Advocacy and Community Impact Manager

Job Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Plans for and executes all ASVC Advocacy initiatives, including the works of the Advocacy Committee and yearly projects, in consultation with the Advocacy Committee Chair. 

• Partners with the Advocacy Committee Chair to host / manage Advocacy Committee meetings, advocacy training, and other ASVC training virtually and in-person.

• Hosts / manages 8:30 AM Saturday agenda review virtually each week. 

• Participates in agenda review, noting items that are relevant to the Advocacy Committee Policy Guidelines.

• Serves on civic committees to further ASVC’s policy goals as outlined in the Policy Guidelines, which are set by ASVC’s Board of Directors. 

• Writes and delivers public comment (written, virtual, and in-person) in a timely and professional manner each week, as determined by the Advocacy Committee.

• Builds and implements an Advocacy Communication Strategy to inform and engage our community about ASVC’s advocacy efforts.

• Works with the Executive Director and Advocacy Committee Chair to fulfill grant requirements and reporting. Executes the first draft of semiannual grant reports.

• Operates within ASVC’s advocacy budget for maximum impact.

• Recruits Advocates to join and contribute to the Advocacy Committee.

• Motivates, trains, and inspires Advocacy Committee Members to remain engaged. 

• Builds relationships with elected officials and stakeholders to expand disability services and further ASVC’s goals as outlined in the Policy Guidelines.

• Provides education and training to community members, students, and professionals on disparity gaps, while offering practical solutions to address them.

• Attends community outreach events and helps with all aspects of the events including event set up and breakdown. 

• Identifies and participates in community outreach opportunities.

• Actively seeks out funds for ASVC’s advocacy initiatives. 

• Understands and abides by all legal requirements and restrictions for advocacy within 501(C)3 organizations, including the risk of perceived candidate endorsements.

• Attends advocacy, disability, and / or Autism informational meetings hosted by other organizations to benefit ASVC’s mission, including Autism Society of America’s Advocacy Committee meetings.

• In slower advocacy months, the Advocacy and Community Impact Manager will be assigned other ASVC projects to fulfill a 40 hour workweek.

• Assist with ASVC’s annual events, including Aut2Run. 

Job requirements: 

• Flexible schedule—including regular availability for late weeknights and early Saturday meetings.

• Ability and willingness to promote and advocate for ASVC’s Policy Guidelines.

• Able to respond promptly on advocacy related initiatives.

• Effectively manages time while reprioritizing tasks to ensure deadlines are met.

• Skilled at effectively running meetings, in-person and via zoom.

• Collaborative work style, which may include collaboration with colleagues, elected officials, volunteers, Board Members and the community at large.

• Creative problem solver and good steward of ASVC’s resources.

• Ability to manage volunteers for various programs and events.

• Strong organizational skills with effective tracking / management abilities.

• Proven ability to communicate persuasively, comfortable with public speaking. 

• Skilled at written communication in various forms / platforms.

• Proficiency MS Suite including PowerPoint and Word and Google Suite.

• High School Diploma and 1-2 years of relevant experience in community building and advocacy.

• Valid driver's license and dependable transportation throughout Ventura County required. 

Not Required, but Appreciated: 

• Experience participating in or viewing school board meetings, city council meetings and / or county supervisor meetings.

• Established relationships with local elected officials and/or community leaders.

• A college degree in public policy or similar field.

• Autism experience (professional or personal)

• Advocacy experience (professional or personal) 

• Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision plans available on the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment. ASVC contributes a flat amount of $350 monthly towards the plan(s) chosen. 

• Simple IRA enrollment eligibility after 90 days of employment with no vesting period at the time of enrollment. ASVC contributes dollar for dollar match up to 3%. 

ASVC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

The base pay range for this role is what ASVC expects to pay for the position although actual pay may vary from this range depending on an applicant’s experience.