General Summary: Public Affairs Specialists must be dynamic, energetic individuals, comfortable walking into a corporate board room, meetings with elected officials, a parent meeting or a neighborhood community center to discuss LAUP and the benefits of preschool. Specialists should be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders on a number of different levels and possess a deep understanding of LAUP programs and goals. They should be strategic, versatile, collaborative, display mature interpersonal skills, think independently, thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a sense of humor.
Job Purpose: The purpose of the Public Affairs Specialist is to be the face of LAUP in the community and with key external stakeholders, including elected officials, parents, community leaders, the ECE community, and grassroots activists.
Tasks/Major Responsibilities:
Assist in the preparation of the annual scope of work and corresponding budget;
Represent the department internally and externally;
Provide input on LAUP's ongoing outreach strategy;
Identify opinion leaders in the community;
Work with opinion leaders to educate them about LAUP programs and program standards, answer their questions and concerns, solicit their opinions about how to improve LAUP and, if appropriate, encourage them or their organizations to participate in LAUP programs and partner with LAUP initiatives;
Recognize and recommend the need for planning, organizing, and coordinating/facilitating parent meetings, special events/meetings, community forums, conferences, workshops, and other activities related to universal preschool;
Assist in the planning, preparation and execution of the Parent Ambassador, Provider Ambassador and LAUP Parent Alumni programs;
Lead Parent Ambassador Trainings and Parent Alumni activities;
Coordinate Parent and Provider Ambassador meetings, including preparation of materials;
Maintain an accurate up to date database of LAUP parents and other key stakeholders and supporters;
Identify speaking opportunities for self, other staff and coordinate LAUP participation in those activities (e.g. conferences, meetings, rallies, school board hearings, etc.);
Attend local events, festivals, conferences, shows and organizational meetings on behalf of LAUP;
Cultivate and maintain community contacts and develop collaborative relationships with members of the community and representatives of community groups, congregations, unions, and other agencies;
Be aware of community concerns with respect to specific LAUP projects and bring those concerns to the table inside LAUP;
Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others;
Act as a good-will ambassador for the organization to all stakeholder groups and acts as a spokesperson as required;
At the direction of the Director of Public Affairs, execute LAUP's public affairs strategy to address inquiries made by elected and government officials, parents, community activists, and other stakeholders;
Initiate and coordinate stakeholder briefings and meetings;
Disseminate and track communications with stakeholders;
Build coalitions of support amongst interest groups and stakeholders to gain approval of LAUP's mission and goals;
Build community support in the furtherance of LAUP's mission and in the enhancement of the organization's sustainability;
Identify and document current and future needs in the Public Affairs department and analyze data to recommend areas for improvement and assist in the planning of activities and opportunities;
Other duties as assigned.
Skills for Tasks/Major Responsibilities:
Track progress, adhere to timelines, budget and scope of work;
Must be able to self-motivate and work independently as well as in a team;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively w/ a range of constituencies in diverse communities;
Must be able to attend evening and weekend meetings on a regular basis;
Must be able to travel throughout the county;
Have reliable transportation, valid driver's license and insurance;
Strong written and verbal communication skills and comfortable with public speaking;
Ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community;
Able to think creatively and strategically to successfully mediate and negotiate with individuals and groups;
Demonstrated success in motivating a wide spectrum of volunteers and staff;
Knowledge of the legislative and political process.
Critical Success Factors:
Effective networking and relationship building skills;
Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups;
Able to overcome obstacles to gain cooperation and to foster harmonious relations;
Able to lead and motivate groups and individuals.
Additional Skills:
Solid organizational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks/projects
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio and Access)
Experience in early childhood education a plus
Able to balance competing priorities, complex situations and tight deadlines.
Required Experience: Minimum of six to eight (6-8) years work experience, with at least four (4) years of experience in advocacy, coalition-building and grassroots organizing/community engagement, in progressively more senior roles.
Formal Education: A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree in a related field is preferred.
Language proficiency required/preferred: Bilingual Spanish or other second- or third-language proficiency preferred.
Application Instructions: Please visit our website at www.laup.net, click "Careers" on the left-hand side, then click on "Employment Opportunities" on the right-hand side. Find the online posting for this opening by using the pull-down menus to find by location or job function, or just use keyword search. Click "Any" under Location to see ALL postings. At the bottom of the posting, click "Apply Now" and create a profile (you may paste in or upload your resume).
