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Network Engagement Manager 🔥


Center for Story-based Strategy is seeking a Network Engagement Manager who can help us achieve short and long-term programmatic objectives and implement CSS’ Theory of Change. This position is part of CSS’s expansion to accommodate our growing, in-demand story-based strategy trainings and movement-building work.

This is a full-time (40 hrs/week) exempt, mid-level position. The position will start with a 3-month introductory period to determine fit. 

We invite you to join our creative and powerful team!

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Network Infrastructure Building & Leadership (35% FTE)

  • Design and develop CSS-led initiatives and events for SBS Practitioners (e.g., the Bi-Annual Network Gathering)
  • Provide ongoing visioning and development of network infrastructure 
  • Steward the CSS Network for in-person and online spaces
  • Work with the Program Team to infuse CSS Programmatic Work with Network Engagement activities 
  • Contribute to CSS impact reporting and communication efforts through documentation of Network Engagement activities
  • Support the organization’s positioning priorities with participation in narrative strategy, funder, and grassroots spaces (as relevant)
  • Manage and delegate tasks related to Infrastructure Building & Leadership to two or more regional weavers (specific regions TBD) to support with regional organizing and alignment

2. Network Weaving and Organizing (30% FTE)

  • Develop and maintain relationships with SBS Practitioners
  • Facilitate opportunities for SBS practice in network engagement activities 
  • Work with Operation Coordinator to maintain up-to-date data and information-tracking practices for the CSS Network
  • Provide leadership & organize staff alignment around Network Engagement priorities
  • Identify and contribute to communications and impact efforts that support CSS Network 

3. Story-based Strategy Practitioner Fellowship Program (20% FTE)

Manage and oversee the SBS Practitioner Fellowship Program to: build community amongst practitioners as they bring narrative strategy into their social change work; develop pathways for SBS Practitioners to engage in CSS-supported work; and produce content for case studies.

  • Develop and oversee individual SBS Fellowships
  • Manage Practitioner-Trainer’s coaching, coordination, and support of each cohort
  • Co-produce case studies and related content
  • Track and report data and learnings from program on a regular basis

Additional Responsibilities (15% FTE)

The Network Engagement Manager will be integrated into a strong organizational culture of regular internal communications, organizational development meetings, and mechanisms to promote ongoing team-building, smooth and transparent information-sharing, and alignment with organizational values. All staff are currently working remotely, but Oakland-based staff may make arrangements to work alone in the office, based on employee needs and shelter-in-place guidelines.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Ideal candidates have demonstrated skills in project management, network communication, story-based strategy tools and curriculum; and enjoy assessing network needs and finding solutions.


CSS seeks applicants committed and excited about supporting social justice issues in diverse multiracial, cross-sectoral movements. We want creative, bold, imaginative applicants; team players with the ability to manage stress and find the opportunity in the crisis; hard workers with excellent time management skills who deliver high quality results on tight timelines; and people with a demonstrated commitment to fundamental social change.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Embody a strong belief in the CSS mission, work within the framework of CSS values and commit to CSS goals and Theory of Change
  • Comfortable working virtually via Google, Trello, Zoom, and Slack communication, etc.
  • Computer skills and working knowledge of software
  • Strong written, in-person, phone, and email communication skills 
  • Interest in organizational leadership, team building, and supporting the organization’s fundraising efforts
  • Be current in knowledge and skills required to do the job or project, including:
  • Familiarity and kinship with CSS’s story-based strategy methodology as detailed in the book Re:Imagining Change and/or via participation in CSS’ Training Program 
  • Understanding the application of story-based strategy, with at least one experience applying story-based strategy tools to their own work.  
  • Ability to facilitate story-based strategy tools and methodology
  • Familiarity and experience with issues and movements relevant to CSS’ partner organizations
  • Ability to cultivate and manage relationships: build, maintain, and coordinate with people across all levels and organizations internally and externally.

Minimum Requirements

  • Between 3-5 years of experience in organizing, campaigning and/or communications roles — preferably in a social justice organization or in progressive communications. Ideally you are familiar with both skill sets.
  • Demonstrated commitment to issues of environmental, social and economic justice;
  • Ability to work well independently and within a collaborative team environment.
  • Experience and cultural competency working in a diverse environment, and commitment to anti-oppression.
  • National travel required: Up to 30 days per year for CSS or other movement-building events (post-pandemic - when it is safe to do so and dependent on employee health and comfort).

Expectations

  • Actively participate in meaningful and ongoing dialogue to expedite the fulfillment of agreements and achievement of goals
  • Manage and work daily with both a long and short term perspective
  • Be challenged, energized, productive, and demonstrate mature self-confidence and grace
  • Anticipate, plan ahead, and act to ensure outcomes are met and prevent avoidable crisis
  • Ability to refocus and re-prioritize work based on new information and/or changing circumstances
  • Seek, give, and respond positively to constructive feedback; be able to take responsibility for one’s actions/impact and pivot as needed 
  • Be aware, mindful and in-touch with organizational and community politics, and how these impact internal and external dynamics
  • Work effectively and efficiently alone and within teams: be a self-starter and self-directed while committed to communication and collaboration

Additional Valuable Skills:

  • Some experience with story-based strategy partnership design, management and process
  • Regular and ongoing practice of story-based strategy
  • Bilingual Spanish-English speaker
  • Experience with CRM databases such as NeonCRM
  • Experience working with remote teammates

Center for Story-based Strategy (CSS) is a values-based organization with a deep commitment to building transformative culture and challenging racism, sexism, homophobia and oppression in all its forms. CSS is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds and challenging historic patterns of political marginalization and oppression. People of Color, working-class people, differently-abled people and LGBTQ persons are strongly encouraged to apply.

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