Posted 1 month ago

Associate Director, Community Organizing

MilwaukeeHybridFull-time

AI Summary

The Wisconsin Associate Director of Community Organizing recruits and trains parent leaders, builds advocacy campaigns, and partners with schools and stakeholders to advance education equity in Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

About this role

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Description

At Rocketship, one of our key pillars is building authentic parent power in our community. In our Parent Organizing Committees (POCs), parents advocate tirelessly for their children by becoming community leaders in education equity. The position involves working with current parent leaders to develop their knowledge of governance, power, political dynamics, and systematic barriers affecting their families, especially for underserved communities. Simultaneously, the organizer will work to recruit and train new parents in community organizing skills, drawing them into the movement and increasing parent voice, involvement, and presence in the education political landscape of Milwaukee and Wisconsin as a whole. The Wisconsin Associate Director of Community Organizing is a full-time, exempt position on Rocketship Wisconsin Regional Leadership Team. The person selected for this position will collaborate with other Community Organizing leaders across the other Rocketship regions.

This role will report to the Rocketship Wisconsin Director of External Engagement, collaborate with fellow organizers nationally, and align and partner on the strategy set by the Executive Director. The role will also include partnering effectively with school leaders, families, community organizations, and stakeholders in advocacy for educational equity at our Rocketship Wisconsin schools.

Essential Functions

Recruit, mobilize, and retain a network of parents and community stakeholders that build advocacy and engagement to transform our local communities.

Build the capacity of parents & families to understand the state and local educational landscape, key decision makers, and power of community, through the PICO Organizing Cycle.

Complete one-on-one relational meetings every week (approximately 15-20) with current and future parent leaders and other important stakeholders that build organizing capacity and engagement.

Serve as a strategic partner in external affairs with the Executive Director, remain informed on the local education political landscape, and develop coordinated grasstops - grassroots strategies.

Foster relationships and develop champions with community-based organizations, faith leaders, elected officials, and civic and community leaders that lead to elevating parent organizing.

Lead parent-organizing campaigns for the growth and expansion of schools in WI, as well as parent-led civic and local campaigns for education equity.

Eventually, hire, train and support the development of a team of Education Organizers.

Minimum Qualifications

3+ year experience in community organizing, education reform, or engagement in grassroots movements

This position requires daily travel between school sites and community locations where events and meetings with parents are held. Valid Driver’s license and access to vehicle required.

The ability to position Rocketship in the policy arena as an agent for positive change through strong communication and strategic skills

Demonstrated ability to interact and cultivate support among diverse stakeholders

Experience using Google Apps and a willingness to learn and implement new technology

A growth-mindset, self-directed, and goal-oriented professional approach to organizing work

A sense of urgency and passion for social justice and educational equity

Ability to work some nights and weekends, as campaigns require; option for 1-2 days working from home for administrative purposes

A commitment to building strong, trust-based relationships through candid feedback, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences