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Manager, Advocacy Campaigns

Regional Plan Association, the New York metropolitan region’s leading civic urban planning organization, is seeking a creative and driven Advocacy Campaigns Manager to lead RPA’s advocacy campaigns. The position will report to the Executive Vice President, with close collaboration with state directors or project leads as needed.

In late 2017, RPA released the Fourth Regional Plan for the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut metropolitan area, a blueprint for the region’s growth, sustainability, good governance and economic opportunity for the next 25 years. The Advocacy Campaign Manager will play a key role in advancing some of the fourth plan’s flagship proposals, especially the Gateway Program, dramatically improving conditions at Penn Station, and supporting pro housing coalitions in NY and CT.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include:

  • Build widespread support for the proposed Gateway Program, improvements to Penn Station, policies that address the housing crisis, and other major RPA proposals

  • Work with New York Director to support the New York Neighbors coalition and other local and statewide housing advocacy efforts

  • Help shape and implement RPA’s advocacy strategies for each of these campaigns, engaging business, environmental, labor, civic and other constituencies and getting their support

  • Help lead coalitions and strengthen relationships with partner organizations and other influential leaders aligned with our priorities; and represent RPA on other stakeholder groups and coalitions;

  • Effectively communicate RPA’s mission and objectives to policy makers, media, planning professionals, community leaders and residents

  • Attend rallies, help develop and provide testimony at public hearings, support events, write reports and help internal strategizing across departments

  • Support RPA staff leading coalition efforts by scheduling meetings, planning agendas, networking and helping to expand the coalition base.

  • Work closely with RPA staff to plan briefings and lobby days with advocates and elected officials on an annual basis.

  • Manage social media campaigns with support of RPA communications staff, if needed

Qualifications

Candidates should have at least 5 years of campaign management experience, along with a desire to work on topics related to transportation, housing, open space, energy and economic development. Other specific requirements include:

  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills

  • Ability to build and manage coalitions

  • A demonstrated history of taking initiative and working well under deadlines

  • Knowledge of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut politics and understanding of how to advance key policy priorities Familiarity with the Gateway Program, Penn Station redevelopment, and pro-housing supply efforts across the region

  • Attention to detail and the ability to work individually, within a multidisciplinary team, as well as with external partners

  • Strong project management skills

  • Willingness to be flexible and a team player, as needed

  • Expertise with Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, Zoom, and Google suite


Compensation

This is a full-time position. Salary and title are commensurate with skills and experience but range from $60,000 to $80,000.


RPA offers a generous package of benefits including health care, dental, transit and biking benefits and a retirement plan. RPA also offers the opportunity for staff to participate in a wide variety of events with thought leaders from around the city and region.


RPA has a hybrid work culture. Most staff work at least 2-3 days in RPA’s office in Lower Manhattan, although travel to other areas within the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut region will be required. Work may occasionally include evening or weekend meetings.


About RPA

RPA, a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that conducts planning, research, and advocacy to prepare the NY-NJ-CT metro region for the challenges of the next generation. These include major infrastructure, urban planning, housing, environment, and climate policies and investments.


RPA is a workplace that values diversity. Employment and promotional opportunities are equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic as established by law.


How to Apply

To apply, please submit a resume, a brief (one page maximum) cover letter, three references and a writing sample. Because of the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to reply to every applicant. We kindly request no phone calls or emails.