Education Organizer-Bay Area

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.
Position Description   At Rocketship, one of our key pillars is building authentic family power in our community.  In our Leadership Organizing Committees (LOCs) , families advocate tirelessly for their children by becoming community leaders in education equity.  The position involves working with current leaders to develop their knowledge of governance, power, political dynamics, and systematic barriers affecting their families, especially for underserved communities. Simultaneously, the organizer will work to recruit and train new leaders in community organizing skills, drawing them into the movement and increasing leader voice, involvement, and presence in the education political landscape of San Jose and California as a whole. The Education Organizer is a full-time, exempt position on Rocketship’s External Affairs function, serving the Bay Area community. This role will report to  the CA Associate Director of Family Leadership & Community Organizing and the role will be an essential team leader to the organizing team. This role will collaborate with fellow Education Organizers and the Directors of External Affairs,  as well as partnering effectively with school leaders, families, community organizations, and stakeholders in advocacy for educational equity.    This position asks that you be physically located in the Bay Area.  Your primary work may vary from the East Bay (Antioch & Concord), and the Peninsula (Redwood City), and San Jose. 

Essential Functions

• Leadership Recruitment & Development
• Recruit, train, and retain parents and community members as leaders in the organizing movement.
• Conduct ten to fifteen 1:1 relational meetings weekly with current and prospective leaders.
• Build parents’ knowledge of state and local education systems, governance, and decision-making structures through the PICO Organizing Cycle.
 
• Campaigns & Mobilization
• Lead parent organizing efforts primarily for charter renewals and other advocacy campaigns as appropriate. 
• Mobilize parents and community stakeholders to participate in civic actions that advance educational equity.
• Track and maintain records of leader engagement to measure impact.
 
• Relationship Building & Partnerships
• Collaborate with school leaders, staff, and families to align organizing efforts with school and community needs.
• Hold regular (monthly) meetings with school leaders to share updates, track trends, and align on leader development and campaign goals.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with school leaders to ensure effective parent engagement and school-based organizing.
• Foster relationships with community-based organizations, faith leaders, elected officials, and civic leaders to strengthen advocacy efforts as necessary. 
 
• Team Collaboration & Strategy
• Partner with the External Affairs team to stay informed on local and state education politics and develop integrated grassroots–grasstops strategies.
• Contribute to a positive, high-performance team culture and help the region exceed its organizing goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Verbal and written fluency in Spanish and English is required 
• The ability to position Rocketship in the policy arena as an agent for positive change through strong communication and strategic skills 
• Capacity to think strategically and critically about social, economic, cultural, and political issues affecting a community
• Demonstrated ability to interact and cultivate support among diverse stakeholders
• A results-oriented, goal-driven, team approach to work 
• The desire to learn and an openness to challenge
• A sense of urgency and passion for social justice and equity in education
• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Strong public speaking, writing, and analytical skills
• Experience using Google Apps and a willingness to learn and implement new technology 
• Ability to work some nights and weekends, as campaigns require
• This position requires daily travel between school sites and the Rocketship San Jose & other  Network offices. Valid Driver’s license and access to  vehicle required. 

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ year experience in community organizing, education reform, or engagement in grassroots movements
• Experience managing and/or leading community organizing campaigns and mobilizing support
• Experience working with organizations or schools in a diverse community 
• Familiar with local and/or state politics, education politics & movements
• A bachelor’s degree

Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.
Compensation:Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.
Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Rocketship Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Rocketship Public Schools’ employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Click here for our Sexual Harassment Policy.  For questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Human Resources.