Job Title: Assistant Director – Philadelphia
Organization: NAVI (formerly JILV)
Location: Philadelphia, PA (Remote/In-Person at times)
Reports To: Philadelphia Regional Director
Position Type: Full-Time
Overview
The North American Values Institute (NAVI) is seeking an Assistant Director in our Philadelphia region to support its expanding work in area’s K-12 education advocacy, policy, and grassroots mobilization efforts. NAVI is on the frontlines of supporting values, such as freedom of inquiry, equality, opportunity, excellence, and pluralism, and of opposing radical DEI and extremist pedagogies in K-12 education. This role is ideal for a proactive, highly organized individual passionate about education reform, community engagement, and public policy.
The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director to execute NAVI’s regional strategy, liaise with key stakeholders (especially parents), manage communications, and provide operational and logistical support.
Key Responsibilities
1. Policy & Government Relations Support
- Assist the Director in managing relationships with local and state officials, including school board members, legislators, and city leaders.
- Attend school board meetings, city council hearings, and legislative sessions, taking notes and preparing summary reports for internal use.
- Conduct research and draft briefs on local education policies, legal developments, and key legislative initiatives.
- Help coordinate advocacy efforts, including scheduling meetings, drafting talking points, and preparing materials for legislative outreach.
2. Community & Grassroots Mobilization
- Work with local parent groups and advocacy organizations to coordinate community engagement initiatives.
- Organize and facilitate parent forums, workshops, and strategy meetings to inform and empower local stakeholders.
- Track and maintain a database of community leaders, volunteers, and engaged parents to strengthen NAVI’s grassroots network.
- Assist in developing advocacy toolkits for parents, including guidance on school board engagement, legal rights, and activism strategies.
3. Media & Communications Coordination
- Tack news coverage, media mentions, and relevant public statements from local education officials.
- Draft and distribute blog content and assist with editorial calendar content related to NAVI’s advocacy in the region.
- Help manage NAVI’s local social media presence, sharing updates on school board decisions, policy changes, and grassroots victories with the organizational marketing team.
- Identify earned media opportunities.
4. Event Planning & Logistics
- Assist in the planning and execution of public events, panel discussions, fundraisers, and town halls.
- Handle event logistics, including venue coordination, invitations, RSVPs, and on-site setup.
- Support donor and stakeholder engagement by preparing briefing materials, organizing roundtables, and ensuring strong participation in key events.
5. Operational & Administrative Support
- Maintain organized records of outreach efforts, stakeholder meetings, and advocacy activities in NAVI’s CRM system.
- Track and manage regional budgets, grants, and expenses, ensuring financial accountability.
- Provide general administrative support to the City Director, including scheduling, correspondence, and document preparation.
- Work with the national team to ensure region’s efforts align with NAVI’s broader mission and strategic goals.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Education, Political Science, Communications, or a related field.
- 1-3 years of experience in advocacy, grassroots organizing, public policy, political campaigns, nonprofit work, or related areas.
- Strong understanding of education policy, particularly as it relates to K-12 schools, DEI issues, and parental rights.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for different audiences.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaboration with a team.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including parents, policymakers, donors, and media professionals.
- Familiarity with Philadelphia’s political and education landscape is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CRM tools, and social media platforms.
Key Competencies for Success
? Proactive Problem-Solver – Takes initiative and finds solutions to challenges.
? Mission-Driven – Passionate about improving education and advocating for parental rights.
? Strong Researcher & Communicator – Able to analyze policy documents, draft reports, and articulate complex issues.
? Detail-Oriented Organizer – Can manage events, logistics, and stakeholder relationships with efficiency.
? Energetic & Adaptable – Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic advocacy environment.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Benefits: SIMPLE IRA" retirement plan, Life and Disability Insurance, Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA)
- Flexible work schedule, with a mix of remote and in-person engagement.
- Professional development opportunities, including training and networking events.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A resume detailing relevant experience.
- A brief cover letter explaining why they are passionate about education advocacy and how their skills align with this role.
?? Email applications to: [email protected]
?? Learn more at: navivalues.org
Why Join NAVI?
This role is an opportunity to be on the frontlines of education advocacy in one of the nation’s most critical battlegrounds. As regional Assistant Director, you will play a pivotal role in mobilizing communities, influencing policy, and driving real change in Philadelphia region’s education system. If you’re ready to take action, we want to hear from you.