Director of Civic Engagement

Director of Civic Engagement

Team: Advocacy
Reports to: Vice President of Advocacy

Employment Status: Full Time/Exempt (40 hours/ week)

Salary: $98,400/ year 

Location: Position is based in New York City and will require regular travel to other parts of New York State.This position is hybrid with a requirement to work 4 days a week from the office and 1 day remote. 

Overview of the Organization

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization for nearly 200 groups in New York State. We envision a New York state that is stronger because all people are welcome, treated fairly, and given the chance to pursue their dreams. Our mission is to unite immigrants, members, & allies so all New Yorkers can thrive.  We represent the collective interests of New York’s diverse immigrant communities and organizations and devise solutions to advance them; advocate for laws, policies, and programs that lead to justice and opportunity for all immigrant groups; and build the power of immigrants and the organizations that serve them to ensure their sustainability, to improve people’s lives, and to strengthen our state.

Our organizational values: Inclusive and Representative; Fair & Just; Accountable & Trusted.

Position Overview

The Director of Civic Engagement will manage the NYIC’s overall civic engagement efforts, which  include leading the voter engagement, civic education, census, redistricting, electoral and census reforms, and campaigns. The Director supervises and mentors the Civic Engagement team, providing strategic direction, coaching, and oversight to ensure the successful execution of departmental priorities. The Director will direct the NYIC’s Register, Educate, Mobilize, Advocate, and Protect New York State (REMAP NYS) program, and work to build a base of engaged immigrants and allies throughout the state. The Director will also work on civic engagement in our sister organization NYIC Action, with approximately 20-30% of their time dedicated to NYIC Action. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

• Work with the executive leadership team to identify larger strategic initiatives to engage immigrants civically and empower them as voters, 
• Ensure strong year-round participation of member organizations and communities in civic engagement coalition spaces, 
• Bring new allies into Coalition’s work, form and manage strategic alliances, 
• Work to strengthen, expand membership & relationships in every region of the state including outside of New York City,
• Set strategy for and implement the non-partisan, comprehensive Register, Educate, Mobilize, Advocate, and Protect New York State (REMAP NYS) program.  Including the re-grant program: request for proposals, selection process and grants management, 
• Develop and steward strategic partnerships  with strategic allies involved in campaigns to advance NYIC's advocacy and civic engagement priorities , 
• Currently supervise a Civic Engagement Associate and may supervise additional staff,  interns and fellows as well as other positions as needed
• Identify, develop, and advocate for policy and procedural changes at the federal, state and city government levels to protect the rights and increase the civic engagement of immigrants 
• Create training curricula, education materials and multilingual resources for widespread distribution 
• Lead electoral-related trainings, candidate trainings, and other civic engagement trainings to  educate and engage immigrant communities in civic institutions and decision-making bodies  (precinct councils, community boards, school board etc.) 
• Partner with NYIC Development team to pursue and develop new funding prospects  
• Contribute to the development  of  grant proposals and funders reports  in partnership with the development team ensuring alignment with programmatic priorities and organizational goals. 
• Lead community education sessions and public forums throughout the year, 
• Serve as a spokesperson for the NYIC and support in developing messaging 
• Contribute to the NYIC staff and engage in organizational capacity-building for  the NYIC  
• Provide strategic leadership and coordination for  NYIC projects as needed, represent the team at  all major NYIC events, and support rapid response efforts and other priority initiatives.
• May occasionally move or carry materials weighing 50 lbs or less. 

NYIC Action Responsibilities included, but are not limited to:

• Lead the analysis of electoral races, candidates and districts and political trends to inform NYIC's civic engagement, advocacy, and campaign strategies. 
• Lead endorsement process including development of timeline, candidate communication, delegation of tasks, review of questions, input from team, sign off and presentation to NYIC Action Board 
• Support press and social media communications for NYIC Action
• Develop and implement strategic vision to evaluate independent NYIC Action efforts to support endorsed candidates’ path to victory
• Cultivate relationships and provide training to potential candidates 
• Represent NYIC Action in electoral spaces and build strategic relationships with other political action organizations 
• May occasionally move or carry materials weighing 50 lbs or less. 

Qualifications:  

• Knowledge of and commitment to social justice, immigrant justice, and New York State’s diverse immigrant communities.
• 6-8 years of relevant civic engagement professional experience in the social justice and not for profit sector 
• Must have supervisory and management experience, preferably 4-6 years
• Experience overseeing complex initiatives with multiple partners, organizing, community outreach, or communications highly desired 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong communication skills, and comfort with public speaking and meeting facilitation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and operate in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple projects with the ability to multi-task and manage competing deadlines 
• Professional proficiency in one of the top spoken languages in immigrant communities in NYC is strongly preferred.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Professional mastery of G-Suite/Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Salesforce 
• Must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Salary: $98,400/year

In addition to a competitive salary, NYIC offers a full benefit plan, paid sick time, unlimited vacation leave after 90 days of employment, commuter benefits and a comprehensive retirement plan.

**The NYIC has a transparent and equitable salary structure. Starting salaries for each position are set in advance with no room for negotiation.

To apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume, and a cover letter outlining their interest in the position, relevant experience, and how they can contribute to our organization's mission. Applications should be sent to BREEZY. 

Deadline to Apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we are looking for someone to begin as soon as possible.

All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, immigration status or citizenship, sex, age, disability or marital status.