Education Strategist (Lower Hudson Valley)

Education Strategist

The Education Strategist works under the supervision of the Assistant Director in the Education Policy Center to coordinate youth organizing efforts in the Lower Hudson Valley (Rockland and/or Westchester Counties). This includes building a Teen Activist Project in the Lower Hudson Valley region and engaging weekly with young people to advance our policy and issue area priorities. As a member of the NYCLU's Education Policy Center, the Education Strategist will ensure that youth are connected to NYCLU issue areas that have the biggest impact on them, like school discipline and climate, protections for immigrant students and families, bullying and harassment, and inclusive curriculum. This role will support students in the East Ramapo Central School District, as well as the potential for other schools located in the Lower Hudson Valley (Rockland and/or Westchester Counties). This person will be working directly with young people and stakeholders in the community to represent the NYCLU in the region.

The Education Strategist will establish NYCLU's credibility and presence in New York State public and private schools by building relationships with students, parents, educators, and community organizations. The Education Strategist will also lead and support key public-facing initiatives of the Education Policy Center, including Youth Lobby Day, our Teen Activist Project Instagram, and Know Your Rights workshops across the state.

This position is based in the Mid to Lower Hudson Valley with regular travel to New York City. Most of the responsibilities will be performed in-person with some remote meetings. There is no NYCLU office in this region, candidates must have a reliable, confidential space to complete assigned duties.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Recruit and supervise members of our peer education program(s) for teenagers in the Lower Hudson Valley (Rockland and/or Westchester Counties).
• Monitor and respond to civil liberties and civil rights issues impacting youth in the region.
• Contribute to the Education Policy Center's strategic priorities by advancing departmental goals and performing other duties as assigned.
• Work closely with the youth programs team, create content for our Teen Activist Instagram account, and train youth members to be spokespeople on NYCLU issues.
• Design and undertake a regional youth program to build and nurture strategic partnerships with youth activists, youth-serving organizations, policymakers and educators.
• Hold weekly program meetings with teen activists and facilitate workshops and related trainings.
• Develop and update curricula for NYCLU workshops with youth and educator input.
• Respond to requests for support and information from community members, legislators, and regional offices.
• Serve as a media spokesperson for NYCLU initiatives.
• Contribute to blog posts and policy briefs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. Degrees can be in Education, Sociology, Social Work, Human Development, Community Organizing, Gender or Cultural Studies, or other related disciplines.
• Spanish fluency strongly preferred.
• At least two years of experience in youth organizing, youth development, education, or a related field that demonstrates consistent engagement with young people.
• Ability to plan strategically to sustain and grow a Lower Hudson Valley youth program. Experience with developing and managing a program budget.
• Experience in a low supervision environment. Self-starter with excellent skills in time management and prioritization.
• Experience living or working in the Lower Hudson Valley strongly preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including experience working with diverse populations, and advocating on behalf of young people.
• A deep understanding of trauma-informed advocacy and a commitment to anti-racism, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
• Experience delivering trainings for youth and community stakeholders.
• At least 2 years of working with systems that serve youth (such as school systems).
• Understanding of and commitment to the nonpartisan mission and goals of the NYCLU and ACLU.
• Valid New York State Driver's License and reliable personal transportation required. Availability & willingness to travel across Hudson Valley, and to work some non-traditional hours.
• Experience working with social justice and/or legal professionals a plus.