Education Organizer - Orange County

About the role

The Start Up Rocketship Education Organizer - Orange County is a full-time, exempt position on Rocketship’s External Affairs Department, reporting to the California External Affairs team within the Bay Area region. This role will collaborate deeply with the Sr. Director of External Affairs and Associate Director of Organizing to carry out the building blocks of a deep community grassroots campaign. This position requires this person to live within the bounds of Orange County. This role requires the person to have a valid driver license, a car and the ability to travel within Orange County with occasional travel to the Bay Area.

Responsibilities

• Build the capacity of parents to understand the State and local educational landscape, key decision makers, and power of community, through the PICO Organizing Cycle.
• Recruit, mobilize, and retain a network of parents and community stakeholders that build advocacy and engagement to define interest and set the foundation of a new region.
• Complete one-on-one relational meetings every week, approximately 15 per week, with current and future parent leaders and other important stakeholders that build organizing capacity and engagement.
• Identify the right places in the community where leads can be cultivated (grocery stores, community centers, etc).
• Establish a Core Group of parent leaders in the local community.
• Work closely with the External Affairs team, remain informed on the local education politics landscape and develop coordinated grasstops - grassroots strategies.
• Foster relationships and develop champions with community-based organizations, faith leaders, elected officials, civic and community leaders that elevates organizing.
• Lead parent organizing campaigns and support parent-led civic and local campaigns for education equity through the school petition process and eventually the charter reauthorization process.
• Represent Rocketship Public Schools with authenticity, courage and and connection to the community at a variety of places including but not limited to community forums, community meetings, churches, etc.
• Enable a positive, high performance team culture as a leader and shows up a team player and collaborator to the CA External Affairs team and region overall, including demonstrating excellence and innovation to exceed regional goals.

Requirements

• The ability to position Rocketship in the policy arena as an agent for positive change through strong communication and strategic skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with families, parents and community leaders.
• Capacity to think strategically and critically about social, economic, cultural, and political issues affecting a community.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and cultivate support among diverse stakeholders.
• A results-oriented, goal-driven, team approach to work.
• The desire to learn and an openness to challenge.
• A sense of urgency and passion for social justice and equity in education.
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Strong public speaking, writing, and analytical skills.
• Versatility in verbal and written fluency in Spanish and English.
• Experience using Google Apps and a willingness to learn and implement new technology.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends, as campaigns require.

Qualifications

• 2 + years experience in community organizing and grassroots movements.
• 2+ years experience in community outreach.
• Experience managing and/or leading community organizing campaigns and mobilizing support.
• Experience working with organizations or schools in a diverse community.
• Familiarity with local and/or state politics, education politics & movements.
• A bachelor’s degree.
• Education Reform experience.

Skills

• Data Accuracy and Management: Ensure accurate and well-organized records by leveraging strong expertise in data management systems to optimize workflows and maintain high standards of precision.
• Mobilize the community around Education Equity.

Benefits

Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and welfare benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.

Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.