Hiring: Advocacy Manager
Bike Cleveland is in search of an Advocacy Manager to develop and win support for key biking and walking infrastructure improvements across Greater Cleveland.
This is a unique opportunity for someone who believes streets should be safe for everyone — whether you bike, walk, roll, or ride transit — and wants to turn that belief into real, on-the-ground change.
The Advocacy Manager will organize residents, support community-led Better Streets Committees, and help advance transformative initiatives like Cleveland Moves and Vision Zero. From neighborhood meetings to City Hall, this role blends grassroots organizing, coalition building, and policy engagement to move street safety projects from concept to construction.
We are looking for someone who thrives on building relationships, navigating public processes, and mobilizing people to take action. If you are energized by community leadership, equity-driven transportation policy, and making Greater Cleveland more bike-friendly and walkable, we encourage you to apply.
Join a collaborative, mission-driven team working to create safer, more equitable streets across our region.
See full job description and application instructions below
Advocacy Manager
Reports to: Advocacy Director
Salary Range: $46,000–$51,000 (based on experience)
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Location: 1900 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
About Bike Cleveland
Bike Cleveland is creating a sustainable, connected, healthy, and vibrant region by promoting and advocating for safe and equitable transportation for all. Our work centers advocacy, community leadership, and education to advance safer streets for people who bike, walk, and use public transit across Greater Cleveland.
We believe safe streets are essential to public health, climate resilience, economic vitality, and social justice.
Position Summary
The Advocacy Manager plays a key role in advancing Bike Cleveland’s policy and infrastructure priorities by organizing residents, supporting community-led Better Streets Committees, and coordinating advocacy campaigns that move street safety projects from concept to construction.
Working closely with the Advocacy Director, this role blends grassroots organizing, coalition building, project management, and policy engagement to help ensure Cleveland Moves, Vision Zero, and other safety initiatives are implemented equitably and effectively.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, navigating public processes, and turning community energy into tangible street safety outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Better Streets Committees (Community-Led Advocacy)
- Manage and support 4–5 Better Streets Committees to build resident leadership capacity and long-term sustainability.
- Facilitate monthly evening committee meetings (approximately 4–6 evening meetings per month).
- Meet regularly with committee leaders to plan agendas, set advocacy strategies, and develop leadership skills.
- Draft meeting materials and coordinate guest speakers, city staff, and partner presentations.
- Manage meeting logistics, communications, and follow-up to maintain strong engagement.
Project & Campaign Support
- Support Bike Cleveland and the Cleveland Streets Coalition in advancing priority street design and safety campaigns.
- Track and coordinate community engagement related to Cleveland Moves, Vision Zero, and other key infrastructure projects.
- Attend public meetings, open houses, and hearings related to transportation and street design.
- Meet with residents, neighborhood leaders, and stakeholders to gather input and align advocacy strategies.
Advocacy & Policy Engagement
- Mobilize residents and partners to influence public policy and accelerate implementation of safe street infrastructure.
- Support advocacy actions, including drafting petitions, action alerts, public comment guidance, and campaign materials.
- Communicate with City Council members, city staff, and agency partners to advance advocacy priorities.
- Research best practices and successful programs from peer cities to inform local strategy.
Collaboration & Internal Coordination
- Work closely with the Advocacy Director and staff to align community organizing with organizational priorities.
- Coordinate with coalition partners and community organizations to amplify shared advocacy goals.
- Track advocacy activities, outcomes, and engagement metrics.
- Support Bike Cleveland’s education programs and events as needed.
Qualifications
Candidates with non-traditional career paths and relevant lived experience are encouraged to apply. If you don’t meet every qualification listed below, we invite you to apply and describe in your cover letter how your experiences prepare you for this role.
- At least one year of experience in advocacy, community organizing, transportation, urban planning, public policy, or a related field (organizing experience preferred).
- Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in active transportation, urban planning, public health, and/or safe streets policy. Subject matter expertise is a plus; strong learners are encouraged to apply.
- Experience working with community groups, volunteers, or resident leaders, including leadership development and grassroots engagement.
- Experience contributing to or supporting advocacy campaigns and a basic understanding of the political and public policy process.
- Proven ability to manage projects, coordinate multiple priorities, and follow through with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong understanding of equity principles and their application to transportation and public policy.
- Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively; takes initiative and can lead advocacy efforts within the organization.
- Strategic thinker able to identify alignment across diverse stakeholders and priorities.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace tools.
- Ability to work both remotely and in an office setting.
- Deep commitment to Bike Cleveland’s mission and a desire to make Greater Cleveland more bike-friendly.
Cultural Competency
This position requires engagement across diverse neighborhoods and communities throughout Greater Cleveland. The successful candidate will demonstrate cultural humility, the ability to build trust across differences, and comfort working with elected officials, agency staff, community leaders, and residents with a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences.
Bike Cleveland values perspectives that promote fair and equitable access to transportation for all residents.
Work Environment
Bike Cleveland operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven environment. Evening meetings (approximately 4–6 per month), occasional weekend events, and some local travel are required.
Tools used in this role include Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Quorum Grassroots, and Mailchimp.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $46,000–$51,000 (based on experience)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off and parental leave
- Hybrid work environment
- Professional development support
- Additional organizational perks
Why Work at Bike Cleveland
- Opportunity to shape safer, more equitable streets across Greater Cleveland
- Collaborative, mission-driven team environment
- Meaningful community impact through resident-led advocacy
Bike Cleveland is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and residents of communities historically underrepresented in transportation decision-making.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the form below. We request that you email your resume and a cover letter or writing sample to jobs@bikecleveland.org.
No phone calls or mailed copies, please.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.