Advocacy Support Specialist (Part-time)

ABOUT AP-OD (ABRIENDO PUERTAS/OPENING DOORS)

Launched in 2007, AP-OD, also known as Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors, is the nation’s first evidence-based leadership training program designed by and for Latino parents with children ages 0-5 and adopted by diverse communities across the country. The mission of AP-OD is to provide parents with the knowledge, resources, and skills they need to become confident leaders of their families and effective advocates for their children. At AP-OD, we believe that when parents are supported, they can become powerful agents of change, not only in their children’s lives but also within their communities. Learn more at https://ap-od.org/.

AP/OD is a fiscally sponsored project of Tides Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Advocacy Support Specialist will work closely with the Managing Director of National Policy to provide administrative support in direct advocacy and movement-building strategies. This role requires a proactive and creative problem-solver with exceptional communication skills and keen attention to detail. The ideal candidate should have experience working in an organizational environment, performing strategic administrative duties, and supporting management. Additionally, the candidate should be self-motivated and outcome-oriented, with advocacy and community engagement expertise, and demonstrate a strong commitment to education equity and family engagement.

The Advocacy Support Specialist position is mostly remote work, and be willing to occasionally travel to the Albuquerque office and Los Angeles, CA, as required. Although the work is mostly remote, the individual may need to attend meetings and complete certain tasks that require in-person collaboration. The role is a part-time and non-exempt position with opportunities for growth within the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support in advocacy efforts and communications, including the development and implementation of advocacy efforts, call-to-action campaigns, and partner engagement throughout the US in collaboration with the Managing Director of National Policy, the Strategic Marketing Manager, and the Implementation and Advocacy Manager.
• Coordinate communication and liaise between the Managing Director of National Policy and partners for various projects and tasks, and handle communication efficiently.
• Create and execute work plans and strategies to ensure that priorities are met.
• Provide innovative and strategic thought processes to the Managing Director of National Policy and the leadership team.
• Deliver comprehensive scheduling and administrative support to the Managing Director of National Policy, including managing calendars, email, calls, travel logistics, mail, and high-level partner relationships.
• Proactively read, research, initiate, and route communications, including drafting emails, letters, and forms while collecting and analyzing information.
• Prepares reports by collecting and analyzing information as needed.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform administrative and office support, such as documentation, spreadsheet creation, and maintenance of digital files and databases.
• Maintain professionalism and strict confidentiality with all materials and communications.
• Maintain and enhance professional and technical knowledge by participating in educational workshops, reviewing relevant publications, and staying informed on current issues, policy developments, and effective strategies in advocacy.
• Contributing to team efforts with a results-based approach to work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to social justice and aligns with the mission of AP-OD.
• Work effectively through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Embrace a growth mindset and a sense of humor while engaging in interactive team dynamics.
• Exhibit strong time-management skills, organizing multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrate excellent written reporting and communication skills.
• Be a flexible team player dedicated to mission-driven work, with an aptitude for strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• Show proactivity, anticipation, and self-direction in tasks.
• Stay current with professional knowledge through workshops and relevant publications.
• Maintain qualities such as confidentiality, trustworthiness, and attention to detail.
• Engage positively and collaboratively with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Maintain a high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and can quickly learn new tools and systems.
• Familiarity with EveryAction (Bonterra), Zoom, Google Workspace, Canva, Monday.com, and remote office tools;
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copy machines, etc.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish, with strong verbal and written skills in both languages, is highly preferred.

Education and/or Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree with 1 year of related experience, or an associate degree with 3 or more years of relevant experience in a company, non-profit, or similar organization, may be considered sufficient to successfully perform essential job duties
• Minimum four years of administrative and executive support experience
• Experience in supporting grant deadlines
• Experience developing internal processes and organizational systems

Organizational Relationship

The Advocacy Support Specialist reports to the Managing Director of National Policy and works collaboratively with staff and contractors.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must have the physical ability to lift and move boxes weighing up to 25 pounds
• Must be able to travel as needed
• Perform some repetitive motion activities
• Occasionally required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk

SALARY RANGE: $23-$25 an hour, depending on experience