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Community Advocate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Church World Service

Community Organizer

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site +1

$45K - $56K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Church World Service (CWS) is seeking a passionate and community-centered Advocacy & Grassroots Organizer to help build the collective power of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and ...

Church World Service

Community Organizer

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Church World Service (CWS) is seeking a passionate and community-centered Advocacy & Grassroots Organizer to help build the collective power of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and ...

Church World Service

Community Organizer

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Church World Service (CWS) is seeking a passionate and community-centered Advocacy & Grassroots Organizer to help build the collective power of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and allied ...

Compass Group

TECHNOLOGY ADVOCATE - MCLEAN, VA

Mclean, VA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

... and community clients worldwide, and our highly certified on-site technology hospitality advocates have become integral to the culture of global enterprises, tackling the daily technical and ...

Motorola

Customer Success Advocate

Alberta, VA · On-site

We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer ... Within this organization, Customer Success Advocates focus on our most critical and complex ...

Carrington

Customer Advocate Specialist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The Mortgage Customer Advocate Specialist will be responsible for providing general office ... Carrington Charitable Foundation contributes to the community through causes that reflect the ...

Commander, Navy Installations Command

$69K - $109K/yr

You will assist the SARC with community outreach, SAPR training logistics, stakeholder coordination ... advocacy-including crisis intervention, risk evaluation, and needs analysis-to provide tailored ...

Aptos

Identify and engage high-value traders, KOLs, and trading communities within Korea, converting them into active Decibel users and ecosystem advocates * Plan and execute local events, meetups, AMAs ...

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All JobsCommunity Advocate JobsCommunity Advocate Jobs in Virginia

Community Advocate information

See Virginia salary details

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How much do community advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for community advocate in Virginia is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a community advocate?

A community advocate provides advocacy on behalf of a community and lobbies for development or change within neighborhoods. They are responsible for providing information to citizens about public issues that the community might not be aware of, such as taxes, education finances, environmental issues, and other political and social issues. In this job, your duties may include performing a variety of outreach services, such as holding public meetings, attending city and neighborhood council events, and meeting with politicians, business owners, and other parties in the community. Many community advocates work with a specific population, such as the deaf, battered women, or human populations affected by environmental contamination.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Advocate, you need a solid understanding of community issues, advocacy strategies, and relevant social services, often supported by a degree in social work, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with data collection tools, case management software, and knowledge of local government or nonprofit systems is beneficial. Outstanding interpersonal communication, cultural competency, and organizational skills help advocates build trust and effectively mobilize resources. These skills and qualities are crucial for empowering communities, influencing policy, and ensuring that the needs of marginalized groups are addressed.

What are some common challenges community advocates face when engaging with diverse communities?

Community Advocates often work with individuals from varied backgrounds, which can present challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and differing levels of trust in institutions. Building strong relationships requires patience, empathy, and adaptability, as advocates must tailor their communication and support strategies to meet the unique needs of each group. Successful Community Advocates collaborate closely with local organizations and stakeholders to bridge gaps and ensure all voices are heard, fostering a sense of inclusion and empowerment within the community.

What is the difference between Community Advocate vs Community Organizer?

AspectCommunity AdvocateCommunity Organizer
Required CredentialsRelevant experience, sometimes certifications in social work or advocacyExperience in organizing, community outreach, sometimes certifications in community development
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, government agencies, advocacy groupsNonprofits, grassroots initiatives, social service agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across advocacy, social justice, and public policy sectorsCommon in community development, activism, and social services

While both roles focus on supporting communities, a Community Advocate primarily promotes and defends community interests, often working on policy or awareness campaigns. A Community Organizer actively mobilizes community members to take collective action, focusing on grassroots efforts. Both roles are vital in community development but differ in their approach and daily activities.

More about Community Advocate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Community Advocate jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Community Advocate jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Community Advocate jobs in Virginia?

For Community Advocate jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Community Advocate jobs in Virginia are:

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Cities in Virginia with the most Community Advocate job openings:

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Community Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Advocate job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,388 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Community Organizer

