JerseyCAN: The New Jersey Campaign for Achievement Now, is a state-level education reform advocacy group. JerseyCAN is a branch of 50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now, a national organization committed to building world-class, state-led advocacy campaigns for education reform that get results.

JerseyCAN has an energetic “we won’t fail” culture and is undertaking advocacy campaigns at both the state-level as well as in focus cities in New Jersey. As a key member of our in-state team, the ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for meeting the needs of students in New Jersey, a demonstrated track record of success in communications and development work in New Jersey or in similar states, and an understanding of the policymaking process and key players in New Jersey.

This position reports directly to JerseyCAN’s executive director.

Responsibilities

Communications. Identify and execute effective communications strategies and tactics to support annual and multi-year advocacy campaigns. Set vision and direction for JerseyCAN’s brand; identify and implement strategies/research/processes to create effective messaging, such as polling, message testing, and/or focus groups, develop content for both rapid response and proactive messaging on a daily basis if needed; identify and own strategies to engage traditional and non-traditional media; cultivate relationships with local reporters; draft press releases and op-eds; create and execute mass advocacy emails; maintain and update JerseyCAN’s website and social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and the blog; write talking points and coordinate testimony for the executive director; and manage local vendors and communications databases.

Winning advocacy campaigns. Work with the Executive Director to execute advocacy campaign plans that focus on achieving specific policy goals. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to building social movements through communications tactics and coalition building and/or coalition management.

Fundraising and “grasstops” engagement. Work closely with the Executive Director to cultivate new funders and strengthen relationships and communications with existing funders. This would likely include visits with funders, preparing regular communications for funders, and preparing cultivation material including PowerPoint presentations and leave behinds. Engage with “grasstops” leaders at the state-level and possibly some at the local level in our focus cities through strategic partnership work and communications work.

Strategic partnerships and volunteer engagement. Cultivate relationships and strategic partnerships throughout the state; recruit, train and support allies as needed; grow JerseyCAN’s membership by organizing events and social media outreach; and represent JerseyCAN at other organizations’ events.

Requirements: The ideal candidate will possess

Experience:

At least five years of communications experience, ideally in the advocacy sector.
Experience building relationships and influencing others to achieve outcomes.
Experience with engaging traditional and non-traditional media, both reporters and editorial boards.
Experience with preparing materials for fundraising or other development experience is preferred.

Key Skills and Abilities:

Exceptional writing, editing and verbal skills.
Strong PowerPoint skills.
Social media fluency including, but not limited to, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Passion for the work, strong work ethic, “roll-up-my-sleeves” attitude, and willingness to do “whatever it takes” in a fast-paced work environment.
Strong sense of relentlessness and drive to accomplish goals.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Creativity and willingness to take risks with advocacy campaign tactics to break through to new ground.
Familiarity with education policy issues, the policy-making process, and New Jersey policy stakeholders is highly desirable.

How to apply

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. JerseyCAN offers a comprehensive benefits package. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to janellen.duffy@jerseycan.org.

JerseyCAN is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply