What are the responsibilities and job description for the Narrative Change Coordinator position at Collaborative for Educational Services?
Are you passionate about the power of storytelling to drive public policy change and address the root causes of food insecurity?
The Hampshire County Food Policy Council (HCFPC) seeks a dynamic and experienced Narrative Change Coordinator to lead the integration of community stories into our policy advocacy efforts. This role sits at the intersection of grassroots engagement and systems-level change, working to shift the public narrative towards a more holistic understanding of hunger and its systemic origins.
Key Responsibilities and Functions
The Narrative Change Coordinator will be a central figure in the HCFPC's work, serving as a cross-Food Policy Council Coordinator. The person in this role will also participate as a partner or a guest in the Policy Advocacy Circle and Storytelling Circle, and hold a leadership role in at least one circle (Coordinator or Facilitator).
Narrative Strategy: Work with the Policy Advocacy and Storytelling Circles to establish clear workflows, develop strategic plans, and create workplans focused on policy advocacy and narrative change.
- Story Integration: Ensure community members' lived experiences and stories are intentionally integrated into advocacy activities.
- Community Engagement & Training: Support community members in developing personal stories related to food experiences, using the Marshall Ganz model of storytelling. Coordinate the review of the existing Community Story Archive to identify themes relevant to policy advocacy.
- Partnership Development: Build and maintain strategic relationships with partner organizations focused on narrative change and policy advocacy. Represent the HCFPC in the Project Bread Make Hunger History Coalition meetings.
Collaboration: Participate in regular Coordinators meetings and serve as a partner/guest in the Policy Advocacy and Storytelling Circles.
What You’ll Bring
We strongly encourage candidates who may not meet every qualification to apply and share how their unique background or practice has prepared them for this role.
Required Qualifications:
Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience (paid staff or regular volunteer) focused on community outreach, civic engagement, public policy advocacy, and/or community organizing within a local community setting.
- Storytelling Expertise: Professional training in the Marshall Ganz model of storytelling and demonstrated experience supporting community members in sharing their stories using this framework.
- Relationship Building: Expertise in building and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including community members, elected/municipal officials, nonprofit leaders, and business owners.
- Systemic Analysis: Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the impacts of systems of oppression, public policy advocacy, civic engagement, and public health frameworks.
- Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects effectively, including strong time management, proficiency in digital tools, and clear, mindful communication.
Communication: Demonstrated ability to listen deeply and communicate respectfully across differences in power, privilege, culture, and language.