Deputy Director

Location: Louisiana (Remote)

About Louisiana Kids Matter 

Louisiana Kids Matter’s mission is to advance policies and programs that ensure every student in Louisiana receives a high-quality education. To that end, the organization will focus on three key areas to effect lasting change for Louisiana students: (1) policy development, (2) direct advocacy at the State Legislature and state board of Education, and (3) political engagement through the affiliated entity, Louisiana Kids Matter Action Fund, to support these efforts and ensure alignment with the best interests of the community. Louisiana Kids Matter is part of the 50CAN network. 

About 50CAN

50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now is a nonprofit organization that works at the local level to advocate for a high-quality education for all kids. We develop local education leaders by providing them with the research, tools, and ideas needed to create learning environments that best meet every child’s needs. 50CAN operates campaigns in Connecticut, Delaware, Denver, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Tennessee and is led by CEO & Founder Marc Porter Magee.

Position

The Deputy Director is part of the organizational leadership team with the Louisiana Kids Matter Executive Director and will report directly to the Executive Director. The Deputy Director will work with the Executive Director to set individual goals for their work. 

The Deputy Director is ostensibly responsible for assisting the Executive Director in all areas of organizational management, including governance, communications, policy, strategy, and development/fundraising. The Deputy Director will provide feedback and perspective to the Executive Director in setting the vision and goals of the organization. The Executive Director may delegate management of staff or contracts to the Deputy Director, and the Deputy Director should always be prepared to represent the organization at any meeting or task the Executive Director would normally facilitate for the organization. The Deputy Director has responsibilities both to Louisiana Kids Matter Campaign, a 501(c)(3) organization, and its related 501(c)(4) organization, Louisiana Kids Matter.

Key Responsibilities

• Advocate: The Deputy Director will collaborate closely with the Executive Director and align with state and ecosystem partners to change state and school district-level policy through legislative and administrative action by crafting and executing the organization’s strategy and policy plans. 
• Local fundraising: The Deputy Director will assist the Executive Director with fundraising and raising awareness of building support for the campaign's long-term sustainability. This includes drafting proposals and attending donor pitches and meetings.
• Manager and mentor: The Executive Director may delegate the deputy director the responsibility of managing staff and contracts. If so, the deputy director will work with the staff they manage to set annual individual goals.
• Political strategist and relationship builder (501(c)(4) responsibilities): The Deputy Director will foster bipartisan political relationships, assist with the organization’s political and legislative goals and strategies, and manage related grassroots advocacy operations as needed.

Key skills, abilities and experience 

The ideal candidate has strong local ties, legislative and/or electoral experience, and a commitment to ensure every child receives a high-quality education. The candidate must have a track record with issue advocacy or political campaigns, an understanding of education policy, and the ability to forge strong relationships with funders, policymakers, educators, and families. They must be a team player. Additionally, they will demonstrate: 

Extensive management experience 

• At least 2-5 years in an advocacy role, preferably in an education policy or political context.
• Excellent people skills; past success convening different groups or individuals, cultivating buy-in, and developing a consensus.
• Success in participating in a long-term, multi-faceted project, campaign, or initiative requires the ability to implement vision, think strategically, take initiative, creatively problem-solve, exercise good judgment, lead change, and exceed established goals. 
• Demonstrated track record with taking initiative and making tough decisions. 

Communication skills 

• Ability to effectively tailor messages and communications that engage community leaders, teachers, and other stakeholders. 
• An aptitude for building relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Track record as a team player 

• Sense of humor, passion, strong work ethic, creativity, and willingness to do “whatever it takes” in a fast-paced work environment. 
• Record of perseverance in the face of challenges, delivering against timelines, and not being intimidated by tasks or time limitations. 
• Integrity (doing what’s right, even when it is uncomfortable), candor and directness. 
• Ability to quickly adapt plans and goals to changing circumstances.

Local political and/or campaign experience (for 501(c)(4) responsibilities) (preferred)

• Knowledge of Louisiana’s political landscape and legislative process.

Working at 50CAN

This position is fully remote, but applicants must reside in Louisiana. The salary range is determined based on experience and qualifications. This role will require some travel for full-staff events and other planning sessions. 

In addition, 50CAN offers a comprehensive benefits package. 50CAN is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. Interested applicants should apply through 50CAN’s BambooHR portal here. Please submit your current resume and cover letter through the BambooHR portal.