Advocation Officer, Board of Directors

About the Role The FACTS Initiative is seeking a passionate, strategically minded professional to join our Board of Directors as the Advocation Officer.

Please note: While we are a working board, this is strictly an advisory and governance role, not an operational staff position. You will not be expected to execute daily tasks. Instead, you will use your expertise to offer high-level guidance, review policies, and provide strategic recommendations to uphold our best practices and strengthen our mission.

As the Advocation Officer, you will provide crucial oversight to ensure our programs, services, and practices effectively align with the needs of local government agencies, particularly those focused on youth and social services.

What You Will Do (Governance & Oversight)

• Strategic Advocacy: Provide high-level guidance to ensure The FACTS Initiative’s practices align with local, youth-focused government entities, such as the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
• Policy Advisement: Monitor local social policies, regulations, and child welfare trends. Review, assess, and recommend policies to ensure our agency remains compliant and utilizes best practices.
• Strategic Partnerships: Advise the organization on potential partnerships with government and non-governmental entities to expand resources and support for our clients.
• Board Education: Act as the board’s resident expert on social services, educating fellow board members and key staff on resources available for families and children, especially those in foster care or removed from the home.
• Mission Protection: Serve in a governance capacity to ensure that the organization’s services actively protect the best interests of vulnerable children and cause no additional harm.

Who We Are Looking For

• Professionals with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Work, Child Welfare, or a closely related field.
• Leaders with proven experience working with DSS or other youth-focused government entities.
• Strategic thinkers with a strong knowledge of child welfare, foster care, and social service programs.
• Excellent communicators who can collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 2 hours per week.
• Attendance and active participation in quarterly board meetings.
• Occasional additional time as needed for high-level advocacy and relationship-building with external stakeholders.