Parent Advocacy Specialist

Part-Time, 20 Hours per Week with Charter Champions of Rochester (CCR)

Why This Role Matters

Rochester’s 27 charter schools educate over 9000 thousand children, yet the families most affected by funding and policy decisions are often left without a platform. CCR’s vision is to build a city-wide parent network—at least one or two committed leaders in every charter school and a rapid-response team of 125+ families—ready to mobilize for equitable funding and high-quality education.

The Parent Advocacy Specialist is the catalyst that turns isolated frustrations into coordinated action. In only 20 hours per week, this organizer will:

· Launch & strengthen PTOs—helping every charter school create or revitalize a Parent-Teacher Organization that can drive family voice year-round.

· Recruit and coach Core Strategy parents able to speak confidently with lawmakers and the media.

· Create compelling community-engagement events that bring families together, celebrate school culture, and build trust—ensuring high turnout and lasting partnerships.

· Activate phone trees, text alerts, and social-media campaigns to mobilize families for rallies, lobby days, and school-board testimony.

· Feed real-time community insights back to CCR so that every campaign reflects authentic parent needs.

When parents gain skills, data, and a clear action pathway, they become the most persuasive advocates in any room. The Specialist’s work will amplify those voices, drive smarter campaigns, and secure the resources Rochester students deserve.

Position Summary

The Parent Advocacy Specialist (PAS) is CCR’s frontline organizer and a light administrative support for the CCR team.

· Schedule: 20 hours per week (including some evenings/weekends).

· Compensation: $20 – $28 per hour, commensurate with experience.

· Reports to: CEO

Core Responsibilities

1. PTO Development & Support (Primary Focus)

· Roll out CCR’s three-phase PTO formation model across all partner schools—interest surveys, leader identification, and summer leadership training.

· Provide toolkits, bylaws templates, and officer-election guidance; coach presidents, secretaries, and treasurers using the Parent Roles & Responsibilities framework.

· Facilitate monthly PTO leader huddles to share best practices, budget strategies, and advocacy opportunities.

· Track each PTO’s progress toward active status (regular meetings, elected officers, annual goals) and report milestones to CCR leadership.

2. Parent Network Building & Leadership Development

· Conduct one-on-one relational meetings and house gatherings to recruit parent leaders.

· Maintain an active roster of ≥25 highly engaged leaders and a 125-parent rapid-response network.

3. Training & Capacity-Building

· Design and run monthly workshops (public speaking, policy literacy, conflict resolution).

· Lead the summer Parent Advocacy Institute and guide leaders through 90-day organizing sprints.

4. Campaign & Event Management

· Support the planning of family-engagement events (literacy nights, cultural celebrations, advocacy forums) in collaboration with PTOs.

· Mobilize parents for rallies, lobby days, board meetings, and digital advocacy actions.

5. Community Outreach & Partnerships

· Attend at least three community events per month and cultivate relationships with faith-based groups, neighborhood associations, and local businesses.

6. Data, Research & Reporting

· Maintain a contact database, action logs, and training attendance records.

· Track education legislation and funding proposals; create plain-language briefs for PTOs and CCR staff.

7. Office & Administrative Support (≈ 20 % of weekly hours)

· Schedule meetings, maintain shared calendars, and prepare agendas/minutes.

· Draft, format, and proofread letters, flyers, and slide decks.

· Handle general inquiries, manage office supplies, and assist admin.

8. Organizational Contribution

· Participate in CCR strategy meetings and model CCR’s values of equity, collaboration, and community self-determination.

Qualifications

· Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred (education, social work, public policy, community development, or related field). Relevant advocacy experience may substitute.

 Experience:

o Minimum two years organizing parents or community members, ideally within Rochester’s urban neighborhoods.

o Proven record launching or supporting PTOs, leading campaigns, or training volunteers.

· Essential Skills:

o Relationship-driven leadership; high emotional intelligence.

o Clear, persuasive communication; confident public speaker and facilitator.

o Strong project-management and basic administrative skills (Google Workspace, Zoom, CRM tools).

o Familiarity with Rochester’s educational landscape and community challenges.

o Flexibility for evenings/weekends.

· Preferred Assets: Charter-school parent/alum; Rochester resident with deep neighborhood ties; fluency in Spanish or another widely spoken language; social-media or graphic-design expertise.

Work Environment & Schedule

· Blend of remote planning, on-site school visits, and community outreach.

· Mileage reimbursement for local travel.

Application Instructions

1. Prepare your résumé.

2. Write a brief cover letter that includes:

 - Your most successful PTO or parent-organizing effort—goals, tactics, and outcomes.

 -  How you would engage families across Rochester’s diverse charter-school ecosystem.

3. Go to www.charterchampions.org/careers and open the “Parent Advocacy Specialist” posting to upload your materials.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. The goal is to fill by July 1,2025

Charter Champions of Rochester is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes candidates who reflect the full diversity of the communities we serve.