Los Angeles Organizing Director

Location: Hybrid, within Los Angeles County, California  

Pay Scale: 

• Starting $70,000-80,000 Annual Salary 

• This is a full-time, exempt position 

• Benefits include health care, dental, vision and life insurance 

• Employee sponsored retirement accounts 

Supervisor: National Policy and Organizing Director 

About Us

The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) empowers current and former foster youth, their families, and communities to use their lived experiences to bring about systemic policy changes in the child welfare system nationwide. We center the voices of those who have been directly impacted by the child welfare system and work to educate local and national decision makers and the public on how we can work together to make foster care a beacon of hope for children and families.

NFYI is a virtual, bicoastal nonprofit with a diverse, passionate team of individuals who are committed to our mission and to youth development. Full-time staff are expected to be available by phone, email, chat, and on-camera virtual meetings during regular business hours, with flexibility extended to staff who work directly with NFYI youth/members during non-traditional business hours.

Position Description 

The Los Angeles Organizing Director will play a pivotal role in managing and executing NFYI’s Internship program, including the training, supervision, and support of 2 to 6 interns. This position will also be responsible for recruiting for, mobilizing, and supporting the Los Angeles Local Chapter. The LA Chapter is a group of 18-to-30-year-old current and former foster youth who use their lived experience to advocate for changes to the child welfare system. Key responsibilities include building and cultivating local and regional coalitions and enhancing relationships with community partners, policymakers, advocates, and funders throughout the Los Angeles area.

The Los Angeles Organizing Director is tasked with inspiring and leading a dedicated group of community organizers to champion foster care reform and enhance the visibility of the issue by generating demand for change at the policy and systemic levels. With extensive experience in youth development, training, and strategic systems change, the Organizing Director employs dynamic and innovative strategies to foster a social movement driven by families and youth directly impacted by the child welfare system. This role involves developing and delivering training curricula, supporting NFYI programs such as the Congressional Leadership Academy, leading chapter meetings and representing NFYI at local and regional policy and coalition meetings.

This position is virtual, but all candidates must be located within LA County. While the Los Angeles Organizing Director works from home, they are expected to regularly attend in-person meetings and hold in-person gatherings with LA Chapter members.

Key Responsibilities 

Organizing 

• Create and implement strategic organizing plans to accomplish organizational movement-building and campaign goals on state, and local levels with a focus on Los Angeles County.  
• Coordinate and manage Los Angeles Local Chapter volunteer members on local and statewide issues and activities.  
• Work with city and county officials to plan and execute Los Angeles Foster Youth Shadow Day.
• Effectively communicate the mission, vision, goals, and accomplishments of NFYI to the child welfare community, policy makers at the local and national level, funders, and the public in general. 
• Support, coach and train current and former foster youth, 18 to 30, in building community movements to transform the child welfare system. 
• Work with other NFYI senior staff to ensure effective collaboration on all projects and campaigns, including outreach, data, communications, and policy efforts. 

Management 

• Manage and train the Los Angeles Organizing Interns in developing professional and organizing skills to accomplish the advocacy goals of the Los Angeles Local Chapter. 
• Develop and implement the Los Angeles Organizing Internship program. 
• Provide weekly supervision and coaching to the Los Angeles Interns. 
• Continue to enhance Los Angeles Chapter infrastructure. 
• Strategic planning, aligning work plans with grant requirements, and report writing, with the capability to maintain a comprehensive, high-level perspective on all activities across Los Angeles and California.

Training 

• Plan and facilitate training sessions designed to expand NFYI’s grassroots action network and enhance its impact, including the creation of tools to support and augment these training initiatives.
• Develop professional leadership training programs for the Los Angeles Organizing Interns and the Los Angeles Local Chapter.
• Assist Los Angeles Organizing Interns in designing and delivering advocacy and organizing training curricula.

Evaluation 

• Collaborate with the National Policy and Organizing Director and the Government Relations Director to identify local and regional policy issues. Develop educational campaigns aimed at regional decision-makers.
• Establish outcome measures, collect and analyze data, communicate progress, evaluate programs, and make necessary adjustments. Ensure that these metrics are effectively communicated to NFYI leadership, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Organize and lead focus groups, surveys, and qualitative interviews.
• Perform environmental scans of the assigned region to develop and implement effective organizing and outreach strategies, and build relationships with community partners and decision-makers.

Policy 

• Collaborate with the National Policy and Organizing Director and the Government Relations Director to identify local and regional policy issues and develop educational campaigns aimed at regional decision-makers.
• Represent NFYI in local, regional, and federal policy meetings, including those with the Board of Supervisors and the Director of the Department of Children and Families, to advocate for the removal of barriers affecting current and former foster youth.
• Monitor and track local and regional policies, practices, and pending child welfare legislation to ensure that the voices of youth are effectively represented in relevant policy discussions.

Coalition Building 

• Lead and support local and state coalitions to drive change within the child welfare system.
• Identify and collaborate with community partners to advance the goals of the Los Angeles Local Chapter.
• Develop and facilitate opportunities for engagement and partnership with community stakeholders and decision-makers.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (BA, BS) or a minimum of 6 years leading organizing movements.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to developing leaders and community organizers.
• Experience working in youth development.
• Deep dedication to social change through community empowerment.
• Personal values align with the vision and mission of the National Foster Youth Institute.
• Personal experience within the Child Welfare System preferred but not required.
• Exhibits cultural competency to effectively work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and under-resourced communities.
• Capable of working independently, with flexibility and resourcefulness, while managing multiple priorities.
• Effective in a team-oriented environment, maintaining harmonious relationships.
• Experienced in public speaking and designing and delivering presentations.
• Proficient in computer skills, particularly with Canva, Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications.
• Requires reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and appropriate auto insurance coverage.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment 

• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, non-profit environment.
• This position requires working both in the NFYI administrative office and from a home office, with occasional travel to program events.
• Must be willing to use personal equipment, such as a cell phone and laptop/tablet, when working remotely.

NFYI reserves the right to modify job duties as needed. All employees are expected to be adaptable and responsive to changes in their responsibilities. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact and provides potential for professional growth. Apply at this link by submitting your resume and a cover letter that includes one thing that you think is critical for successfully mobilizing or engaging young adults. Be sure to select LA Organizing Director in the dropdown menu on the application page.