Director of Advocacy

Job Description: Director of Advocacy

Job Reports To: Executive Director

Job Summary: The Director of Advocacy, a full-time employee currently reporting to the Executive Director, will play an integral leadership role in re-designing and advancing The Arc Connecticut’s Advocacy programming. The Arc Connecticut’s advocacy arm seeks to protect the civil rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The aim is to promote opportunities for their full inclusion in their communities through grass roots community organizing, public education, legislation, and litigation. The Director identifies policy change opportunities, participates in researching and writing about policy issues, develops issue campaigns, manages systems and databases such as Voter Voice, and helps to identify and mobilize new and existing stakeholders and coalition partners.

In addition, the Director works with the Executive Director to represent The Arc Connecticut at legislative and executive branch hearings and meetings at the state and local level. The Director is a key member of the Arc Connecticut advocacy team who participates fully in establishing and accomplishing program priorities by identifying resources and assisting in fundraising to execute and deliver on advocacy programming.

Responsibilities Include:

Advocacy, Outreach, and Policy Development:

• Develop and expand family advocacy resources and support programs including but not limited to Families for Families.
• Design, Coordinate, and Facilitate advocacy training and events.
• Engage and maintain strong relationships with religious, non-profit, youth, and civic communities increasing The Arc’s base of support for the purpose of impacting public policy.
• Design and implement outreach programming across the state of Connecticut that includes infants, toddlers, school-age, youth, young adult, and aging populations within the IDD communities.
• Use effective communication tools via written testimony, social media handles, and other forms of innovative technology to engage constituency in traditional and non-traditional community organizing.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Chair of the Advocacy Committee, and other senior level team members to develop and implement a strategic policy agenda that includes achievable legislative and organizing goals.
• Direct and Co-lead Arc Connecticut initiatives that impact public policy in line with The Arc’s mission and values, including planning events in scope with role.
• Engage in public speaking and lead the development of effective working relationships with key public and elected officials at all levels of government.
• Maintain in tandem with Graffing Solutions, The Arc Connecticut’s legislative calendar.
• Work with self-advocates in a myriad of settings to increase their presence in the advocacy arena and increase support for The Arc Connecticut.
• Lead, and plan signature Arc Connecticut Advocacy events such as Family Hearing Day, Legislative Luncheon, and other special events as agreed upon by ED.
• Recruit, hire, and onboard staff and volunteers within the Advocacy department.
• Inform Arc constituencies and ED and other Arc Connecticut Team leaders about best practices and trends.
• Attendance, participation, and presentations in conferences, meetings, etc. that will advance The Arc Connecticut’s effort in being leading experts within the IDD community.

Qualifications:

College degree (required); Masters’ degree (a plus).

Excellent written, and verbal, communication skills

Demonstrated track record of leading and organizing groups.

Experience in planning, leading, and managing projects.

Organized and detailed-oriented.

Experience in community organizing.

Experience working with marginalized and diverse populations.

Compassionate and Empathic

Compensation and Benefits:

This position is full-time, and non-exempt. The annual salary for this position is $60,000. The organization will hope to offer health benefits in the next one year. Each employee is offered the option to participate in the 401(3)(b) offered through Mutual of America with a 6% employer contribution.

How to Apply:

Please email a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to sannan@thearcct.org with the subject line, “Director of Advocacy”. Applications will be accepted until June 1st, 2025. The Arc Connecticut is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, nationality, creed, age, disability, sexual orientation, biological sex, gender identity/expression, family status.

This career opportunity offers the ability to make a significant impact leading and growing an effective nonprofit in a team-oriented atmosphere that is both positive and rewarding.