, is based in our Oakland office and is eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week. The External Relations Associate reports to the Director of External Relations.
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATE ROLE
- The responsibilities and objectives for the role include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Develop plans for collateral releases, including compiling relevant stakeholders, synthesizing information into messaging, and planning activities that uplift collateral
- Coordinate, participate in, and/or represent Ed Trust-West in virtual and in-person events, trainings, policy briefings, grassroots and direct lobbying (e.g., Advocacy Day) and other related work with community and advocate audiences
- Draft and coordinate the release of the monthly Newsletter
- Support the strategy for conducting targeted engagement with partners, including students
- Work with other teams to inform political and campaign strategy, including leveraging tools like power mapping and ladder of engagement
- Support team members in building relationships by building and participating in coalitions with diverse stakeholders, including community-based organizations, members from the business and civil rights communities, policymakers, and P-16 educators (e.g., school board leaders, college presidents, and other institutional and systems leaders)
IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS
- Shared belief in Ed Trust-West’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity
- Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
- Commitment to “Walking the Talk,” which means operating with an understanding that systemic and institutionalized racism significantly affect communities of color and the historical impact of privilege and power on American systems
- Project management skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking & facilitation
- Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills
- Creative problem solving and analytical skills
- Ability to adapt and exercise sound judgment
- Intellectual strength and curiosity
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:
- At least a bachelor’s degree in education, public policy/administration, or a related field or equivalent experience;
- Familiarity with or interest in education policy and/or advocacy
COMPENSATION
The annual salary for this position starts at $62,000 and will be commensurate with experience.
The Education Trust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% matching opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.
VACCINATION FOR COVID-19
At The Education Trust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all Education Trust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please provide a cover letter and resume, combined into one document. In the file name, please write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name: e.g., “External Relations Associate _Robinson.”
We invite you to consider your cover letter as an opportunity to:
- Tell a story that illuminates your interest in education equity and Ed Trust-West’s mission
- Share how your background and experience make you the right fit for this position
Please submit your application materials at Recruitment (adp.com) by the priority deadline of September 21st, 2022. Applications will be accepted/reviewed until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.