Advocacy Director

Direct GSIL’s advocacy activities to promote the rights and needs of people with disabilities on local, state, and national issues. Oversee the work of the Advocacy Coordinator(s). Support GSIL’s mission, vision and values by actively participating in relevant organization-wide events. 

Specific (Essential) Responsibilities:

• Assist the Chief Executive Officer in the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns and legislative initiatives.
• Identify legislative and policy issues of import to people with disabilities and GSIL.
• Conduct research, prepare position papers, provide testimony, serve as a resource on advocacy issues pertinent to the organization and persons with disabilities, and communicate information on issues to GSIL consumers and staff. 
• Supervise, provide guidance, and direct the activities of the Advocacy Coordinator(s).
• Work with Advocacy Coordinator(s) to organize & conduct outreach campaigns to recruit individuals into GSIL’s advocacy network.
• Work with Advocacy Coordinator(s) to maintain GSIL’s advocacy network of individuals who are informed on pertinent issues and who are trained and prepared to speak on those issues to community organizations, community leaders, and elected officials; testify at legislative hearings; and attend or speak at press conferences or other media events.
• Partner with other advocacy organizations and networks throughout the state to gather information, collaborate on advocacy issues of specific import to the disability community as well as human services in general and present GSIL’s position on issues.
• Assist in locating additional resources to support GSIL’s advocacy activities, and the expansion of GSIL’s advocacy network.
• Coordinate logistics for advocacy organizing events including advocacy network   meetings, press conferences or media events, and legislative hearings.

Other Responsibilities:  

• Participate in general GSIL events and activities.
• Support and uphold workplace regulations and safety practices.
• Conduct other duties as assigned that will increase options for persons with disabilities to live independently in their communities.

Qualifications: 

Experience with disability advocacy issues and efforts, and knowledge of legislative/public policy procedures.  

Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience.

Strong verbal and written communication skills a must. “Political savvy” essential.

Self-motivation and ability to work independently required.

Physical/Mental demands:  

While performing the duties of this position, the individual is regularly required to sit, use a computer, phone, and other office equipment and to move throughout the building and attend outside meetings. Some evening work may be required as well as occasional odd hours. This position requires the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word and to convey and receive detailed and important information that may include financial information relative to tracking of grants.  Clear judgment and creativity are regularly required to evaluate results and make decisions. Reasonable accommodations will be made available to assist persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.