The Digital Advocacy & Engagement Specialist will help reach and mobilize our community members to take action in support of YWCA’s public policy goals using cutting-edge digital advocacy tools and technology platforms. This position will be responsible for the creation and execution of our digital advocacy campaigns and initiatives, helping educate the public about YWCA’s policy priorities and the systemic barriers to equity that disproportionately impact participants in our programs. This position is in the Policy Advocacy Department, which is part of Communications & Marketing Division, and will report to the Director of Policy Advocacy. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of policy advocacy processes and key issues at the state, local, and federal levels and demonstrated experience using digital tools for audience communication, engagement, and mobilization.

Responsibilities

Digital Engagement

Develop and execute strategic multi-channel policy advocacy campaigns and initiatives across digital platforms, including email, mobile, and social media, and manage the day-to-day digital engagement of advocates in our network.
Primary manager of YWCA’s digital advocacy software applications for mobile and email communications, and public-facing digital advocacy platforms, such as the Firesteel Action Center, YWCA’s voting center, Firesteel blog, and advocacy content on YWCA’s website.
Manage creation and distribution of policy advocacy content for digital media, including development, approval, scheduling, and publishing. Track policy deadlines and developments, launching rapid response advocacy alerts to target audiences when needed.
Track, monitor, and report on overall performance and effectiveness of YWCA’s digital advocacy campaigns and initiatives, sharing trends, results, and key learnings with internal and external partners, with recommendations to adjust campaign tactics as needed.

Issue Education

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate advocacy content and messaging across YWCA’s communications and marketing channels. Draft, develop, and distribute creative and engaging content for YWCA’s website, blog, and email newsletter to educate the public and raise awareness of YWCA’s advocacy work and policy priorities.
Work closely with program staff and participants to collect stories from people with lived experience that highlight systemic issues driving racial and gender inequities in housing, economic advancement, health, and gender-based violence.
Interview participants to create advocacy campaign content that centers their lived experience and amplifies their voices, particularly BIPOC women who are furthest from equity.
Support participant-centered advocacy across the agency, sharing tools and resources for staff and participant-advocates; maintain digital advocacy materials and updates for staff members on SharePoint site.

Community Engagement

Research and monitor public policy opportunities at local and state level using listening tools. Liaison with state agencies to ensure equitable implementation of successfully passed legislation.
Produce digital content and coverage of on-the-ground events and activities, such as policy hearings, advocacy lobbying days, speeches, or rallies. Help promote YWCA policy advocacy campaigns at events and meetings: develop presentation materials, coach speakers, assist with live production, staff engagement table, host photo booth, lead digital advocacy workshops, etc.
Foster relationships with community organizations and coalitions focused on YWCA’s issue areas; participate in and represent organization at online and in-person events; identify opportunities to support or sponsor community partner activities focused on advocacy for women, particularly women of color; provide support to coalitions in engagement and marketing deliverables.

Other Responsibilities

Support other Communications & Marketing projects as needed to advance the shared goals of our division. Learn and use shared team software; develop or follow standard procedures to ensure effective project management and communication.
Actively engages in agency-wide Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), and strives for racially equitable outcomes; takes responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming community by making room for people of color, trans and gender-non-conforming folks, and other populations who routinely encounter systemic oppressions.
Assures that volunteers are treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, ethnic background, gender or socioeconomic background. Adheres to all volunteer services protocol relative to volunteer usage, recognition and monitoring.
Attend required safety trainings and meetings; follow all safety and health guidelines, standards, practices, policies and procedures; and actively participate in the agency’s Emergency Preparedness program and activities
This position description generally describes the principal functions of the position, the level of knowledge and skills typically required and the general scope of responsibility. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities and should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals will perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Core Competencies:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, plus 2 – 3 years of work experience in public policy, advocacy, government, or issue campaigns
Demonstrated experience with advocacy software applications for audience engagement and mobilization; ability to learn and adopt new software and tools
Ability to build relationships and foster strong partnerships with a diverse range of YWCA constituents, including staff, program participants, and volunteers
Organized and detail oriented, project management experience preferred
Ability to travel for meetings and events throughout King and Snohomish Counties
Able to work as part of a team and independently
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Committed to mission of YWCA – to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all

Benefits Excellent benefits package includes medical insurance, retirement plan, generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave plans. Typically, after two years of employment, employees are eligible to participate in the YWCA Retirement Fund with a 14% employer contribution.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement In accordance with COVID-19 safety practices, YWCA has a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, and all new hires need to be fully vaccinated prior to their first day of employment. YWCA considers a new hire “fully vaccinated” when at least two weeks have passed after the date the employee received:

A second dose in a two-dose vaccine series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines; or

A single-dose vaccine, such as the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine

Physical Demands

Continuously exchanges information through listening and talking with clients, agency staff, employers, representatives of community organizations and other individuals in the community
Frequently reaches and grasps in using computers, phones, other office equipment
Frequently performs close work while using computer and reading information
Frequently sits, stands, and walks in performing duties and for meetings or events
Frequently lifts and carries up to 5 lbs. of supplies or files, occasionally up to 40 lbs.

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish

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Digital Advocacy & Engagement Specialist