Advocacy Associate

About PLN  

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños provides education and wraparound support, serving over 10,000 children, youth, and families annually in some of the most underserved areas in Los Angeles. PLN fosters pathways to success by striving for excellence in education, family support, and comprehensive social-emotional, and community-based services.  

Through early education, TK-8th grade education, youth workforce services, and family and community services Para Los-Niño’s’ model provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to break the cycle of poverty and help children and youth thrive.  

Position Overview    

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Government and Community Relations, the Advocacy Associate will support the Digital Equity initiative to raise visibility and support from elected, civic, and community leaders for Para Los Niños’ mission and work. The initiative is focused on system-change solutions to address the digital divide to ensure all Angelenos have access to the internet. The goal is for marginalized communities to have ongoing investments in internet quality and other topics that impact accessibility so they can fully thrive.  

The Advocacy Associate will collaborate with program staff and external partners to build a pipeline of youth advocates in support of Para Los Niños’ Advocacy Initiatives, with a primary focus on Digital Equity. This is a great opportunity for a dynamic, experienced, entrepreneurial, and thoughtful leader who can work independently to recruit, train, and engage the city’s youth leaders and lead advocacy initiatives to shape the future of Los Angeles.

Duties   

• Collaborate with the Director of Government and Community Relations to integrate partners, youth, and staff into PLN’s strategic initiatives.
• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders to co-create digital content, curriculum, and advocacy efforts related to Digital Equity (DE).
• Design and implement PLN’s Youth Advocacy Council for DE, ensuring youth are actively engaged in advocacy initiatives.
• Develop and execute community outreach strategies to expand PLN’s reach and engagement.
• Lead recruitment of youth advocates and foster engagement with coalition members, community leaders, and external partners.
• Conduct regular meetings with youth, caregivers, and families to promote advocacy initiatives and programs.
• Research policies, data, and trends impacting DE advocacy.
• Develop and implement engagement toolkits, resources, and strategies to equip students and stakeholders to be effective DE advocates.
• Facilitate youth-led engagement with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Develop and facilitate presentations, workshops, retreats, and informational meetings to increase awareness and alignment with DE initiatives.
• Represent PLN in working groups and coalitions to uplift youth voices and perspectives.
• Collaborate with the communications team to update internal and external platforms (newsletters, social media, etc.) with PLN’s advocacy activities.
• Support the creation of letters, testimonies, legislative updates, action alerts, and related materials for stakeholders.
• Support the development of performance metrics to assess advocacy efforts and refine strategies.
• Attend relevant trainings and workshops to stay current on youth advocacy and community issues.
• Assist in coordinating meetings and events with government officials, agencies, and policymakers.
• Provide administrative support to the Director of Government and Community Relations and contribute to external affairs initiatives.
• Provide weekly updates to the External Affairs Team and support PLN events and advocacy efforts as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics 

• Bachelor's Degree in applicable field from a nationally accredited college or university.    
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in the non-profit sector and/or with a volunteer program.
• Strong knowledge of school environments, early education, youth workforce services, and policies impacting these programs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple large projects through effective planning, prioritization, and multitasking.
• Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships within a multi-layered organization, including educators, school leaders, policymakers, civic leaders, and elected officials.
• Background in policy work, advocacy, and working with legislative staff and elected officials.
• Willingness to register as a lobbyist in the City of Los Angeles as needed.
• Proficiency in designing and evaluating both standard and ad hoc reports, with an understanding of outcome-based performance and key metric development.
• Ability to draft memoranda, create reports, and facilitate meetings effectively.
• Experience working with databases and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English are required, and we celebrate linguistic diversity, valuing the unique perspectives and strengths that multilingual team members bring to our organization.
• Travel Requirements: Up to 25%. The Advocacy Associate will travel within Los Angeles County and within the State of California, specifically Sacramento.

Physical Requirements   

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.    

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.    

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.  
• Must be able to speak and hear well.    
• Good vision is imperative.    
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.    
• Employees will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. 
• TB test clearance to be renewed every two years.  
• Verification of Immunizations required by the California Department of Health (Pertussis, Measles and Influenza). 

This job description does not encompass all essential functions and responsibilities. Para Los Niños reserves the right to modify or add to the typical duties of a position at any time. 

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff   

Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:   

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.  
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.  
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.  
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.  
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.  
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.  
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.  
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.  
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.  
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.  

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer     

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.