Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth
Organizational Overview: Located in Austin, Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth (TxSDY) is the statewide non-profit, social change enterprise, committed to putting an end to youth alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. We are a leader in promoting evidence-based population-level prevention strategies. We maintain strong partnerships with local coalitions, colleges, state agencies, individuals, statewide non-profits, and other health and prevention organizations across the state. We operate internally and in the community in a highly collaborative manner.
TxSDY pursues its mission through collective impact and civic engagement strategies, grounded in research and evidence-based prevention. We are highly strategic and employ policy development/enforcement/evaluation, social media, and grassroots organizing tactics. We build capacity for community and systems change organizing both grassroots and grasstops. Relationships and integrity are the backbone of our work. We believe in community and corporate accountability for preventing youth alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drug use. When we see a gap that puts the health and safety of young people at risk, we fill it.
Position Overview
We are looking for a passionate individual that will inspire and equip others to create healthier and safer communities to prevent youth substance use. The Director of Campaigns for Social Change will be responsible for planning and implementing TxSDY’s policy related prevention strategies, increasing TxSDY’s visibility, and mobilizing the public to take action. The position works closely with the Director of Research and Advocacy and our campaign volunteers. The Director drives planning and implementation of long-term and short-term strategies both statewide and locally.
This position is one of the most essential public faces of the organization – representing TxSDY and our stakeholders on state level committees, building and maintaining relationships with partners, meeting with local and state level elected officials and government entities, and engaging the public in our prevention work. The successful candidate will be a passionate and skilled strategist and social change agent, ready and eager to travel the state to educate, organize, and train the public to create change. They will execute a vision and plan for individuals to make a difference locally and statewide. The position currently spends the bulk of its time leading and advancing our strategy to reduce youth social access to alcohol in communities throughout TX.
Academic Background, Duties, And Experience Required
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree or higher in political science, communications, behavioral science, public health or related field. Sufficient experience in progressively responsible similar position to demonstrate competency may be substituted for bachelor’s degree. Minimum 3-4 years relevant professional experience with a proven track record and demonstrated leadership in strategy planning and implementation; at least 1 year’s experience at both project management and staff management levels.A minimum 1 year experience in grassroots organizing, advocacy work in a nonprofit environment, working for an elected official, and/or government affairs. Must have experience using earned media to move a strategy forward; proven track record of positive relationships with the media and community. Must have demonstrated excellent communications skills, especially, public speaking, training, and facilitating groups. Must be an organized and goal-driven individual; ability to manage multiple deadlines. Must have cell phone, driver’s license, personal vehicle with applicable insurance and ability and willingness to travel to fulfill job responsibilities. Ability to lift boxes up to 30 pounds. Small nonprofit experience highly preferred.Commitment to the organizational mission and ideology in order to effectively promote and advance the goals of Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth and its members.
Other Preferred Skills/Expertise
Technical Skills – Experience in leading multi-dimensional advocacy or political campaigns with working knowledge of media advocacy, collective impact efforts, coalition-building and negotiation. Knowledge of the legislative and policy implementation processes. Experience in planning events. Ability to work and react in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure.Strategic Leadership – Ability to learn and track multiple issues at once. Ability to see the whole picture and how the pieces fit together. Experienced and comfortable leading at all levels of campaigns, from administrative/agencies, government relations, to local grassroots efforts. Ability to develop field/strategic plans that coalition members can implement. Ability to meet goals with limited financial resources.Approachable and Available Manner – Maintain effective working relationships with people internal and external to the organization. Excellent communication skills, including confidence, tact and nuance in working with a variety of stakeholders. Experience recruiting, engaging, and maintaining volunteers.Hard Working, Committed, and Willing to Have Fun – Creative, innovative, resourceful, proactive, and persistent. Ability to lead by example, setting high standards in work ethic and a professional approach to the work.
ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIP: Position supervised by CEO.
SALARY: $55,000 – $60,000 (commensurate with experience) plus benefits.
HOURS: Full time exempt position; some nights and weekends. Travel required.
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. In the letter explain why you are interested in the position and what you would bring to the organization.
We believe diversity and inclusion are key drivers of creativity and innovation and we actively seek out candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply for roles in our organization.
