At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential. Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents and staff to fight for education equity. We are building a community organizing movement that gives families the civil right to high quality public schools in our neighborhoods that will liberate underserved communities from the cycle of poverty. Most importantly, we are civically engaging leaders in our community to create systemic change.
At Rocketship Public Schools, a key pillar is building authentic family power within our communities. As Rocketship California explores the opportunity to expand into a new region, the Education Organizer will play a pivotal role in building authentic relationships with families, community leaders, and local stakeholders to generate awareness, trust, and enthusiasm for Rocketship’s mission and expansion. By identifying community needs, cultivating parent leadership, and organizing strategic campaigns, the Education Organizer ensures that our entry into the region is grounded in deep local engagement and shared purpose. Their work is essential to establishing a strong, community-led movement that champions high-quality education and paves the way for long-term success.
Because this role is fundamental to opening a new region, the person in this role must be organized, a clear communicator and will require prioritization of clear documentation, maintaining open lines of communication, and consistently sharing findings, progress, and community insights with the appropriate Rocketship Public Schools team members. The work of the Education Organizer is essential to ensuring that our entry into the region is grounded in deep local engagement and strategic coordination, setting the stage for long-term success.
The Start Up Rocketship Education Organizer - Orange County is a full-time, exempt position on Rocketship’s External Affairs Department, reporting to the California External Affairs team within the Bay Area region. This role will collaborate deeply with the Sr. Director of External Affairs and Associate Director of Organizing to carry out the building blocks of a deep community grassroots campaign. This position requires this person to live within the bounds of Orange County. This role requires the person to have a valid driver license, a car and the ability to travel within Orange County with occasional travel to the Bay Area.
- Build the capacity of parents to understand the State and local educational landscape, key decision makers, and power of community, through the PICO Organizing Cycle.
- Recruit, mobilize, and retain a network of parents and community stakeholders that build advocacy and engagement to define interest and set the foundation of a new region.
- Complete one-on-one relational meetings every week, approximately 15 per week, with current and future parent leaders and other important stakeholders that build organizing capacity and engagement.
- Identify the right places in the community where leads can be cultivated (grocery stores, community centers, etc).
- Establish a Core Group of parent leaders in the local community.
- Ability to connect and secure family leads on a weekly basis i.e. outside of churches, grocery stores, broader apartment buildings.
- Work closely with the External Affairs team, remain informed on the local education politics landscape and develop coordinated grasstops - grassroots strategies.
- Foster relationships and develop champions with community-based organizations, faith leaders, elected officials, civic and community leaders that elevates organizing.
- Lead parent organizing campaigns and support parent-led civic and local campaigns for education equity through the school petition process and eventually the charter reauthorization process.
- Represent Rocketship Public Schools with authenticity, courage and and connection to the community at a variety of places including but not limited to community forums, community meetings, churches, etc.
- Enables a positive, high performance team culture as a leader and shows up a team player and collaborator to the CA External Affairs team and region overall, including demonstrating excellence and innovation to exceed regional goals.
- The Right Candidate will be able to:
- Adapt quickly to a fast moving environment Demonstrate initiative and deliver results independently.
- Data Accuracy and Management: Ensure accurate and well-organized records by leveraging strong expertise in data management systems to optimize workflows and maintain high standards of precision.
- Mobilize the community around Education Equity
- Minimum Qualifications:
- The ability to position Rocketship in the policy arena as an agent for positive change through strong communication and strategic skills
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with families, parents and community leaders.
- Capacity to think strategically and critically about social, economic, cultural, and political issues affecting a community
- Demonstrated ability to interact and cultivate support among diverse stakeholders
- A results-oriented, goal-driven, team approach to work The desire to learn and an openness to challenge
- A sense of urgency and passion for social justice and equity in education
- A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Strong public speaking, writing, and analytical skills
- Verbal and written fluency in Spanish and English
- Experience using Google Apps and a willingness to learn and implement new technology
- Ability to work some nights and weekends, as campaigns require
- This position requires travel between different cities in Orange County with occasional travel to the Bay Area. Valid Driver’s license and access to vehicle required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 2 + years experience in community organizing and grassroots movements
- 2+ years experience in community outreach
- Experience managing and/or leading community organizing campaigns and mobilizing support
- Experience working with organizations or schools in a diverse community Familiar with local and/or state politics, education politics & movements
- A bachelor’s degree
- Education Reform experience
Salary Starts at $70,000
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.
Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and welfare benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off.
Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Rocketship Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Rocketship Public Schools’ employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. Click here for our Sexual Harassment Policy and here for our Title IX Policy. For questions, concerns, or complaints, please contact Equity/Discrimination Title IX Compliance Officer, Address: 350 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 109, Redwood City, CA 94065. Phone: 877-806-0920 ext. 115.
