JOB TITLE: Interim Director of Government, Community, Racial & Social Justice
DATE OF POSTING: February 25, 2025
CLOSING DATE: March 14, 2025, or until filled
SALARY/BENEFITS: Competitive with generous benefits package
ESTIMATED DATE TO FILL: April 1, 2025
The term of this position is through August 31, 2025, with the possibility of becoming permanent. The official location is the Indianapolis Headquarters office and reports to the Executive Director.
General Description of the Position’s Function and Purpose:
The Director will lead the Indiana State Teachers Association’s Government, Community, Racial & Social Justice department. This department carries out ISTA’s activities associated with the legislature, the Indiana Department of Education and other state agencies and coordinates the engagement of ISTA members and community allies in supporting ISTA’s legislative and policy goals. The department oversees statewide strategies to address human and civil rights inequities within Indiana with emphasis on racial and social justice. The department coordinates political action including the development of state, regional and local coalitions focused on issues of common concern including school referendums, school board elections, state legislative and other state-level offices, and statewide issues. The department trains staff and local leaders regarding community legislative and political action.
Responsibilities:
Leads/manages ISTA’s efforts to collaborate with and support communities of color and other allied organizations/coalitions to address racial and social inequities in Indiana’s public-school system
Directs all ISTA’s state-level legislative and political action programs to build bipartisan support for pro-public education priorities, this includes direct lobbying and managing staff lobbyists
Leads/manages school referendum and school board election advocacy
Builds and maintains positive working relationships with policymakers, ISTA leadership, members, community partners and other key stakeholders in support of ISTA’s goals
Sets expectations, develops plans, and manages processes to assess, improve, and maintain the integrity of our advocacy process
Collaborates effectively with all ISTA department directors, work teams and staff on issues as needed
Works as a liaison with the National Education Association on legislative, political, and racial and social justice issues on behalf of ISTA
Supports the ISTA Executive Director in political initiatives and the development of strategic partnerships on related matters
Leads strategic work teams as assigned
Develops training for members, local ISTA leaders and allied community partners on power building, strategy, and our key issues (racial and social justice, school funding and policy, professionalism in teacher, etc.)
Manages the department budget, program, and staff (i.e., three to five professional and associate staff)
Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures within all responsible areas
Ensures compliance with relevant state lobbying and PAC regulations and ensures that all ISTA’s legislative and political work is done in an ethical/legal manner
Serve on the management and leadership teams in making strategic decisions for the organization as a whole
Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director
Required Qualifications, Skills and Experiences:
A bachelor’s degree is required.
Prior experience in diversity, equity and inclusion strategies, legislative/political action and/or lobbying and public policy analysis
Prior management experience required
Broad knowledge of public education and related issues
Organizing (legislative/political campaigns, community and/or union)
Advocacy (legislative, political, or issue-based)
Strategic campaign planning and implementation
Effective team leadership
Project management
General supervision of staff and staff development
Budget management
Ability to qualify as a registered lobbyist for the State of Indiana
A valid driver’s license and insured vehicle in good driving condition is necessary.
Ability to work long and/or variable hours, including evenings and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Experiences:
A master’s degree
K – 12 education public policy experience
Indiana legislative advocacy and/or election work
Voter data analytics knowledge/experience
Community organizing
Understanding of NEA state affiliate structures, governance, and traditions
About ISTA
ISTA is a professional association organized to sustain quality public education, improve
students’ educational opportunities and advance the professional status of educators.
Our purpose is to develop and organize members as leaders, professionals, and active citizens to improve the professional status of educators and educational opportunities for Hoosier kids.
Learn more about ISTA at ista-in.org The Indiana State Teachers Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
Application Process
Applications will be accepted through March 14, 2025, or until filled. Interested candidates should submit a resume, contact information for three professional references, and a cover letter outlining their experience and qualifications for the role to Nicole Wise at [email protected]
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BA/BS/Undergraduate
Social Service
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