Director Of Advocacy

Company Description

A mission-driven organization, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) serves people in Northeast Ohio and walks with them on their road to self-sufficiency.  LMM helps empower people to overcome barriers, obtain job skills, gain employment, locate safe and stable housing, access counseling and support services, stay out of prison, and secure second chances in community.  Our mission is to promote shalom (peace, well-being) and justice (right relationships) through a Christian ministry of service and advocacy with those who are oppressed, forgotten and hurting.

Position Summary

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s (LMM) advocacy work informs systems change at the local, state and federal level by leveraging the expertise of staff and the experiences of program participants to remove barriers for people LMM serves. The Director of Advocacy leads and directs LMM’s public witness, public policy and government relations work on behalf of the agency in coordination with the President & CEO and senior leadership team. This includes management of an advocacy office of staff and interns, and regular interaction with a board advocacy committee, advocacy network and key internal and external stakeholders.

Some of the duties include:

• Guided by the agency strategic plan, directs overall planning, implementation and evaluation of Advocacy priorities for the agency
• Researches and follows public policy issues impacting LMM’s programs and participants, and engages input of persons with lived experience to arrive at recommendations for action on legislation and public policy
• Leverages board and staff, and develops strategic community partnerships with other advocacy organizations, coalitions, ecumenical partners, and others who share LMM’s vision
• Ensures LMM has a strong and consistent presence at the city, county and state level, through regular communications with public officials and participation in other public fora
• Executes organizational plans for broader civic engagement, through hosting events for promoting civil discourse and community dialogue, inviting public official visits to LMM, trips to the Ohio General Assembly and grassroots and community listening sessions
• Develops educational materials and communications plans for print, radio, broadcast and social media and supports fundraising for the department (e.g. grant writing), in consultation with LMM’s Development and Communications Department
• Develops a budget, and manages the financial performance of the Office of Advocacy
• Provides performance feedback, mid-year and annual reviews and makes recommendations for personnel actions for staff and volunteers. Consults with Supervisor and/or Director of HR when necessary

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, economics, or related field. Significant related experience may substitute for education. Minimum of 5 years of progressively more responsible positions in public policy, government affairs or related field. Past public relations experience in a leadership role within a public or private institution. Valid Ohio driver’s license and proof of insurance, required.

LMM offers a number of benefits for full time staff including, but not limited to: medical dental, vision, disability, life, generous paid time off and a 403 (b) retirement savings plan.   LMM embraces cultural diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veteran, and a Drug-Free Workplace.         

Join our team!  Go to: https://www.lutheranmetro.org/get-involved/careers/  to complete an online application and attach a cover letter (with salary requirements) and resume. The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $85,000. Applications accepted until position is filled.