Education Strategist (Lower Hudson Valley) at New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation

Local 2320 Union Position. NYCLU staff are currently working in a hybrid model with a number of in-person days required. Position is based in the Mid Lower Hudson Valley with regular travel to NYC.

About the role

The Education Strategist works under the supervision of the Assistant Director in the Education Policy Center to coordinate youth organizing efforts in the Lower Hudson Valley (Rockland and/or Westchester Counties). This includes building a Teen Activist Project in the region and engaging weekly with young people to advance policy and issue-area priorities. The role ensures youth are connected to NYCLU issue areas that impact them most—school discipline and climate, protections for immigrant students and families, bullying and harassment, and inclusive curriculum—with a focus on students in the East Ramapo Central School District and potentially other schools in the Lower Hudson Valley.

The Education Strategist will establish NYCLU’s credibility and presence in New York State public and private schools by building relationships with students, parents, educators, and community organizations. This position leads and supports key public-facing initiatives of the Education Policy Center, including Youth Lobby Day, the Teen Activist Project Instagram, and Know Your Rights workshops across the state. Most responsibilities are performed in-person, with some remote meetings. There is no NYCLU office in the region; candidates must have a reliable, confidential space to complete assigned duties.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and supervise members of peer education program(s) for teenagers in the Lower Hudson Valley (Rockland and/or Westchester Counties).
• Monitor and respond to civil liberties and civil rights issues impacting youth in the region.
• Contribute to the Education Policy Center's strategic priorities by advancing departmental goals and performing other duties as assigned.
• Work closely with the youth programs team to create content for the Teen Activist Instagram account and train youth members to be spokespeople on NYCLU issues.
• Design and undertake a regional youth program to build and nurture strategic partnerships with youth activists, youth-serving organizations, policymakers, and educators.
• Hold weekly program meetings with teen activists and facilitate workshops and related trainings.
• Develop and update curricula for NYCLU workshops with youth and educator input.
• Respond to requests for support and information from community members, legislators, and regional offices.
• Serve as a media spokesperson for NYCLU initiatives.
• Contribute to blog posts and policy briefs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (Education, Sociology, Social Work, Human Development, Community Organizing, Gender or Cultural Studies, or related disciplines).
• Spanish fluency strongly preferred.
• At least two years of experience in youth organizing, youth development, education, or a related field demonstrating consistent engagement with young people.
• Ability to plan strategically to sustain and grow a Lower Hudson Valley youth program; experience developing and managing a program budget.
• Experience in a low-supervision environment; self-starter with excellent time management and prioritization skills.
• Experience living or working in the Lower Hudson Valley strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including diverse populations, and advocate on behalf of young people.
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed advocacy and commitment to anti-racism, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
• Experience delivering trainings for youth and community stakeholders.
• At least 2 years of working with systems that serve youth (e.g., school systems).
• Understanding of and commitment to the nonpartisan mission and goals of the NYCLU and ACLU.
• Valid New York State Driver’s License and reliable personal transportation required.
• Availability and willingness to travel across the Hudson Valley and work some non-traditional hours.
• Experience working with social justice and/or legal professionals a plus.

Benefits

This position may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Pay

$65,000 – $70,000 yearly salary.