Civic Engagement Coordinator

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Santa Maria | Santa Barbara | Oxnard | Lompoc

Santa Barbara

Civic Engagement Coordinator, FT

Job Description

BRIEF HISTORY

Future Leaders of America (FLA) began in 1982 as a grassroots response to the lack of Latino role models in Oxnard, California. For 40 years, FLA has provided over 9,700 low-income Latino youth and their families with personal development, leadership development, educational experiences, and civic engagement opportunities in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

FLA’s MISSION

FLA develops youth resiliency and leadership to create long-lasting systemic change by empowering and mobilizing youth leaders to advocate for policies that improve their lives and the lives of their peers and their communities.

FLA’s TARGET POPULATION

FLA is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural, educational, and civic experiences of Latino youth on the Central Coast. At FLA, we believe that young people shouldn’t have to wait to lead–especially when they’re already showing up with urgency, clarity, and convictions. That's why we build and support peer-powered, community-rooted spaces where Latino youth organize, advocate, and shape the systems that shape their lives. Because when youth don’t just find their voice, but know how to use it, our communities grow stronger, more just, and more reflective of the people who hold them together.

POSITION OVERVIEW:The Civic Engagement Coordinator will play a crucial role in advancing year-round civic engagement through FLA’s leadership development opportunities, ensuring youth leaders are engaged in advocacy, organizing, and voter engagement efforts. This position will develop, coordinate, and oversee civic engagement activities that ensure youth are proactive in mobilizing and informing voters, expanding the electorate through voter registration drives, and breaking down barriers to voting. The Civic Engagement Coordinator will work closely with youth, staff, alumni, and community partners to ensure that our civic engagement efforts strategically support our ongoing campaigns and enhance our year-round leadership development programs. Additionally, this position will represent FLA in local, statewide, and national coalitions to increase voter turnout among low-propensity voters in Ventura and Santa Barbara County, including Latinx young voters who are traditionally underrepresented in the ballot box.

Voter Mobilization and Education

• Lead non-partisan voter mobilization efforts during on and off election cycles, including organizing voter registration drives, phone banking, and canvassing to expand the electorate and engage underrepresented voters.
• During off-election cycles, develop and implement voter education initiatives that inform youth and their communities about civic processes, voter rights, and key issues affecting their lives.
• Recruit, train, and supervise civic engagement volunteers.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of local, state, and national issues that may affect the community.

Youth and Parent Training and Development

• Train FLA youth and parents on advocacy strategies, including how to engage with elected officials, craft persuasive messaging, and mobilize their communities.
• Support youth leaders in holding elected officials accountable by ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.

Collaboration and Messaging

• Work closely with the Communications and Policy Research Lead to develop and refine messaging that supports voter mobilization, advocacy campaigns, and public engagement.
• Ensure alignment between civic engagement efforts and the organization's ongoing campaigns to enhance impact and reinforce campaign goals.
• Promoting civic engagement activities through social media, newsletters, press releases, and other communication channels

Community and Coalition Building

• Represent FLA in local, statewide, and national coalitions focused on increasing voter turnout among low-propensity voters, with an emphasis on Latinx youth and other underrepresented communities.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, elected officials, and stakeholders to advance FLA’s civic engagement objectives and foster collaboration on shared goals.
• Organizing community meetings, forums, and events to encourage civic participation

Youth-Led Campaign Support

• Provide strategic guidance to youth leaders in developing and executing civic engagement campaigns that address key issues like education reform, environmental justice, and immigrant rights.
• Facilitate regular check-ins with youth-led coalitions to monitor progress, address challenges, and celebrate successes.

Evaluation and Reporting

• Conduct evaluations of civic engagement activities to assess effectiveness, gather feedback, and refine strategies.
• Prepare reports on voter mobilization and education efforts for funders, partners, and the FLA board of directors.

JOB REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Education, Social Work, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in civic engagement, community organizing, or youth leadership development.
• Strong understanding of advocacy, public policy, and legislative processes.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds, particularly in underrepresented communities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for events and field activities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Familiarity with digital organizing tools and social media platforms.
• Experience in policy research and analysis.
• Familiarity with voter engagement platforms, such as CalHub and PDI

SCHEDULESOur work schedules vary, primarily according to our programming schedule. Weekly work schedules are typically planned by you and your supervisor(s) up to a week in advance. Because we are a youth-led and serving organization, most of our programming occurs after school/work hours. It is important that you understand and anticipate that your schedules will vary and will occasionally include working weekends.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENTIt is important to note that employment with FLA is based on mutual consent and is considered employment-at-will. Accordingly, either you or FLA - with or without cause or advance notice - can terminate the employment relationship, at any time. Future Leaders of America, Inc. also has the right to change the terms and conditions of your employment with or without notice, including but not limited to termination, demotion, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, duties, and location of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee tosuccessfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Staff are expected to participate in fundraising events, including but not limited to Latino Legacy Awards, Alumni Reencuentro, meet and greets, and annual posadas. Staff should also have a valid driver’s license with insurance and dependable access to a car to drive for work. A background and driver's check is required prior to employment. All staff are expected to follow FLA’s Code of Excellence in all responsibilities and interactions.

REPORTS TO: Associate Leadership Development Director, Ivan Vega

STATUS: FULL-TIME, NON-EXEMPT

COMPENSATION RANGE: $28/HR

• 3.5% base salary annual increase in January 2026
• FLA offers a benefits package for our full-time employees, including:
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance (plus 75% coverage for your spouse or child)
• Aflac Supplemental Benefits
• 401 (k) Retirement Plan with a 2% match of annual compensation.
• Paid vacation (two weeks per year) and sick time
• 11 paid holidays
• Ongoing professional training in major gifts solicitation
• A commitment to work-life balance and a fun, self-driven working environment

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Subject: Civic and Voter Engagement Coordinator. The position will be open until filled.

Future Leaders of America, Inc. has a deep commitment to fostering equal opportunity in employment and encourages applications from individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds and represents all genders, ages, beliefs, and identities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28