Senior Community Engagement Associate

Organizational Overview 

Advance Illinois is a nonprofit policy and advocacy organization that works toward a healthy public education system that prepares students to achieve success in college, career, and civic life. We are committed to an aligned education system across the B-20 continuum that strives for equity, stresses college and career readiness and completion, and supports the whole child from the earliest years through adulthood. We believe every child should have access to high-quality education and care, regardless of geography, income, or race.  

Spanning the early childhood through higher education continuum, Advance Illinois analyzes research, data, and best practices; engages practitioners, families and partners; and develops and promotes policies designed to strengthen public education, higher education, and early childhood education and care in Illinois. 

Through our work, we build powerful coalitions to achieve meaningful outcomes for students. Our theory of action is based on our conviction that when education policy and action plans are based on high-quality data and community involvement, change will lead to further racial and socioeconomic equity, improvements in learning conditions, increased student access and achievement, and sound decision making around resources, particularly in times of tight budgets and great need. 

Position Summary 

Advance Illinois’ Community Engagement team works to advance educational equity for students by bridging education policy and research with stakeholders on the ground. The team works to leverage relationships with state-level groups, policy makers, grasstops and grassroots organizations, faith-based and civil rights organizations to ensure diverse perspectives are considered in the policy making process.  

The Senior Community Engagement Associate works collaboratively with the Director of Community Engagement to develop and execute advocacy and engagement strategies that build and deepen relationships with diverse stakeholders across Illinois, strengthen coalitions, and ensure stakeholder perspectives meaningfully inform Advance Illinois' policy and advocacy work.  

The Community Engagement team works in close collaboration with policy, government relations, and communications team members to help inform complex issues and execute advocacy campaigns. The Senior Community Engagement Associate reports to the Director of Community Engagement. 

Competencies and Attributes 

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• 4–6 years of experience in community engagement, organizing, advocacy, or a related field  
• Passionate about advancing educational equity, with a strong commitment to and alignment with Advance Illinois’ mission of improving our state’s public education system 
• Strong facilitation skills, including knowledge and experience supporting inclusive conversations with diverse stakeholders 
• Strong ability to independently manage projects and exercise sound judgment 
• Proven ability to build trust and sustain relationships across diverse communities, perspectives, and geographies 
• Experience creating high-impact advocacy campaigns 
• Ability to grasp and effectively communicate complex, detailed information in a clear, concise manner for a variety of audiences 
• Experience in a fast-paced environment and comfortable working in an ever-shifting political environment 
• A tremendous drive and strong ability to achieve outcomes. Excellent planning and organizational skills as well as exceptional attention to detail 
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, and other supporters from all backgrounds and cultures 
• Comfort pivoting between high-level, strategic work and smaller tasks.  No job is too big or too small 
• Spanish fluency, both written and conversational, is preferred but not required 
• Familiarity with advocacy software is preferred but not required 

 Essential Functions  

• Lead the Educator Advisory Council, including member recruitment, engagement, and facilitating leadership development opportunities 
• Represent Advance Illinois with stakeholders and partners across Illinois 
• Engage diverse stakeholders and cultivate relationships that bring a broad range of perspectives into Advance Illinois’ work 
• Gather and synthesize stakeholder perspectives and emerging community trends to inform organizational policy and advocacy strategies 
• Develop and execute on advocacy strategy and tactics in collaboration with other team members  
• Support various advocates at different levels of engagement, creating opportunities for stakeholders to deepen their knowledge, participation, and leadership around policy priorities, including delivering public comment, meeting with decision makers, submitting op-eds and letters to the editor, and participating in advocacy events 
• Help in developing coalition strategy and campaigns by drafting plans, managing logistics, and co-leading meetings 
• Maintain and use engagement data to assess reach, relationship development, geographic and stakeholder gaps, and opportunities for deeper engagement 
• Perform other duties as required 

Working Environment 

• The position is located in Advance Illinois offices in either Chicago or Springfield; however, 40% of the job will require time on the road traveling around the state of Illinois. Advance Illinois staff are expected to work from the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and one floating day of their choice. In addition, they are required to attend in-person meetings with partners as needed.

 Compensation 

The salary range is $58,000 to $65,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, employees have the opportunity to earn a bonus of 10% of annual salary for a total annual compensation of $63,800 to $71,500. Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability; a Simple IRA with company match; a flexible spending account; paid holidays; and accrued vacation time. 

To Apply 

Complete this survey and submit a resume to apply@advanceillinois.org. All resume submissions will be acknowledged, and you will be contacted if you are selected for an interview. No phone calls please. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement  

Advance Illinois is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, low-income persons, LGBTQ persons, people with disabilities, and other people from diverse backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, political affiliation, mental or physical disability, age, marital status, family status, or veteran status. People from these and other historically marginalized backgrounds and communities are strongly encouraged to apply.