Advocacy and Research Manager

If you are interested in the Advocacy and Research Manager position, please send a résumé and cover letter to info@growingkings.org.

Position Summary

The Advocacy & Research Manager will support the Executive Director in the execution of Growing Kings’ advocacy and research efforts. In this role, s/he will lead Growing Kings’ work in developing and advocating for a policy and research agenda that creates better educational, economic, societal, and familial opportunities for boys and young men of color. Additionally, this position will be required to initiate and manage the delivery of a programme of quality research into the vast field male youth development, in collaboration with network partners. Data analyses and evaluation will also be involved in all projects to ensure program objectives are achieved. Specific interest should be given to alternative disciplinary policies in public schools, workforce development, community
policing, and fostering a more responsive learning culture for boys and young men of color.

The advocacy & research manager oversees programs in the areas of policy research and advocacy, movement-building, and directly coordinates advocacy, education and training in the area of urban male youth engagement. This role represents a natural but significant growth in Growing Kings’ role in advocacy, filling a need for a voice to speak on behalf of community leaders and practitioners who work passionately toward creating outstanding options for underserved male youth. The advocacy & research manager will be Growing Kings’ primary representative in policy matters, and will lead the organization’s work in connection with the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Alliance, MENTOR, the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, and other national networks. The advocacy & research manager identifies policy change opportunities, participates in researching and writing about policy issues, develops issue campaigns, and helps identify and mobilize coalition partners.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

I. Advocacy
 Develop and implement a strategic advocacy agenda for each established issue priority including achievable goals and performance measures;
 Work with the Development Manager to launch multi-media public education
campaigns designed to extend the impact of the Growing Kings’ legislative, legal and policy advocacy;
 Build and direct strong, well-designed, well-defined programs to promote Black and Brown male achievement across Alabama, integrating legal, legislative, public education, communications and organizing strategies;
 Work with the Board of Directors to analyze racial and demographic implications of federal, state and local legislation; and
 Conduct and oversee policy research and drafting, while working closely with network partners and the Board of Directors’ Advocacy and Policy Committee, as appropriate.

II. Research Design and Management
 Manage the implementation of the organization’s strategic longitudinal evaluation plan;
 Oversee the use of evaluation as a tool in accomplishing program objectives and ensure that data is being collected accurately, analyzed appropriately and adapted as needed;
 Facilitate communication of policies, procedures, schedules and other logistics associated with the external evaluation; and
 Manage a portfolio of strategic evaluations, working closely with the program staff to assure that the evaluations provide quality, useful and timely information.

III. Evaluation, Analysis and Reporting
 Disseminate and translate research findings to a variety of constituencies;
 To prepare progress reports on research for funders as required;
 To ensure that results are recorded, analyzed and written up in a timely fashion; and
 Create systems for using data to provide ongoing feedback and support to providers for the improvement of program practices.

IV. Outreach
 Lead and manage the organization’s outreach and out-of-school time programmatic efforts, inclusive of volunteer and mentor recruitment and training, civic engagement, and support programs for older youth involved with the criminal justice system;
 Build and nurture effective multi-organizational coalitions and alliances on priority issues;
 Lead the development and management of effective working relationships with key public officials at the federal, state and local levels; and
 Develop and maintain relationships with policy advocacy staffs with the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, the MBK Alliance, and other national organizations.

Skills/Experience

 Proven ability in managing and fostering relations with all stakeholders
 Highly motivated, self-starter with the ability to be an energetic and flexible leader
 Experience coaching and training others
 Proven ability to manage a complex and varied work load and to work under pressure
 Stature, gravitas, and confidence to gain the credibility and respect of key stakeholders.
 Excellent and persuasive communicator.
 Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with Board of Directors, donors, partners, volunteers, and staff.
 Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker.

Qualifications

 Bachelor’s degree in public administration/ policy, political science, education, marketing, public relations, or related field (required); Master’s degree (preferred).
 At least 2 years of experience managing and championing a small team of professionals.
 Track record of advocacy, coalition building, and community engagement experience.
 Comfort with frequent local travel, and 2-3 out-of-state travel projects per year.
 Passion for Growing Kings’ mission.

If you are interested in the Advocacy & Research Manager position, please send a résumé and cover letter to info@growingkings.org.