Advocacy Director

Founded in 1956, the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled’s mission is to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Brooklyn and beyond. Led by and staffed by people with disabilities, we offer services, support groups and peer counseling, along with an active advocacy and outreach program. BCID is part of the independent living movement, which works to advance the independence and civil rights of all people with disabilities in countries around the world.

Position overview

BCID is seeking a full-time person to direct our advocacy program, which focuses on working to make sure that people with disabilities are guaranteed civil rights and full inclusion in the life of our city and state.

The advocacy director will develop and carry out strategies to advance our legislative and budgetary agendas. We currently are involved in long-term campaigns to make subways and taxis accessible, protect home care, and broaden civic engagement in our community.

The director will guide BCID’s advocacy team members, oversee the expansion of our grassroots volunteer and supporter network, and design new initiatives.

The advocacy director will supervise a team made up of BCID’s systems advocate and voting engagement advocate and will work closely with other members of the BCID team. This position will be supervised by the executive director.

This is a hybrid position with substantial in-person time in the field required.

Responsibilities

The advocacy director will:

• take a lead role in developing strategy for BCID’s advocacy campaigns.
• supervise BCID’s advocacy team and volunteers in organizing grassroots campaigns.
• develop relationships with decision-makers in Albany, City Hall and Brooklyn to advance BCID’s priorities.
• network and develop relationships with disability allies and with other groups and allies.
• write and present testimony, statements, briefings and opinion pieces to advance BCID’s priorities at legislative hearings, news conferences and for news outlets.
• develop relationships with reporters, editorial writers and bloggers to advance BCID’s advocacy and programs.
• oversee BCID’s social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Other duties as required.

The advocacy director also will research and develop other program and fundraising opportunities.

Qualifications

• Significant advocacy experience required.
• Extensive knowledge about the independent living movement and philosophy.
• Strong interest in disability transportation issues a plus.
• Extremely strong organizing and organizational skills.
• Past supervisory experience.
• A minimum of four years of college or equivalent background.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Spanish, ASL or other language skills are welcome.

How to apply

Provide resume and cover letter.

· In the cover letter, describe your interest in the position and highlight any specific qualifications you have. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

· Use subject line: BCID Advocacy Director

. No calls please; if you have questions about this position, write careers@bcid.org.

BCID is an equal opportunity employer with an emphasis on outreach to people with disabilities. We actively recruit and hire qualified people who may have disabilities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or sexual orientation, gender identity, military service or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $47,500.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Brooklyn, NY 11201