Announcing Prairie Pathways! A Job Board just for Kansans operating in the local political and advocacy space.
Finding the right people to power social change shouldn’t be so hard - but for nonprofits and political organizations in Kansas, it often is. At the same time, job seekers passionate about advocacy and policy struggle to find a central place to discover meaningful opportunities.
That’s why we created Prairie Pathways, Kansas's hub for nonprofit and advocacy careers. More than just a job board, we’re building a community - a place where organizations can connect with top talent, job seekers can find their next big opportunity, and everyone can access the resources they need to thrive in this space.
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect Kansas's advocacy and nonprofit organizations with the passionate professionals who can help them thrive. We envision a stronger, more connected community - where organizations can find top talent, and job seekers can discover meaningful careers in advocacy and social impact.
Partner Spotlight - Announcing our Founding Members
- The Voter Network is a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on creating stronger communities in Kansas through voter education and engagement. They also lead the 501c3 table, ensuring that other civic engagement organizations have resources to level up their programs. And they developed Voter to Voter, a Kansas-specific relational organizing tool to boost civic engagement within individual networks.
- Kansans for an Affordable Future is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to building a vibrant and sustainable future for our state. Their mission is to champion economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and consumer-centric solutions.
- Kansas Coalition for Common Sense and Kansas Common Sense Fund develop research-based messages to empower Kansas voters, advocates, and leaders in their fight to promote common-sense Kansas values. They specialize in communications training & mentoring, strategic comms, social media monitoring, and issue and message research.
- Tailwind Partners is a political and project management consulting firm focused on building long-lasting political power in Kansas.
Interview with Job Seeker (Nidia Lopez)
Every month, Prairie Pathways will feature a local Kansan who has worked in the advocacy field and is interested in growth opportunities, highlighting their skills, experience, and the kind of impact they hope to make next.
Nidia Lopez is a bilingual and bi-cultural program/project manager with a strong track record of overseeing complex projects for diverse state agencies and educational institutions for over a decade. Nidia brings a deep commitment to equity, access, and grassroots engagement. She currently serves on the Kansas Latino Community Network Board and resides in Manhattan, Kansas.
Can you share a bit about your career path so far?
At the beginning of my career, I worked for many years in the field of social work. While social work was fulfilling, it could also be emotionally draining at times. In 2020, I had the opportunity to relocate and begin working for a state agency. This career move turned out to be the most pivotal and significant step in my professional journey, as it propelled me into state agency and government work.
What inspired you to get into political or advocacy work?
I am a Mexican queer woman immersed in the world of policies. I was inspired to become politically active and advocate for myself and my community by the belief that politics impacts my life. Since it affects me, I might as well be involved in the decision-making process as much as possible.
Are there any projects or campaigns you’re particularly proud of? Tell us about one.
During the pandemic, the Kansas Department of Labor was responsible for implementing two new programs to assist unemployed Kansans affected by the crisis. I was part of the team that translated materials and messages for the Spanish-speaking community. We conducted media campaigns in collaboration with Spanish-language media outlets.
What kinds of roles are you exploring right now?
I am seeking opportunities in program management within economic development and innovation.
What’s something people might not know about you from reading your résumé?
I love juggling! It helps me feel calm.
Help Build Kansas’s Advocacy Talent Pipeline!
- Organizations - Post your open roles to reach Kansans with experience in advocacy, organizing, and community work.
- Job Seekers - Create a profile to showcase your skills and get discovered by values-aligned employers.
Thank you for being part of this growing community.
Until next time!