Organizational Overview:
Texans Standing Tall (TST) is the statewide coalition making alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs irrelevant in the lives of youth by creating healthier and safer communities. TST is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization based in Austin that utilizes evidence-based community prevention strategies to create a healthier environment for our youth. We are committed to research-driven practices, policies and procedures for prevention. TST pursues its mission through research, educating the public, coalition training, technical assistance, advocacy, and policy development/enforcement/evaluation. We mobilize grassroots and grasstops for community change. Our supporters and partners include state agencies and organizations as well as individuals and local coalitions throughout the state. Our premier projects are Regional Forums held statewide, production of Report Cards, and our annual Statewide Summit.

Position Overview:
The Community Mobilization Coordinator will work closely with the Strategy Specialist and Director of Research and Advocacy to facilitate the goals of the organization. Overall, the job entails facilitating and encouraging implementation of environmental prevention strategies to prevent youth alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use on both statewide and local levels, in particular coordinating our “social access” strategies with community coalitions and law enforcement. This position acts as a social change agent and uses a great amount of creativity and initiative to educate, organize, train, and mobilize the public while providing technical assistance as needed to those served by the organization. The position also acts as a liaison for coalition members/organizational interests at state agency meetings and with key decision makers.

The successful candidate will manage projects related to media advocacy and strategy implementation goals focused on preventing youth access to alcohol, represent TST on state level committees, lead trainings, build and maintain relationships with partner coalitions, create resources, and conduct policy and strategy research to prioritize strategies and goals. The successful candidate will be a passionate and skilled community organizer with the ability to manage a portfolio of relationships, communicate efficiently with stakeholders, have experience working with the media, and will execute plans that encourage individuals to make a difference in their local communities. The ideal candidate will excel at building relationships and working with a team to make an impact. He or she will be committed to getting results in a fast-paced environment and able to handle a heavy workload while meeting deadlines.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND, DUTIES, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree or higher in political science, communications, behavioral science, public health or related field. Sufficient experience in progressively responsible similar position to demonstrate competency may be substituted for Bachelors degree.
Minimum 1 year experience in grassroots organizing, with a proven track record in strategy planning and strategy implementation.
Minimum 1 year experience in advocacy work in a nonprofit environment, community planning, media advocacy communications, and/or experience in policy process.
Must have experience using earned media to move a strategy forward.
Must be an organized and goal-driven individual. Excellent writing skills, communications skills and a proven track record of positive relationships with the media and community are critical.
Personal vehicle with applicable insurance; ability and willingness to travel.
Because TST’s primary purpose is to serve the public, this position requires a cell phone to fulfill job responsibilities such as being available off-hours, at meetings, during travel, or other business purposes.
Ability to lift boxes up to 30 pounds.
Small nonprofit experience highly preferred.
Commitment to the organizational mission and ideology in order to effectively promote and advance the goals of Texans Standing Tall and its members.

OTHER PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:
Familiarity with the concepts and methods of broad-based organizing (such as PICO or DART) or with the methodology of other community organizing groups such as Midwest Academy.
Familiarity with rural and urban local politics/policy process; experience using analytical skills to move a policy forward.
Experience planning programs and facilitating large and small meetings.
Passion for making positive change in the world, and a genuine commitment to working in a collaborative team setting.
Outstanding leadership qualities and the ability to inspire and connect with public health advocates and community leaders.
A demonstrated commitment to meeting high standards and a history of getting things done even in the face of obstacles; ability to troubleshoot and creatively problem solve with limited financial resources.
Proven success developing relationships and building a base to support a cause.
The ability to master a complicated political landscape quickly and thoroughly.
Demonstrated ability to break down large projects into smaller discrete tasks that can be distributed to multiple volunteer leaders who then feel ownership over their piece of work.
Ability to effectively plan, implement, and follow through even when intervening factors are unknown; ability to act proactively and anticipate next steps.
Thorough knowledge of facilitation techniques with a variety of audiences and meeting formats including conference calls.
Ability to grasp and distill complicated materials into content suitable for diverse group of laypersons.
Experience working in a small workplace environment and/or within a tight budget.
Working knowledge of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse/use issues.
Ability to maintain grant backup and produce reports for projects.
Experience in planning events and/or trainings.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Participates in the fulfillment of grant objectives, adherence to funder’s compliance requirements.
Adheres to program budgets and to all grant reporting requirements.
Participates in development of new initiatives consistent with the organization’s objectives.
Plans and develops presentations and working sessions on topics reflective of organizational mission and purpose and according to organizational need.
Participates in TST organizational events both as a presenter and planner.
Tracks outcomes by way of surveys, focus groups, interviews, and archival data collection.
Ensures that project objectives are implemented within all the regions throughout the state.
Researches to prioritize policies and strategy implementation based on needs assessment and capacity.
Analyzes and suggests appropriate action for public policy and/or legislative processes.
Represents TST on state level committees.
Trains community/coalition members on strategies.
Responds to needs of coalition members regarding strategy implementation.
Creates tools and resources for grassroots advocates and coalition members.
Utilizes online project management site to coordinate state resources.
Plans trainings and events to advance strategies and meet coalition goals.
Motivates people to engage in creating community change.

SALARY: $35,000 – $40,000 (commensurate with experience) plus benefits

HOURS: Full time position; some night and weekend meetings. Travel required.

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter and resume to TST@TexansStandingTall.org. In the letter explain why you are interested in the position and what you would bring to the job and organization. The position is open until filled.

We believe diversity and inclusion are key drivers of creativity and innovation and we actively seek out candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply for roles in our organization.