Civic Engagement Strategist

NAYA Family Center and the NAYA Action Fund are seeking a highly organized, community-minded Civic Engagement Strategist to drive civic engagement, leadership development, and political advocacy across Oregon and Washington. This role activates Native clients and community members through power-building initiatives, legislative advocacy, and community forums. A primary focus is directing the Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy Development (LEAD) Program — an annual cohort experience that cultivates Native community leaders—and managing its alumni network.

NAYA offers an exceptional benefits package, including free medical, dental and vision insurance for eligible employees (and affordable care for family members), 401(k) retirement plan with 6% match, paid vacation and paid holidays.

This is a full-time position with working hours of 9am - 6pm Monday through Friday, that may include evenings and occasional weekends as needed. The pay range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000 annually.

Who You Are

• Ideally, you're familiar with Native American history and understand the diversity, strengths, and experiences of local American Indian and Alaska Native communities, including the Urban Indian experience.
• You have 3+ years of experience in community advocacy, public policy, coalition building, or nonprofit program work.
• You have strong project management skills, able to juggle multiple projects, stakeholders, and deadlines with limited supervision.
• You can translate complex policy and advocacy issues into clear, accessible, and engaging communications, in writing, in presentations, and in person.
• You have experience working with diverse populations; experience with Native-serving organizations, tribes, or boards is strongly preferred.
• You have experience navigating local or state government systems with a knowledge of Oregon and Washington legislative processes.
• You communicate effectively, both written and verbally, engaging effectively with diverse groups and adapting to varied contexts.
• You are a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple priorities independently.
• You thrive in a team-oriented workplace, are adaptable, and are willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, even when it’s not your job.
• You demonstrate self-awareness, listening deeply, centering others, and taking accountability for your actions.
• You are consistently punctual, reliable, and dependable in support of your team and clients.

What You'll Do

• Lead recruitment and the annual selection process for the LEAD cohort.
• Plan and coordinate LEAD program logistics, including presenters, venues, meals, and welcome and graduation events.
• Organize LEAD alumni events and create opportunities for alumni to engage in civic life and advocacy.
• Support Legislative Days of Action in Oregon and Washington, including scheduling legislator meetings, coordinating transportation and meeting spaces, and creating agendas and maps.
• Coordinate advocacy and community events, including Portland Youth and Elders Council meetings, Portland Indian Leader Roundtables, town halls, elected official tours, and community forums.
• Support NAYA Action Fund communications, including social media and electronic newsletters.
• Write policy and advocacy messaging that makes complex issues accessible and builds excitement and participation.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, organizational leaders, presenters, and elected officials.
• Track participant and funder data in CaseWorthy, and pull reports to support program monitoring, funder reporting, and grant writing.
• Take meeting notes, ensure follow-up is completed, support alignment between NAYA Family Center and NAYA Action Fund programs, and represent NAYA with professionalism in the community.

Application Instructions

Providing a cover letter helps us better understand your experience with civic engagement, advocacy, community organizing, leadership development, and your interest in supporting Native community power, so we encourage you to submit one along with your resume. If you need accommodation during the application process, please email jobs@nayapdx.org.

Questions? Want to learn more about this opportunity before applying? Contact HR at jobs@nayapdx.org

NAYA is committed to building a work environment that respects and inspires every community member. Our mission is to serve Urban Native youth and families, so we strongly encourage members of the Native community to apply. We encourage applications from members of other historically marginalized groups as well, including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who have served in the military.