External Affairs Manager

About Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA)

The mission of Communities in Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA) is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Founded in 2007, CISLA works toward a vision that every student in Los Angeles’ public schools receives the supports they need to develop the emotional, social, and learning skills required to graduate high school ready for meaningful employment or higher education.

Currently serving 12,500+ students at 15 Los Angeles public schools, CISLA seeks a highly qualified Administrative Assistant to join our growing team during an exciting new phase of programmatic and organizational expansion as part of our strategic plan.

POSITION SUMMARY

The External Affairs Manager is a strategic leader who helps position Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA) in the community and with education leaders and other public officials to help build awareness of our work and garner support.

The External Affairs Manager will help implement strategic action plans and possess knowledge of LA’s public education system, its leaders, and most crucial policies. They must understand policies, data and trends relevant to CISLA. The External Affairs Manager will work closely with CISLA’s Executive Director to implement the organization’s annual advocacy goals and priorities to ensure that the team understands them and acts for the good of our programs and students.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy

• Along with the Executive Director, implement CISLA’s advocacy goals and objectives.

• Represent CISLA among elected and appointed decision-makers about issues and policies affecting our students, families, and schools.

• Monitor education policies, legislation and regulations that pertain to the work of CISLA & identify opportunities to educate, inform, and influence these outcomes.

• Represent CISLA in community and education spaces, including coalition meetings and briefings.

School District Relations

• Liaise with leadership of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), as appropriate, to ensure strong ongoing partnerships including Board of Education, Superintendent & top administration, Local District Staff, etc.

• Establish and cultivate relationships with decision-makers, staffers, and administrators.

• Educate District officials about CISLA’s value, role, and impact in the communities we serve.

• Track and inform CISLA staff about opportunities to engage in district policies, initiatives and programs that align and/or impact CISLA.

Community Engagement

• Represent CISLA at key coalition meetings, convenings, working groups, etc. that advance CISLA’s advocacy priorities.

• Foster and strengthen relationships with community partners and engage in active coalition work.

• Manage CISLA’s participation in support and/or opposition of policies and initiatives affecting our students and communities.

Internal Organizational Support

• Along with Executive Director, create and implement an advocacy strategy that aligns with organizational vision, values, and goals.

• Along with Executive Director, oversee staff professional/political education by providing presentations, inviting guest speakers, and sharing relevant information to ensure team is current on key issues.

• Along with Executive Director, Engage CISLA staff and Board to achieve advocacy priorities.

• Represent CISLA as key external ambassador as needed.

CISLA Student & Parent Engagement

• Manage CISLA’s Student and Parent Leadership Committees to guide their participation in CISLA’s advocacy efforts.

• Recruit and train High School students to understand and engage in CISLA advocacy goals.

• Monitor student committees and leadership committees.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in public policy, or public administration.

• Minimum of 3 years of community engagement, organizing, or advocacy experience.

• Fluency in the educational landscape, K-12 education policy preferred.

• Knowledge of the Los Angeles area’s community and education advocacy and direct service organizations.

• Excellent written, public speaking, and oral communication skills.

• Experience taking part in coalitions and building strategic relationships with diverse groups and interests.

• Ability to synthesize and explain complex policy and advocacy issues strongly preferred.

• Strong interpersonal skills, and experience building and maintaining positive working relationships with diverse groups.

• Project planning skills and execution skills.

• Occasional weeknight and weekend events, and travel required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Criminal background check required.

· TB clearance, to be renewed every four years.

· Must have access to reliable transportation. (A valid California driver’s license and proof of current automobile insurance required when personal vehicle is used).

· Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required (digital record)

BENEFITS

• Generous benefits package including PTO/vacation, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, cell phone reimbursement, etc.

• Paid most major holidays, offices closed between Christmas and New Year’s.

The starting pay rate range is expected to be $$65,000 - $72,000 per year, depending on experience.

CISLA is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.