Advocacy & Engagement Associate

$53,000 - $53,000/Yr

Illinios Action for Children - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

About the position

The Advocacy & Engagement Associate at Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) plays a crucial role in developing and implementing strategies to engage families, providers, community members, and partners. This position aims to amplify IAFC's reach across Illinois and foster early childhood champions. The Associate will utilize various communication tools to enhance public awareness of early childhood education and care issues while supporting engagement efforts related to research projects. The role requires collaboration with multiple teams and a commitment to the organization's core values of accountability, customer focus, and continuous quality improvement.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Public Policy, Research & Advocacy (PPRA) team members and IAFC Marketing & Communications department to create content for digital communications.
• Develop trainings, tools, and resources to build advocacy capacity and leadership.
• Identify and support opportunities to make research findings relatable and actionable.
• Convene public education and awareness-building events.
• Draft advocacy communications, including newsletters and action alerts.
• Serve as Co-Chair of the We, the Village Communications Committee.
• Support communication and engagement efforts regarding various PPRA initiatives.
• Maintain content for We, the Village social media and website.
• Update IAFC website with relevant materials.
• Support planning of annual advocacy event in Springfield, IL.
• Serve as PPRA Marketing Liaison and convene regular meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Public speaking, writing, editing, social justice advocacy campaign/organizing and social media experience and/or skills required.
• Excellent communications and community engagement skills.
• Ability to travel throughout city and state.
• Ability to work independently.
• Valid driver's license and insurance.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of Canva, WordPress, Facebook, Voter Voice and/or other social media, communications, and advocacy software and platforms preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge of early childhood care/education programs preferred.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans with a company contribution of 95% for single coverage.
• 401k with company match.
• Generous PTO - first year-23 days, the second year-28 days, the third year and on - 35 days.
• 11 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• STD & LTD insurance.
• Company-paid Life Insurance.