Advocacy Associate

Organizational Overview

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars. 

Job Overview

Reporting directly to the Director of Family Engagement and Partnerships, the Advocacy Associate will work with the Director to set the strategic direction for advocacy at KIPP Atlanta Schools and advise the team on the development and implementation of growth-related goals and strategies. The Associate will also lead efforts to engage with community partners, manage parent advocacy, and support the Director in developing family leadership structures within their schools. The Associate will also lead grassroot advocacy activities on behalf of the organization and develop and maintain collaborative relationships with government officials and other advocacy organizations to ensure the success of KIPP’s policy programs, advocacy goals, and growth plans.  The associate will also advise leadership on political matters, and lead the development and maintenance of the organization's partnership database. 
 
This job description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

Job Responsibilities:

Advocacy 50%

• Lead the advocacy functions of the organization under the direction of the Director; Create and oversee the management of the organization’s advocacy coalition; establish and maintain collaborative relationships with local coalitions, and other advocacy organizations to advance the organization’s policy and advocacy goals
• Expand KIPP Atlanta Schools' voice, influence, and impact on key issues facing the communities we serve
• Identify opportunities and develop ways to strategically maximize collaboration and coordination with external partners
• Identify opportunities for capacity-building activities around advocacy at the local and state level, and work directly with state-based organizations to develop strategies to build momentum for action
• Proactively engage with current and potential KIPP Atlanta families and communities, as critical advocates and ambassadors for KIPP Atlanta Schools
• Support the Director in the coordination of Advocacy Committee events and participate in committee events as appropriate
• Develop advocacy materials including researching and drafting fact sheets, talking points, and other materials as required
• Develop and maintain an accurate calendar of department event dates and deliverables. 
• Develop local and federal grassroots advocacy campaigns including recruitment, training, engagement, and retention of advocates
• Identify key grassroots allies in local communities (including neighborhood associations, NPUs, civic organizations, etc.) and explore opportunities for deepening our relationships
• Educate community leaders, advocates, donors, and elected officials about our schools through relationship building, school visits, community events
• Provide strategic counsel to the Director, MD, and CIO on policy and legislative issues

Strategic Partnerships 50%

• Support the Director in building relationships and partnerships with key community leaders in the neighborhoods we currently serve as well as those we plan to serve
• Enthusiastically build relationships with Atlanta’s major stakeholders and constituencies, including the media, community groups, elected officials, community leaders, and other influencers.
<