Health Equity Coordinator

AJE is expanding its parent empowerment model through the development of a strategic advocacy program that compliments and supports our work with families. The purpose of this program is to build the capacity of families within the District of Columbia through the empowerment and uplifting of parent voices to impact change at all levels of the education system to ensure children and youth have equitable access to programs and services for successful educational and life outcomes. Within this program, AJE has created six structured components to our program to include to provide support to families at each level of advocacy: Parent Leadership Academy (PLA), Parent Ambassador Program (PAP), School-based Advocacy Program (SBAP), Organizing with Unique Populations, Youth Advocacy Program (YAP), and our Comprehensive Advocacy Resources. The Parent Organizer primarily supports the Advocacy Program by engaging in grassroots organizing along with other efforts.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build a base of grassroots activists across DC to support AJE’s issue and priorities.
• Organize opportunities for grassroots engagement on advocacy/policy campaigns and in movement building work.
• Support the identification and coordination of parent leaders.
• Conduct education and training modules for parent leaders that provide them with skills and deepens their understanding of early childhood learning, special education, the early intervention/special education service delivery system, and general principles of organizing and advocacy.
• Support identified parent leaders in the planning and hosting of Early Intervention, Community, and World Cafés.
• Build durable relationships with key leaders of allied organizations to ensure alignment around AJE campaign goals and tactics.
• Participate in the development and facilitation of diverse and powerful coalition efforts and other legislative campaigns as identified by the Director of Advocacy.
• Support the drafting and implementation of campaign plans for specific projects.
• Conduct outreach and intake to parents and other caretakers, low-wage workers, faith and community leaders, small business owners, and allied advocates who will become spokespeople for AJE campaigns.
• Participate in the development of compelling narratives around our campaigns and ensure all actions and messaging reinforce our brand and values.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least two years of experience in community organizing, that engages the public.
• Experience in developing a grassroots membership base and executing field programs.
• Proven skills in working and communicating with diverse communities, especially with working class and poor communities of color.
• A commitment to a progressive vision of racial, social, and economic justice and deep understanding of how these intersect, especially around issues of education and disability.
• The ability to communicate in plain language about complex laws, policies, and legislative initiatives.
• The ability to plan and manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• The ability to communicate and work effectively within a team and in partnership with other organizations.
• The drive to try innovative tactics and experiment with new forms of organizing.
• The ability to be a motivated self-starter.

PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Familiarity with the unique challenges facing DC communities.
• Familiarity with early childhood development issues, including early intervention services, either through lived experience or an understanding of policy.
• Familiarity with special education and disability service delivery systems, either through lived experience or an understanding of policy.
• The ability to read, write, and speak Spanish.
• The ability to be comfortable working with press, as well as with social media and email communications.

Advocates for Justice and Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply.