People For the American Way Foundation conducts research, legal, and policy work on behalf of First Amendment freedoms and democratic values; monitors, exposes, and challenges the Religious Right movement and its political allies; identifies, trains, and supports the next generation of progressive leaders through its Young People For youth leadership programs and its Young Elected Officials Network; and carries out nonpartisan voter education, registration, civic participation, and election protection activities.
Young People For (YP4) is a progressive leadership development program focused on identifying, engaging, and empowering the next generation of progressive leaders. YP4 is dedicated to identifying young campus and community leaders, engaging them, and supporting them with the skills and resources they need to create change. Together, People For Foundation and YP4 are building a long-term network of emerging leaders committed to protecting our nation’s fundamental rights and freedoms.
YP4 has three overarching priorities: 1) to diversify leadership in the progressive movement; 2) to support young leaders to effect change in their communities now; and 3) to ensure that young leaders are sustained in their activism over the long term. The core of YP4 is our one-year fellowship program for progressive college students, which supports and empowers them to create progressive change on their campuses and in their communities. The 2015-2016 fellowship class is comprised of 150 fellows from 120 communities in 41 states and is the next generation of YP4’s growing network of over 1,500 alumni across the nation.
The position is located in Washington, DC.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Train and support YP4 fellows and alumni to implement impactful and nonpartisan civic engagement programs on campuses and in communities, with a particular emphasis on non-partisan organizing.
Act as the YP4 liaison for the ongoing courts matter campaign, which engages fellows and alumni on judicial nominations and the courts as an avenue to advance progressive change.
Lead the revision and creation of YP4 Little Black Books (LBB) to share strategies and tips for youth organizing.
Work to identify opportunities to successfully engage and uplift the voices of YP4 and PFAWF communities on issues that are important to the YP4 community (e.g. educational equity, LGBTQ equality, economic justice, racial justice, etc.).
Coordinate with the broader People For the American Way Foundation work and the work of its affiliate People For the American Way, as permitted, in their policy activities and to effectively utilize YP4’s networks in the organizations’ greater advocacy goals (e.g. money in elections, voter empowerment, progressive judiciary, etc.).
Provide research and curriculum support on civic participation and engagement to help prepare materials, manuals, curriculum, and handouts for all Regional Trainings, mentorship program, and the annual National Summit.
Coordinate strategies to keep alumni and fellows engaged with YP4 issues and campaigns via the YP4 blog.
Assist with external outreach to YP4 network and broader progressive movement through one-on- one phone contact, newsletters, new media, and the YP4 website.
Assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of communications and media strategy to promote YP4 fellows and their work on the ground.
Other responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1-3 years’ experience with grassroots, political, non-partisan vote, student or youth organizing
1-3 years’ experience in youth leadership development and social justice activism ideal.
College degree required.
Familiarity with the progressive community, legislative, and judiciary processes.
Experience with communications, social media, and web-based communications as a tool for network and program growth is ideal.
Strong written and verbal communications skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience through various mediums, including email, conference calls, public speaking engagements and in-person coalition meetings
Familiarity with MSOffice applications; experience with online communities and interest in web-based tools.
Ability to synthesize complex information.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment; must be well-organized and able to effectively manage competing priorities and frequent deadlines.
Ability to work independently, with supervision, and as part of a team.
Ability and willingness to show creativity and initiative to seek out new approaches and contacts.
Flexibility, resourcefulness, reliability and tenacity for handling multiple issues and meeting frequent deadlines.
Interest in developing professional skills and open to feedback
Ability and willingness to work additional hours and travel when needed.
Commitment to the values and issues of Young People For and People For the American Way Foundation.
To apply: Send resume and statement of interest to Human Resources at hr@pfaw.org.
People For the American Way is an equal opportunity employer.