School District of Philadelphia

Title:

Director, Advocacy and External Engagement

Department:

Office of Advocacy and External Engagement

Reports To:

Chief of External Relations

The School District of Philadelphia is the cornerstone provider of public education in

Philadelphia. For forward-thinking administrators and educators, opportunities abound. The
130,000 students entrusted to the District arrive at school every day with an extraordinary
range of needs and aspirations. We are committed to delivering on their right to an excellent
public school education, and we are particularly focused on ensuring every student has
access to exceptional educational opportunities. Equity is our mandate. Critical to this effort
are leaders who are dedicated to expanding the opportunities available to children across
our city. They must be creative and flexible leaders who are resilient and responsive in the
face of many challenges as we strive to make all schools great. Will you join us?
Job Summary
Securing sufficient resources, achieving needed legislative reforms, meaningfully engaging
with key stakeholders, building broad-based networks of support, and effectively
communicating accomplishments and priorities are essential to the implementation of Action
Plan 3.0 and improving the overall performance of The School District of Philadelphia. The
Office of External Relations has the mission critical task of ensuring that key stakeholders
understand, are interested in, and support the Districts mission, vision, and priorities.
Reporting to the Chief of External Relations, the Director of Advocacy and External
Engagement is charged with helping to develop and implement strategic advocacy,
government relations, and community engagement programs to support the Districts critical
priorities, as outlined in Action Plan 3.0. The Director will be part of a team that executes
strategy elements including: building one-on-one relationships with community, business,
and civic leaders to call upon them for collaborative ventures; leveraging long-term and new
relationships with elected officials to establish School District champions; and supporting the
creation and expansion of partnerships with local non-profit and for-profit businesses and
institutions to generate support for the School District.
Essential Functions
Assist in the development and drive implementation of a comprehensive advocacy and
strategic outreach program including identifying, recruiting, and mobilizing allies and
surrogates; expanding and deepening community engagement; and building
opportunities for information-sharing and collaboration.
Pursues strategic outreach to community members and community-based organizations
to encourage community interest and participation in important School Districtsponsored activities.
Identifies potential civic engagement and leadership opportunities to strategically
position the School District as an influential community stakeholder on topics important
to public education.

Assist in the development and implementation of the School Districts legislative

program, including developing a proactive legislative and regulatory strategy; analyzing,
responding to, and influencing legislation impacting the School District; and advocating
with state and local government and elected officials.
Provides legislative information and assistance to colleagues within the School District.
Serve as liaison between District staff and governmental offices and officials; assists
governmental offices and officials to address and resolve School District related
questions and concerns.
Collaborates with the Office of Communications to support the School Districts
comprehensive strategic communications program, with the goal of developing interest
in and an understanding of the School District's mission, vision, and actions.
Collaborates with the Office of Strategic Partnerships and the Fund for The School
District of Philadelphia to develop relationships with individuals and organizations who
provide financial, in-kind, or other resources to support School District initiatives.
Represents the Superintendent and other District leadership during public presentations,
speaking engagements, or other activities associated with District business, as
requested; facilitate forums and other public meetings.
Manages and supports the Superintendents external engagements, as requested.
Plans and coordinates high-priority events on behalf of the Superintendent (for example,
Lindback Awards), as requested.
Establishes and maintains positive, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders
internal and external to the School District, including leaders and organizations in the
community-based, civic, religious, political, philanthropic, business, and non-profit
sectors to create trust, solidify a strong foundation to advocate for School District
priorities.

Minimum Requirements
Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.
Five years of full-time, paid advocacy, community organizing, legislative,
communications, or consulting experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of:
o principles and theories associated with current School District organizational
initiatives.
o challenges in urban K-12 public education.
o political landscape and legislative process.
o principles and practices of effective community, intergovernmental, and media
relations.
o techniques for establishing and maintaining effective community and stakeholder
relations.
Demonstrated ability to:
o use persuasive skills to achieve strategic priorities.
o communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with
a wide variety of audiences.
o exercise sound judgment and discretion.
o respond to sensitive issues with diplomacy.
o lead and implement strategic initiatives.
o work on multiple projects simultaneously, as evidenced by an ability to balance

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and prioritize multiple competing priorities.

assess the relative strategic importance of competing requests and priorities.
adapt to different situations, particularly when new information is provided.
analyze complex problems and make sound decisions or recommendations to
remedy problems.
understand, interpret, and analyze a variety of data sources.
identify and break down complex problems and develop strategies to address the
identified issues based on evidence.
build and maintain strong, effective working relationships with colleagues across
all levels of an organization.
build productive, collaborative relationships with external stakeholders, partners,
elected officials, and community organizations.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an
exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
HR Use Only
Title Code

0768

Salary Grade

4028

Bargaining Unit

Non-Represented

Date of Establishment

6/15

Analyst

CCM