LAUP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 04/13/11
Job Purpose: The purpose of the Public Affairs Specialist is to be the face of LAUP in the community and with key external stakeholders, including elected officials, parents, community leaders, the ECE community, and grassroots activists.
Tasks/Major Responsibilities:
Assist in the preparation of the annual scope of work and corresponding budget;
Represent the department internally and externally;
Provide input on LAUP's ongoing outreach strategy;
Identify opinion leaders in the community;
Work with opinion leaders to educate them about LAUP programs and program standards, answer their questions and concerns, solicit their opinions about how to improve LAUP and, if appropriate, encourage them or their organizations to participate in LAUP programs and partner with LAUP initiatives;
Recognize and recommend the need for planning, organizing, and coordinating/facilitating parent meetings, special events/meetings, community forums, conferences, workshops, and other activities related to universal preschool;
Assist in the planning, preparation and execution of the Parent Ambassador, Provider Ambassador and LAUP Parent Alumni programs;
Lead Parent Ambassador Trainings and Parent Alumni activities;
Coordinate Parent and Provider Ambassador meetings, including preparation of materials;
Maintain an accurate up to date database of LAUP parents and other key stakeholders and supporters;
Identify speaking opportunities for self, other staff and coordinate LAUP participation in those activities (e.g. conferences, meetings, rallies, school board hearings, etc.);
Attend local events, festivals, conferences, shows and organizational meetings on behalf of LAUP;
Cultivate and maintain community contacts and develop collaborative relationships with members of the community and representatives of community groups, congregations, unions, and other agencies;
Be aware of community concerns with respect to specific LAUP projects and bring those concerns to the table inside LAUP;
Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others;
Act as a good-will ambassador for the organization to all stakeholder groups and acts as a spokesperson as required;
At the direction of the Director of Public Affairs, execute LAUP's public affairs strategy to address inquiries made by elected and government officials, parents, community activists, and other stakeholders;
Initiate and coordinate stakeholder briefings and meetings;
Disseminate and track communications with stakeholders;
Build coalitions of support amongst interest groups and stakeholders to gain approval of LAUP's mission and goals;
Build community support in the furtherance of LAUP's mission and in the enhancement of the organization's sustainability;
Identify and document current and future needs in the Public Affairs department and analyze data to recommend areas for improvement and assist in the planning of activities and opportunities;
Other duties as assigned.
Skills for Tasks/Major Responsibilities:
Track progress, adhere to timelines, budget and scope of work;
Must be able to self-motivate and work independently as well as in a team;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively w/ a range of constituencies in diverse communities;
Must be able to attend evening and weekend meetings on a regular basis;
Must be able to travel throughout the county;
Have reliable transportation, valid driver's license and insurance;
Strong written and verbal communication skills and comfortable with public speaking;
Ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community;
Able to think creatively and strategically to successfully mediate and negotiate with individuals and groups;
Demonstrated success in motivating a wide spectrum of volunteers and staff;
Knowledge of the legislative and political process.
Critical Success Factors:
Effective networking and relationship building skills;
Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups;
Able to overcome obstacles to gain cooperation and to foster harmonious relations;
Able to lead and motivate groups and individuals.
Additional Skills:
Solid organizational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks/projects
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio and Access)
Experience in early childhood education a plus
Able to balance competing priorities, complex situations and tight deadlines.
Required Experience: Minimum of six to eight (6-8) years work experience, with at least four (4) years of experience in advocacy, coalition-building and grassroots organizing/community engagement, in progressively more senior roles.
Formal Education: A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree in a related field is preferred.
Language proficiency required/preferred: Bilingual Spanish or other second- or third-language proficiency preferred.
Application Instructions: Please visit our website at www.laup.net, click "Careers" on the left-hand side, then click on "Employment Opportunities" on the right-hand side. Find the online posting for this opening by using the pull-down menus to find by location or job function, or just use keyword search. Click "Any" under Location to see ALL postings. At the bottom of the posting, click "Apply Now" and create a profile (you may paste in or upload your resume).
LAUP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 04/13/11
