Education Strategist (Lower Hudson Valley)

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 NYCLU’s policy and issue-area priorities. The role ensures youth are connected to NYCLU issue areas that impact them most—such as 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 other Lower Hudson Valley schools.

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. The role also leads and supports key public-facing initiatives, including Youth Lobby Day, the Teen Activist Project Instagram, and Know Your Rights workshops across the state.

This is a temporary full-time, non-exempt, two-year contract position with possibility of extension. Most responsibilities will be 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Degrees can be in Education, Sociology, Social Work, Human Development, Community Organizing, Gender or Cultural Studies, or other related disciplines.
• Spanish fluency strongly preferred.
• At least two years of experience in youth organizing, youth development, education, or a related field that demonstrates consistent engagement with young people.
• Ability to plan strategically to sustain and grow a Lower Hudson Valley youth program. Experience with developing and managing a program budget.
• Experience in a low-supervision environment. Self-starter with excellent skills in time management and prioritization.
• Experience living or working in the Lower Hudson Valley strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including experience working with diverse populations and advocating on behalf of young people.
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed advocacy and a 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 (such as 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 to 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