Advocacy & Community Engagement Officer

Full

*Casa Familiar requires that all employees be fully COVID-19 vaccinated. The successful candidate must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated and provide proof prior to their start date.*

Casa Familiar (Casa) was founded in 1973 and is a 501(c)(3) community-based organization dedicated to serving residents in South San Diego County and specifically the border community of San Ysidro.

Casa’s Mission Statement:Casa Familiar’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for Low-Income Individuals and Families through Advocacy, Social Services, Education, Affordable Housing, Arts and Culture, a Community and Economic Development.

Casa Familiar Values:Integrity, Respect, Familia, Culture & Community

Expanding our Leadership Team:

Alongside our team of Officers, the Community Engagement Officer will embody Casa Familiar’s mission and values at the heart of our work and bring the range of skills and experience needed to achieve our strategic direction and continued growth. In close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and the Leadership Team, along with input from Leaders throughout the organization, the Community Engagement Officer will support Casa’s vision to build community power for social change, lead policy, and advocacy efforts, and collaborate toward sustainability strategies that will support Casa’s recent expansion and future goals.

Our vision centers on organizing alongside the community to move forward on affordable housing and anti-displacement strategies, environmental justice, immigrant rights, social and economic justice, and racial equity. The Community Engagement Officer will oversee our Environmental Justice Department, Arts & Culture Department, and Promotora team. The ideal candidate for the position will be a thoughtful leader who brings relevant life experience and a deep demonstrable record of accomplishment in community organizing, policy, and advocacy; partnership development; and staff supervision.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications and Qualities:

• A broad understanding of local, state & federal policies that pertain to low-income families and communities of color is required
• Excellent advocacy, consensus-building, coalition-building, and leadership skills; demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with other staff, policy partners (government, allies, academic institutions), and other organizations; demonstrated ability to work with groups and individuals from diverse communities
• At least 4 years of leadership experience in community organizing, policy advocacy, civic or community engagement, or equivalent experience at a senior-level position in historically underrepresented communities
• The ability and comfort to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment is essential
• Self-motivated, independent worker with an interest in creative, out-of-the-box thinking
• Grounded and flexible with a high degree of integrity and transparency. Optimistic and resourceful, with strong self-awareness
• Experienced in developing, supervising, mentoring, and coaching staff
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and adjust to frequently changing demands, needs, and/or priorities
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to community organizing, equity, and inclusivity
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral (English and Spanish); experience as a public spokesperson and advocate; ability to analyze and articulate concepts, complex issues, and communicate them to a variety of audiences
• Deep passion and commitment to advancing racial, economic, social, and environmental justice in immigrant, low-income and multi-generational communities
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment in planning, programming, and budget management
• Extensive knowledge of governmental legislative and administrative processes a plus

Essential Skills and Requirements

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a broad audience (visual communication skills are a plus)
• Bilingual -Spanish-English -Required
• Extensive knowledge of regional and local resources
• Strong project management skills; organized, detail-oriented
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Teams preferred
• Strong knowledge of data management systems (experience in Salesforce a plus)
• Valid California driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required

Must be able to pass live Scan and background screening

Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement/Impact Work (60%)

• Identify, prioritize, and articulate funding opportunities and provide ongoing support in aligning programmatic strategies with program sustainability goals
• Provide leadership, along with other staff, partner organizations, and community on the vision and a strategic approach to achieve our policy and advocacy priorities and goals
• Support crafting the organizational narratives for external communications
• Integrate and innovate culturally relevant and effective grassroots organizing strategies
• As needed, act as an ambassador for Casa Familiar with external partners and stakeholders
• Oversee budget and programming needs for the Arts & Culture Department, Environmental Justice Department, Promotoras, and Social Impact work
• Generate communications to the community, staff, other organizations, stakeholders, or allies, these may include but are not limited to policy campaigns and initiatives, press releases, tracking outcomes and reports; impact reports,
• Work with Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Team, and other Leaders to cultivate relationships that may yield organizational and financial support from individuals and organizations
• Support the Leadership Team’s bench in developing key messaging and story-telling messaging based on yearly goals, outcomes, and priorities

Reporting & Evaluation (10%)

• Loop to capture deliverables, outcomes, contract obligations, and departmental goals
• Research learning opportunities, tools, and approaches on evaluation
• Lead the organization in annual evaluation activities, including the creation of the Annual Impact Report
• Support Leadership by streamlining internal processes for reporting and feedback
• Oversee the timely and accurate submission of reporting requirements

Internal Leadership (20%)

• Be a strategic, high-level thought partner with Leadership Team
• Oversee managerial-level staff in support of their professional development as part of fostering a leadership pipeline for Casa, particularly in the area of development, grant writing, and fundraising
• Promote cross-collaboration across the organization by streamlining sustainability efforts and communication

External Leadership (10%)

• Maintain and develop effective working relationships with local government entities
• Attend conferences and convenings as needed
• Present compelling stories, materials, reports, and presentations about our work, impact, and partnerships
• Represent Casa Familiar at key meetings and functions with community members, allies, funders, and key stakeholders

Additional Requirements:

All Casa Familiar employees are requested to attend various community events and/or community meetings that may be scheduled outside of regular office hours. Occasional extended hours and weekends as needed.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Must be able to hear, see, including the distinction of colors, read and communicate verbally and in writing frequently with a wide range of people from divergent socio-economic backgrounds and origins
• Must have the physical ability to sit for long periods of time, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and uses hands, arms, and legs for dexterity and balance on a frequent basis
• Prioritizes and multi-tasks work and projects requiring good memory, concentration, and analytical thinking
• Pulls and pushes such objects as file drawers, computers, and similar office equipment and supplies
• Must be able to perform work in a climate-controlled office setting
• Recognize and abate safety hazards within the workplace
• Occasionally lifts, carries, and balances objects weighing up to 30 pounds

Casa Familiar is an equal employment opportunity employer. Casa does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $83,200.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• San Ysidro, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Must be Bilingual (Speak and Write in English/ Spanish)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person