Social Justice Advocacy Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY:

​​The Social Justice Advocacy Coordinator for YWCA Greater Pittsburgh (YWCA GP) will be crucial in developing and implementing strategies to address systemic inequalities and injustices. This grant-funded position in the Center for Race & Gender Equity (the Center) requires a passionate individual ready to champion our advocacy efforts, engage with our community partners, and influence policy change. They will collaborate with a dedicated team to raise awareness, support affected communities, and drive initiatives that promote social justice. This position will interact and collaborate with sister YWCA PA associations. This position reports to the VP of Equity and Culture.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advocacy and Marketing

·       Execute comprehensive advocacy strategies to advance social justice, equality, and human rights, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values and community needs.

·       Coordinate with the Communications Manager to create, update, and distribute engaging content across various platforms, including the website, social media, newsletters, and press releases about program initiatives. Assist with developing print and digital materials related to events, ensuring adherence to YWCA Greater Pittsburgh branding guidelines to educate the public on social justice issues.

·       Conduct in-depth research on social justice issues to support advocacy campaigns with data and evidence.

·       Evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy strategies and initiatives, using analytics to recommend and implement improvements for maximizing impact.

·       Collaborate with the VP of Equity and Culture to develop an annual programming plan, maintain program materials, and prepare marketing content as needed.

Systems Change and Strategic Partnerships

·       Serve as a representative of YWCA GP at community events, engaging with the public to promote the organization’s mission.

·       Serve as a liaison for event-related committees, ensuring efficient communication and organization of meetings, agendas, and minutes.

·       Foster relationships with community partners to broaden the reach and impact of social justice advocacy efforts.

·       Stay informed on national YWCA messaging and programming to align local initiatives with broader organizational themes.

·       Conduct thorough research and analysis of policies impacting underserved groups and stay updated on relevant legislation to inform the development of effective advocacy strategies that address these issues.

·       Vigilantly monitor the enactment and effectiveness of policies and programs to assist underserved communities, ensuring their implementation aligns with the principles of justice and equity.

·       Provide primary project coordination for the LevelUp Greater Pittsburgh Gender Pay Equity Campaign

o   Support the development of strategic partnerships, including between the existing campaign partners, planning committee members, potential new partners, legislators, employers, and campaign partners.

o   Provide coordination and administrative support for campaign-related meetings, including taking notes, sharing actionable items, and keeping track of their progress.

o   Maintain a database related to the campaign, track changes in the campaign-related documentation as the campaign evolves, regularly update the task tracker, and share information with the partners.

o   Serve as the liaison between the three partner organizations.

o   Coordinate Lunch and Learn events and employer engagement sessions.

o   Develop communications and other relevant materials related to the campaign and solicit partners’ feedback.

o   Conduct and support research as needed to keep pay equity-related information up to date.

o   Engage pledge signers in the campaign and, with the partners, establish and meet quarterly goals for increasing the pledge’s reach and adoption.

Community Partners/Community Engagement

·       Proactively engage with communities, stakeholders, and policymakers to elevate awareness and drum up support for social justice issues, leveraging campaigns, events, rallies, marches, and public demonstrations as platforms for mobilization and advocacy.

·       Strengthen advocacy efforts and broaden impact through strategic collaboration with partner organizations, ensuring a unified approach towards effecting change.

·       Develop, distribute, and use various educational materials, including brochures, infographics, and videos, to disseminate information on social justice and rights topics and enhance community knowledge and engagement.

·       Continuously expand knowledge and network by participating in conferences, workshops, and meetings focused on social justice trends and best practices, connecting with like-minded individuals and entities.

·       Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing community service projects that directly address local social justice issues, promoting active community involvement and fostering a sense of solidarity and collective action.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·       A bachelor’s degree in policy analysis, public administration, education, social work, community outreach, or a related field is required, though relevant experience may be considered instead of a degree.

·       Computer skills as follows:

o   Microsoft Windows Operating System – Microsoft Outlook, Work, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.

o   Ability to use technology for research and online applications.

o   Experience with social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

·       Demonstrated passion for social justice, equity, inclusion, and alignment with YWCA GP’s mission and values, with a thorough understanding of social, racial justice, and intersectional concepts.

·       Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills alongside solid facilitation abilities.

·       Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, proficiency in analyzing and summarizing complex documents, and effectively engaging with diverse groups.

·       Experience in advocacy, community organizing, or campaign work is highly desirable.

·       High independence and teamwork capability in a fast-paced environment, with strong creative problem-solving skills and adaptability.

·       Commitment to confidentiality, with excellent organizational, time management, and professional presentation skills.

·       Proactive and resourceful approach to challenges, with a positive attitude to enhance team morale.

·       Adheres to all YWCA GP policies and procedures.

·       Must have access to reliable transportation for job-related travel.