Church World Service

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site, Remote

$45K - $56K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Overview
Church World Service (CWS) is seeking a passionate and community-centered Advocacy & Grassroots Organizer to help build the collective power of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and allied communities across Virginia. This position is responsible for developing grassroots leadership, strengthening civic participation and advancing local, state, and federal policies that create more welcoming communities.
About CWS
Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.
Purpose
The Community Organizer will work collaboratively and cultivate relationships with refugee and immigrant leaders, refugee resettlement agencies, faith communities, immigrants' rights groups, civic engagement organizations and other partners to increase refugee and immigrant civic participation and build a sustainable organizing infrastructure in target areas of Virginia. Through leadership development, public education, coalition building, issue campaigns, and advocacy, the organizer will support impacted communities in shaping public narrative and influencing policy decisions that affect their lives.
This is a semi-remote position based out of the CWS Virginia office and requires frequent travel throughout Virginia or Washington DC, including occasional evening and weekend work.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Recruit, develop and support a diverse network of active refugee and immigrant leaders with a core leadership team committed to advancing community-led social change throughout the state of Virginia.
  • Conduct regular one-on-one relational meetings to identify emerging leaders, build trust sustain relationships with refugee and immigrant leaders Maintain and engage a leadership base through in-person engagement and virtual organizing platforms .
  • Organize and facilitate events and meetings that promote the welcome of refugees and immigrants in Virginia.
  • Request and coordinate meetings and events with policy makers involved in discussions about refugee resettlement and/or immigration issues at the national, state, and local levels of government, in partnership with the CWS Policy unit of the Advocacy team.
  • Work with refugee and community leaders, resettlement office staff, volunteers, supporters, faith communities and allies to develop informed policy goals, objectives, and priorities to share with national, state, and local policy makers, in partnership with the CWS Policy unit and Advocacy team
  • Connect and establish relationships with faith-based organizations, faith communities and immigrants' rights organizations and collaborate around shared goals.
  • Coordinate and facilitate leadership development trainings focused on community organizing, public narrative and storytelling, advocacy, , voter registration, civic engagement, media outreach, messaging, "Know Your Rights" and campaign strategy
  • Coordinate voter registration and nonpartisan civic engagement activities, particularly during election cycles, including naturalization ceremonies and community events.
  • Increase civic participation among newly naturalized citizens and immigrant communities through education and leadership opportunities. Assist in connecting refugee leaders with education efforts among ally communities in the surrounding rural and suburban regions.
  • Participate in coalition and issue campaign meetings on behalf of CWS, as appropriate and in coordination with CWS Virginia.
  • Participate with state civic engagement tables
  • Work with CWS communications staff to elevate refugee and immigrant voices, increase visibility and awareness of support for refugee resettlement through traditional and social media.
  • Help direct issue identification and strategy campaign management for welcoming policies at the local and state level.
  • Support refugee and immigrant leaders in participating in advocacy meetings, legislative visits, public testimony, and engaging media outlets.
  • Collaborate with local immigrant led faith communities and ally faith communities around community protection efforts.
  • Travel to target areas of Virginia to meet and strategize with community members about welcoming refugees.
  • Track campaign progress, leadership engagement, and advocacy outcomes using organizational databases and reporting systems.
  • Participate in CWS meetings, trainings, retreats, and organizational initiatives.
  • Support cross-departmental collaboration across the Immigration & Refugee Program and Advocacy Team.

Qualifications
Education and Certifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a social science field, certification in related fields or equivalent experience and demonstrated success organizing alongside refugee or immigrant populations required.

Experience
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in community organizing, advocacy, civic engagement, leadership development, or related work.
  • Experience working with immigrant or refugee communities at the grassroots level.
  • Understanding of and commitment to social change through building the capacity and power of refugees and community leaders.
  • Experience conducting training and developing resources, planning events, and working with partners from diverse backgrounds, faith traditions, immigrant and human rights organizations, and service providers.
  • Experience working collaboratively across diverse coalitions and community partnerships. demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively with community leaders, other staff and other organizations.
  • A broad understanding of national, state, and local policies that pertain to refugees and immigrants.
  • Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, immigrant justice and community-led social justice. .
  • Experience tracking projects, maintaining databases, and reporting measurable outcomes. Well organized, with excellent communication, writing, and speaking skills.
  • Communications experience working with local print, radio, TV and social media (preferred).
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, CRM/database systems, and social media platforms.

Skills
  • Ability to work and thrive in a multicultural environment required.
  • Self-starter capable of working independently, and team-oriented, with a high level of self-motivation and ability to meet goals and manage time in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen, communicate effectively, and build lasting relationships with refugee leaders, IRP+ program staff, and IRP+ advocacy staff.
  • Ability to collaboratively support diverse colleagues from a variety of professional, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
  • Highly organized, with proven skills in project management or business operations.
  • Ability to educate, mobilize and organize immigrant and refugee communities to move forward strategic campaigns.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Integrity, professional discretion, and ability to handle sensitive or confidential matters.
  • Must possess dedication to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, displaced people and/or other vulnerable populations.
  • Fluency in English and at least one additional language commonly spoken by refugee and immigrant communities, including Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, French, Swahili, Somali, Nepali, or other relevant languages.

Competencies
Communication: Communicates clearly and concisely in verbal and written forms using established formats and templates; seeks clarification when instructions are unclear and confirms understanding before acting; shares progress updates in a timely, audience-appropriate manner.
Teamwork: Works cooperatively to complete assigned tasks; welcomes feedback and guidance; volunteers support when capacity allows; respects diverse perspectives and builds trust through reliability.
Problem-Solving: Applies established processes and tools to solve straightforward problems; identifies issues early and escalates with proposed options when possible; uses basic analytical techniques to understand root causes.
Accountability: Completes assigned tasks reliably and on time; accepts responsibility for errors and corrects them; proactively communicates risks to delivery.
Adaptability: Adjusts to new tasks, feedback, and shifting priorities with a positive attitude; demonstrates resilience and learns from setbacks.
Execution: Completes assigned tasks efficiently and to expected quality standards; proactively seeks help to avoid delays; tracks progress and meets deadlines.
Special Requirements
The job will require reference checks, standard criminal background checks, and motor vehicle background checks.
Benefits
CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)
- 14 Official Holidays
- 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Long Term and Short-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts

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