A national organization of over 700 evangelical Christian leaders—both pastors and ministry leaders—seeks a full-time deputy director based in Washington, DC.
Shepherding the Next Generation is a non-profit advocacy organization of moderate and conservative members that seeks to educate state and federal policy makers about evangelical community's commitment to the development of strong and healthy families with a specific focus on those at-risk. We undertake a range of activities working on such issue such as early education, voluntary home visiting for at-risk mothers and children, programs that help troubled youth, and programs that promote responsible fatherhood. For more information, visit our website: www.shepherdingthenextgeneration.
About Us
Shepherding the Next Generation is one of five non-partisan membership organizations of The Council for a Strong America (CSA), the country’s leader in organizing “unexpected messengers” to win increased investments in research-based programs to help at-risk children succeed. CSA other organizations include Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, Mission: Readiness, ReadyNation, and Champions for America’s Future.
Our members - all unexpected messengers - include police chiefs, sheriffs and prosecutors, retires admirals and generals, business leaders, pastors, athletes and coaches. They are extraordinarily effective at reaching policy-makers to win major victories to help children get the right start in life. Priority issues include early education, K-12 education, childhood nutrition, voluntary home visiting, and help for troubled youth and families. We have more than 75 staff, in the national office and 10 state offices. Visit www.councilforastrongamerica.org for more information.
Description
The Deputy Director works closely with the Shepherding the Next Generation National Director to lead the organization’s strategic efforts to strengthen families and communities through proven investments in children and youth. The Deputy Director also assists in implementing the annual strategic plan, which includes close coordination with state directors and focusing on efforts to influence public policy at the federal and state levels. This position also assists in seeking ways the church can be bigger part of the solution. The Deputy Director collaborates with the CSA in-house Communications, Research, and Federal Policy Teams to accomplish the organization’s goals. The Deputy Director also helps to supervise the work of the associates.
Responsibilities
Helps oversee Shepherding the Next Generation staff and ministry leader members and their activities related to state and federal policy goals;
Assists with the identification, engagement, and stewardship of ministry leaders; help educate prospective members about the short- and long-term benefits of investments in children both through public policy and faith related activities;
Takes leadership responsibilities, including recruitment, membership management, staff management, and mission deliverables for two (2) or more states;
Coordinates advocacy efforts, including promoting to members earned media opportunities and sign-on letters to policymakers;
Coordinates press events with members, including drafting of, or input, into press materials, talking points, and research reports, and represent the organization at various meetings and press events around the country;
Coordinates member meetings with state and federal policymakers, including drafting talking points, the preparation of members, and attendance at meetings;
Develops and presents written and oral presentations to various ministry leaders, allies, and other stakeholders with visual aids;
Represents Shepherding the Next Generation, as needed, in media events, policymaker meetings, and other public engagements;
Reports on strategic plan implementation and achievement of policy goals, together with updates/revisions of plan;
Develops substantive advocacy materials on various issues of interest, including background documents, talking points letters, testimony, fact sheets, issue briefs, etc., and managing, when appropriate, team resources to ensure timely completions;
Develops and maintains strong working relationships with key allies and state legislative staff to monitor policy opportunities; and
Briefs CSA staff and various allies on research, legislation, and other intelligence concerning various issues of interest.
Travel required; variable frequency, 1-2 days per trip.
Essential Qualifications:
Proven experience working effectively within the evangelical community.
College degree and minimum of five (5) years paid, professional experience in advocacy, public policy, and/or cause or issue-related campaigns and/or advocacy;
Professional, motivated, energetic and organized individual with at least 3 years of management and supervisory experience;
Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, writing, and interpersonal skills required, along with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and an extremely high level of attention to detail;
Knowledge of the evangelical community and an understanding of the legislative process;
Proficient with Google Drive/Word/Excel/Powerpoint;
Must have ability and willingness to travel; and
A commitment to making sure all kids get a good start in life.
Desirable Qualifications:
Familiarity with policies affecting children and youth and experience working in a membership-oriented organization.
Minimum experience required:
At least five (5) years paid, professional experience in advocacy, public policy, and/or cause or issue-related campaigns and/or advocacy as stated above. A professional, motivated, energetic and organized individual with, at least (three) 3 years of management and supervisory experience.
Salary and Benefits: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, plus outstanding benefits, including low cost health and vision insurance, fully paid dental insurance; retirement plan with an employer match; and generous annual leave.
To Apply: Please send (email preferred) a thoughtful cover letter explaining why you are interested and qualified for the position, resume, a complete questionnaire (below) and a writing sample. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
EMAIL: jobs@shepherdingthenextgeneration.org (Subject line: SNG Deputy Director)
SNG Deputy Director Search
Council for a Strong America
1212 New York Avenue NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
No phone calls please.
We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that understands the value of diversity and its impact on a high performance culture.
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Shepherding the Next Generation
Deputy Director Questionnaire
1. Your name:
2. Telephone:
3. Why are you interested in this position? (If you feel you have already said in a cover letter all that you want to say on this subject, you may skip this question.)
4. Please describe your experience in the following areas:
Enlisting others in a cause, project, or concept you believe in;
Organizing media events or press conferences;
Public speaking and giving presentations; and
Successfully advocating for a cause (including public policy or other political issues, candidate, or product).
5. Please describe any experience you have in working:
In a legislative environment;
With children and youth;
With the evangelical Christian community; and
In a membership-oriented organization.
6. Please indicate:
The salary you think you should be paid if you are hired for this position.
The minimum salary you would accept for this position.
7. How did you hear about this opening? (Please be specific, e.g, who referred you
or what publication or website listed the position)
8. Additional comments (if you choose):
