Coordinator, Advocacy

Advocacy Coordinator

German Village Society (GVS)
Columbus, Ohio

Hours: 10-15/week

Wage: $15-$20/hour

Position Summary

The Advocacy Coordinator advances the German Village Society’s mission to protect, preserve, and promote the historic character of German Village. This role serves as a visible, accessible presence in the neighborhood—supporting residents navigating life in our historic district, monitoring public policy impacting the district, and strengthening relationships between homeowners, City officials, and community stakeholders.

The Advocacy Coordinator operationalizes GVS’s commitment to being true Caretakers of a Legacy™, ensuring preservation standards are upheld while residents feel supported, informed, and empowered.

Core Responsibilities

1. Resident Advocacy & Support

• Create surveys to gather feedback on critical matters affecting the neighborhood
• Aggregate surveys in an executive summary for varying stakeholders 
• Amplify the Village Voice to stakeholders at varying levels

2. Policy Monitoring & Government Relations

• Track City Council legislation, administrative rule changes, and code updates impacting historic districts.
• Attend the GVS Historic Preservation and Advocacy Committee meetings, actively participating, taking notes, and sharing grounded ideas
• Prepare summaries, talking points, and recommendations for GVS leadership and Trustees.
• Support coordinated advocacy efforts when preservation standards are at risk.

3. Community Engagement & Visibility

• Maintain an open-door presence within the Village.
• Build relationships with residents, contractors, architects, and City staff.
• Respond promptly and professionally to resident inquiries.
• Facilitate forums, workshops, and educational sessions on preservation topics.

5. Internal Coordination

• Maintain tracking systems for resident inquiries and advocacy cases.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Executive Director and Board of Trustees.
• Collaborate with communications staff to ensure consistent messaging.

6. GVS Team-Building Approach

• Proactively ask questions and seek advice from peers and the Executive Director
• Thrive in a bustling open office environment, visibly working to support co-workers as needed
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and camaraderie for the Society, its staff, its membership base, and the Board of Trustees

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or bachelor’s-prepared) in Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation and professional judgment.

Preferred:

• Experience working with municipal boards or commissions.
• Knowledge of Columbus historic preservation policies.
• Experience in community-based nonprofit or civic leadership environments.

Core Competencies

• Relationship Building (residents, Trustees, City staff)
• Clear & Diplomatic Communication
• Regulatory Literacy
• Attention to Detail
• Conflict Navigation
• Adaptability
• Public Presence & Professionalism

Work Environment

• Office-based in German Village with regular neighborhood site visits.
• Evening meetings required (Commission meetings, public hearings, community forums).
• Requires walking the district and visiting residential properties.

Impact of the Role

German Village is one of the nation’s most intact historic neighborhoods. The Advocacy Coordinator ensures preservation standards remain strong, residents feel supported rather than overwhelmed, and public policy decisions reflect the long-term stewardship of the district.

This position protects both the physical fabric of the Village and the civic trust that sustains it.