Director of Advocacy, Education, & Youth Engagement

Children's Home Society of Florida

Since opening our doors in 1902, CHS became a part of Florida's history. 

CHS has been committed to growing and evolving to provide the right services and solutions to address the needs of children and families throughout the changing times. Every day, our team works with parents and kids to empower them and encourage them. With innovative technology solutions and a dedicated, experienced team throughout the state, we’re changing the face of foster care and positively impacting children and families’ lives for generations to come. 

Join our team to continue to do good and create history serving Florida's children and families! 

The Director of Advocacy, Education & Youth Engagement leads CHS’s grassroots advocacy and youth engagement initiatives to advance the organization’s mission and policy priorities at the local, state, and federal levels. This role is responsible for building and coordinating CHS’s statewide advocacy network, strengthening partnerships with coalitions, equipping staff, volunteers, and board members with advocacy skills, and elevating the voices of children, families, and youth with lived experience.

WHY JOIN CHS?

• Uplifting mission-driven work culture
• Make an impact in your community and become a part of Florida's history!
• Growth and professional development opportunities
• Great benefits package, including generous paid time off and holidays

Primary Job Functions

1. 50% Advocacy

• Build, expand, and manage grassroots advocacy programs within CHS and in collaboration with aligned state coalitions.
• Provide advocacy support to CHS Regional Advisory Board Members, volunteers, program staff, and leadership.
• Coordinate and deliver advocacy training for staff, volunteers, and board members.
• Create advocacy resources, talking points, and communications that support effective engagement.
• Collaborate with program teams to support tours to showcase programs to elected officials.
• Coordinate meetings between members and elected officials to discuss issues/proposals and allow them to respond to CHS concerns and priorities.
• Build positive working relationships with elected and appointed key officials in the policy making process related to children’s issues.\

50% Youth Engagement & Education

• Oversee CHS’s annual Senate Page Program, ensuring meaningful participation and growth opportunities for youth.
• Develop and manage additional programs that connect CHS clients and young leaders with civic engagement opportunities.
• Create strategies to highlight the voices and stories of clients with lived experience, ensuring they are authentically represented before elected officials and policymakers.
• Collaborate with program teams to identify and prepare youth and family advocates for legislative testimony, events, and meetings.

2. Contribute to a positive, engaging work environment.

• Develop a strong knowledge base and stay current on dependency-related issues and trends.
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, training and education, and the quality management process.
• Comply with CHS’s code of conduct, policies, practices, contracts and other legal obligations.
• Assist with training other team members and providing back up when necessary.
• Pick up projects on the fly; perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
• Demonstrate the CHS Common Bond Values in the performance of all job duties.

Job Qualifications

Education, Licenses & Certifications:

• BA/BS in Political Science, Public Policy/Administration, Government Relations or related field from an accredited university, required; MA/MS strongly preferred.
• Equivalent combination of e