About JerseyCAN
Launched in March 2013, JerseyCAN: The New Jersey Campaign for Achievement Now is a nonprofit organization that advocates for state and local policies necessary to ensure all children across the state have access to high-quality education. JerseyCAN has an energetic, results-driven team working on state and city-level opportunities to eradicate New Jersey’s pervasive education opportunity gaps. JerseyCAN is a part of the 50CAN network: the 50 State Campaign for Achievement Now.
Position
The deputy director will report to and partner closely with the executive director to develop strategy to meet organization goals and advance our mission. The role will have both internal- and external-facing responsibilities, ranging from human capital development (day-to-day management and professional growth for a team of two staff members and consultants) to project management (including issue advocacy, communications and media work, fundraising, administrative work, and external events as needed).
The ideal candidate will possess exceptional multi-tasking abilities, excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to set an impactful vision for the role while executing aligned strategies for success. The deputy director will support JerseyCAN’s implementation of new advocacy initiatives. Lastly, this person should have management experience and a working knowledge of education policy, as well as an experience with social change and progressive movements.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Manage the JerseyCAN team members towards meeting their annual goals, delivering outstanding work and supporting their professional growth.
- Lead policy campaign planning and assist Executive Director with longer-term strategic planning as needed.
- Serve as the point person on 2-3 policy campaigns each year, focused on nonprofit 501c(3) work. This could include leading up a city-based strategy or a state-level policy campaign including advocating for regulatory, legislative or budget changes. Campaigns will be determined on an annual basis.
- Liaison with 50CAN and ensure 50CAN deliverables are provided. Serve as a thought partner and bridge builder internally with 50CAN.
- Assist the Executive Director with fundraising as needed.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to education reform and JerseyCAN’s mission to make sure every child in New Jersey has access to a great education regardless of their zip code. The candidate will seize all opportunities to learn and grow in their role and within the organization. They will understand the importance of their value add in creating a lasting footprint in education equality in the state of New Jersey. Additionally, successful candidates shall have the following skillset:
Advocacy
- Excellent people skills and past success convening different groups or individuals, cultivating buy-in and developing coalitions or alliances.
- Past success designing and leading a long-term, multi-faceted project, campaign or initiative—an ability to implement vision, think strategically, take initiative, creatively problem solve, exercise good judgment, lead change and exceed established goals.
Management experience
- Ideally at least two years in a management role.
- Excellent people skills. Past success supervising and mentoring staff and supporting professional and leadership development.
- When necessary, can take initiative and make tough decisions.
Communications expertise
- Ability to effectively tailor messages and communications that engage community leaders, teachers and other stakeholders.
- Proficient with online and social media platforms.
- An aptitude for building relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Track record as a team player and prior work experience
- Passion, strong work ethic, creativity and willingness to do “whatever it takes” in a fast-paced work environment.
- Record of perseverance in the face of challenges, delivers against timelines, not intimidated by tasks/time limitations.
- Integrity (doing what’s right, even when it is uncomfortable) and transparency (candor and directness).
- Ability to quickly adapt plans and goals to changing circumstances and political winds.
- At least 5-10 years in a mid or senior level role, preferably in a social justice nonprofit context.
- Work experience in New Jersey and familiarity with key players at the state and/or local levels.
Interested candidates should apply here. 50CAN is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.