We’re Hiring: Advocacy Director

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) seeks a creative, innovative and effective Advocacy Director to achieve the advocacy goals of the organization outlined in WABA’s 5-Year Strategic Plan. The Advocacy Director will lead a team of four+ staff members and our extensive volunteer grassroots advocacy network. WABA advocacy focuses on expanding the bicycling network and making the streets safer for people.

The Advocacy Director is a high-profile representative of the organization to communities, public officials and the media. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Advocacy Director works directly with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, and other key organizational staff to achieve WABA’s goals in line with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. The ideal candidate must believe in empowering and organizing communities, share WABA’s vision for better biking in the region, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.

Job Responsibilities

  • Lead, manage and inspire a growing advocacy team, including conducting weekly check-ins, performance reviews, and other managerial and administrative tasks.
  • Set advocacy department’s annual work plan, with input from staff and Board of Directors that is consistent with the organization’s mission and strategic plan.
  • Develop, execute and win transportation infrastructure, policy and legislative campaigns in line with the WABA Strategic Plan.
  • Develop WABA’s networks and relationships with other non-profit organizations, businesses, elected public officials, governmental agencies and community leaders.
  • Monitor and prioritize effective organizational involvement in major projects, public budgets and campaigns that impact bicycling .
  • Serve as the organizational representative to the media on advocacy issues.
  • Contribute to the organization’s fundraising and development efforts to grow advocacy capacity through membership growth, donation solicitation and grant writing.
  • Management of current and future grant funded projects necessary to fulfill grant obligations.

 Qualifications

  • Demonstrated management experience including leading a team, strategic planning, and capacity building.
  • Proven ability to supervise, mentor, motivate and evaluate employees.
  • Experience advocating for change in a complex environment.
  • Knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, Washington regional politics.
  • Experience with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, PACs and the legal restrictions of each.
  • Must be able to write clearly and persuasively.
  • Highly organized, self-motivated and able to work closely with others.
  • Experience working in diverse communities and on diverse teams of staff and volunteers.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in communication, public policy, urban planning, transportation, political science, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
  • Masters or legal degree desired, though not required.

Employment Details

This position is full-time. Expected salary range is $60,000-$65,000. The position is based in the WABA Office in Adams Morgan, Washington, DC. All employees are expected to work some evenings and weekends with comp time in exchange. This position will report to WABA’s Executive Director.

Benefits include health/dental insurance (WABA covers 100% of the premium for full-time staff); flexible work schedule; vacation and sick leave; committed colleagues; fun working environment; optional voluntary accident/disability insurance; WABA’s 403(b) retirement program; indoor bike parking; and surprising amounts of ice cream. 

WABA is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, arrest record or criminal convictions, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, sex, or age.

Apply

Send a cover letter and resume as one PDF to jobs@test.waba.org. Please include “Advocacy Director” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; the position will remain posted until filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by or before Wednesday, July 17th, 2019. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About WABA

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) is working to create a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation; advocating for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier environment; and educating children, adults, and motorists about safe bicycling.

WABA’s programs, from youth education to grassroots community organizing, engage residents in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Washington, DC. 6,000 dues-paying members and thousands more generous supporters have helped WABA transform bicycling in the region again and again over its 47 year history.

WABA is building a region where, in 2020, we’ll see three times the number of people riding bikes. And, by 2035, every single person will live within one mile of a dedicated safe place to bike. We envision a region in which biking is joyful, safe, popular, and liberating; supported by the necessary infrastructure, laws, activities, and investments; and where bicycle ridership mirrors the incredible diversity of our communities.

Page last updated by Colin Browne on July 3, 2019.