Job Description

Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national volunteer movement that began in 1977 in Seattle when a juvenile court judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children who are in foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Today, the CASA movement has evolved into one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for these children in court, school and other settings; with the goal of reuniting children with their families whenever safe and possible. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed with the goal of ensuring these children are kept safe and have the opportunity to thrive and grow.

In Texas, there are over 70 local CASA volunteer advocacy programs with more than 8,000 volunteers serving over 20,000 children in 217 counties across the state. Texas CASA is the statewide organization that provides funding, resources, training and support to these local programs to ensure they can operate effectively and seek out the best possible volunteers who will advocate passionately for the children they serve.

Texas CASA is an inclusive, welcoming and affirming organization that is committed to providing the highest quality support to local CASA programs serving children and families. We value, celebrate and actively seek out candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any individual, employee or applicant on the basis of race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability or veteran status. People of all identities are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

To provide strategic leadership for Texas CASA’s internal and external communications, fund development, legislative and public policy advocacy efforts. This position directs the development of legislative advocacy work and other policy efforts in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, cultivates the organization's relationship with the judiciary, state agencies, foundations, donors and the media, and aims to broaden the impact of Texas CASA and CASA programs. The Chief External Relations Officer provides guidance on policy development, government relations, communications and fundraising. This position oversees the Public Policy team, including events and collaborative partnerships to advance systemic reforms of the child protection system. This position also oversees the work of the Communications Team and the Fund Development Team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Increase the awareness and positive perceptions of Texas CASA and the goal of a CASA for every child who needs one.
• Manage, lead and mentor the Communications, Public Policy and Fund Development teams.
• Position Texas CASA as a premier child advocacy policy organization and resource on child protection and foster care to external stakeholders, policy makers, foundations, donors and the media.
• Serve as a resource for local programs on issues related to public policy, communications and fund development.
• Support the development of policy and legislation to improve the child welfare system.
• Oversee and support advocacy for increased legislative appropriations, including preparation and development of information for state agencies, the Texas legislature, and the public.
• Identify, develop and maintain relationships with the judiciary, legislators, state agency leaders, foundations, donors and other key stakeholders and partners.
• Produce and edit op-eds, editorials and news releases.
• Provide crisis communications support to local programs.
• Lead the creation of a cohesive and innovative external affairs strategy to strengthen and leverage the CASA and Texas CASA brands.
• Possess viable contacts with statewide media outlets.
• Train and equip local programs to work with their local media.
• Oversee the Texas CASA fund development plan to increase private sector funding.
• Cultivate current and new donor relationships.
• Provide and ensure high customer relations standards.
• Provide assistance to appropriate board committees assigned by the CEO.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five years experience with editorial creation and production.
• Experience with media relations and crisis communications strategies.
• Five years full-time leadership experience with a nonprofit or governmental organization.
• Experience in public speaking/appearances.
• Understanding of the legislative process in Texas.
• Experience identifying and cultivating major donors or corporate partners.
• Experience training and engaging diverse audiences.
• Must pass background check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated experience producing and/or editing editorial, op-eds and news releases.
• Ability to train and equip local programs to develop appropriate responses to media inquiries and how to cultivate relationships with their local media.
• Ability to leverage contacts with statewide media outlets.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills and effective listening skills.
• Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines effectively.
• Ability to lead and manage a highly productive, fast-paced team of staff.
• Ability to build relationships and garner support from various constituencies including Board members, staff, civic leaders and donors.
• Ability to engage internal and external clients from all organizational levels and varied backgrounds.
• Proficiency in use of legislative tracking software, content management systems, and social media.
• Understanding of the complexities of the Child Welfare System and CASA, including emerging systemic changes preferred.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Understanding of nonprofit fundraising practices preferred.
• Experience with transforming data into compelling infographics for external and internal audiences.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; as well as willingness and openness to learning, growing and having discussions around this arena.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The primary office is Texas CASA’s headquarters in Austin, TX. Although work may be performed in a remote location requiring ongoing computer use, Texas CASA requires weekly transportation to the primary office at the discretion of the CEO. Up to 40% travel may be necessary. During this time, the employee may be occasionally exposed to a variety of working and environmental conditions, that could involve intermittent physical activities including bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during working hours.

The Chief External Relations Officer will be expected to have daily transportation to attend offsite meetings and various events, as needed. This position requires frequent communication in a multitude of settings and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. This position must be able to remain stationary or move about for long periods of time, depending on the day and setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

COMPENSATION: $125,000 annual salary

Benefits

Hybrid (partially remote and in-person) working environment. In addition, new staff will be eligible to participate in Texas CASA standard employee benefit programs on the first of the month after 30 days following the date of hire. Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Vacation, Personal Days, Paid Sick Time
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% Employer Contributions

HOW TO APPLY:

Please upload a PDF cover letter, resume, and three references. The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and include a detailed explanation of how your experience meets the minimum qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Texas CASA is an inclusive, welcoming and affirming organization that values, celebrates and actively seeks out diverse candidates. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any individual, employee or applicant on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, sex, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran or citizenship status. People of all identities are encouraged to apply.

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