Training & Engagement Policy Advocate

The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) is looking for a Policy Advocate (Training and Engagement) to coordinate MCASA’s sexual assault training program and provide support to statewide prevention efforts, especially for the LGBTQ community.  If you have worked on political campaigns, in broadcast or radio productions, theater productions, event coordination or have worked or volunteered in a related area, you already have excellent experience for this position. Use your skills to advance sexual assault prevention and response initiatives in Maryland.

This position is responsible for providing training and outreach to rape crisis and recovery center staff as well as other sexual assault service providers. Tasks include delivery of training programs both in-person and online, managing MCASA’s training request system, providing technical assistance over the phone, in person and via email, and facilitating workshops, including logistical support, outreach and data collection and evaluation. This position also facilities outreach and prevention efforts focused on the LGBTQ community including interfacing with statewide agencies, attending PRIDE and other outreach events, and developing training workshops and other prevention tools.

The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) provides technical assistance, training, outreach and prevention programming in pursuit of our mission to help prevent sexual assault, advocate for accessible compassionate care for survivors of sexual violence, and work to hold offenders accountable.  This position offers a unique opportunity to be on the cutting edge of sexual assault prevention and response.  The ideal candidate will possess detail-oriented organizations skills and exceptional interpersonal communications skills.

Employees are expected to be available to travel to the MCASA office in Silver Spring within 90 minutes or live within the State of Maryland. While many job duties may be performed virtually, some are in person.  This may include on-site meetings, meetings with stakeholders or community members, training workshops, outreach events, conferences or other in person events. Employees may choose to work in the MCASA offices subject to COVID risk reduction protocols.

Classification:  Non-Exempt
Salary:  $46,000-48,500
Applicants with more than ten years work experience may propose additional compensation or reduced hours, however, this position is grant funded and there is minimal flexibility regarding compensation. 

Responsibilities and Duties

The Training and Engagement Policy Advocate will be responsible for coordinating training efforts throughout the state and ensuring that professionals working with sexual assault survivors have access to continuous training regarding the rights and services available to sexual assault survivors.

·       Manage the logistics of MCASA’s training including registrations, promotion, outreach, evaluation and updating and managing a system for tracking training requests. This will also include interfacing with external partners to coordinate site logistics, schedule external subject matter experts and ensure MCASA’s training programs are accessible to all participants.

·       Develop and facilitate MCASA training programs for professionals working with survivors of sexual violence.  These include annual sexual assault victim advocate trainings; trainings on individual topics such as college sexual assault; professional development for Rape Crisis & Recovery Center staff and others working with sexual assault survivors

·       Oversee a project within MCASA’s prevention programming aimed at preventing sexual violence in the LGBTQIA+ community. Duties for this project include providing technical assistance to, and collaborating with, external partners including Rape Crisis Centers and LGBTQ advocacy organizations, development, and facilitation of training programs on this subject, and implementation of primary prevention programs aimed at increasing economic security for this population.

·       Support MCASA’s outreach efforts through tabling events on college campuses, PRIDE month festivals, Sexual Assault Awareness Month events, community health fairs, and other outreach opportunities as they are requested.

·       Participate in pre- and post- training activities, including preparatory meetings, training debriefs, data entry and analysis of formal evaluation forms, follow-up surveys of training participants, and distribution of certificates of attendance and continuing education units.

·       Identify training and outreach opportunities and creating meaningful content and curriculum that supporting MCASAs mission to end sexual assault in Maryland

·       Coordinate with MCASA’s Communication Coordinator to update and distribute electronic and tangible educational materials including training announcements, brochures, booklets, fact sheets, press releases and other outreach

·       Coordinate MCASAs online training software programs, including developing webinars through Zoom and online learning modules through Articulate. This will also include training other staff on these programs and staying current on changes and updates with this software.

·       Assist with MCASA’s internship program, including recruitment, hiring, orienting, scheduling, task management, and supervision.

·       Ensure compliance with grant objectives, goals, collection of data and reporting requirements.

·       Support effective agency communications including, for example, listservs, social media, e-newsletter, conference calls, etc.

·       Other duties as assigned by Executive Director or Associate Director.

Qualifications 

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Women’s Studies, Education, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Communications, Broadcasting, Public Policy, Theatre or related degree preferred. Recent grads encouraged to apply

·       Experience working with survivors of sexual assault or other personal violence such as domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, or stalking beneficial

·       Knowledge and/or previous work, internship, or volunteer experience to include one or more of the following: training, teaching, writing, professional training, community outreach, webinar or podcast productions, or event management

·       Strong oral and written communication, organizational, problem solving and planning skills

·       Familiarity with program evaluation is an asset

·       Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Power Point, Excel), Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Zoom, and MailChimp or equivalent software is beneficial

·       Ability to use and communicate professionally and effectively through e-mail and social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms; able to learn and use new technology such as online databases and communication systems

·       Performing arts and debate experience preferred

·       Commitment to ending sexual violence

·       Access to a car and valid drivers license; this position requires travel within Maryland

Physical Demands  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Commitment to Diversity  

MCASA is an equal opportunity employer. Its policy of nondiscrimination means that all employment decisions will be based on merit and without regard to factors unrelated to job performance, such as ethnicity, creed, marital status, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, and physical, emotional or mental capacity.

Note to Potential Applicants: Applicants do not need to possess all of the listed qualifications. Research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs where they do not meet all of the listed qualifications. If you don’t meet all qualifications but think you would be a good fit for the position, please apply.

MCASA values diverse life experience and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, people with disabilities, and/or people who identify as LGBTQI are strongly encouraged to apply.

Our ideal candidate will share our passion and commitment to believing and supporting survivors, holding people who cause harm accountable, and taking action to end sexual assault in Maryland. We also expect that all members of our organization recognize that sexual violence and oppression are intricately linked, and are dedicated to grappling with the complexities of societal power and privilege in order to create an inclusive movement to end sexual violence. Candidates must be able to recognize personal biases and address them productively, as well as communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals, groups, and organizations.

To Apply 

Send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to [email protected] Please include your name and position title in the subject. No phone calls, please.