Organizing Coordinator

Digest topic: Jobs & Internships

Information

organization:The Urban League of Portland
position summary:

Position Title: Organizing Coordinator

Reports To: Director of Advocacy and Public Policy
Duration: 1 Year Contract Position; potential for FT employment
Hours: 30 hours per week

The Urban League of Portland is seeking an Organizing Coordinator to join a dynamic team of organizers working to increase the power, voice and leadership of Oregon’s African American/Black communities to advance racial and social justice. The ideal candidate has a strong background in racial and social justice movement building, is results oriented, enjoys working as a team, and has at least three years of organizing experience. The Organizing Coordinator will supervise issue campaigns, field organizing, project associates/interns and lead volunteers.

The Urban League of Portland empowers African Americans and others to achieve social justice and racial equity in employment, education, health, economic security and quality of life. The Advocacy and Civic Engagement department advances the Urban League of Portland’s mission of economic empowerment and social justice through advocacy, outreach and community organizing, research, policy analysis, issue campaigns and publications.

Position Description:
The Organizing Coordinator will lead the Advocacy and Civic Engagement Department’s Organizing Program; responsible for its grassroots organizing and base-building, leadership development program, civic engagement and campaign management. S/he will work with the Director of Advocacy and Public Policy to align our organizing projects and campaigns with our statewide policy advocacy, informed by the Urban League’s State of Black Oregon.

The ideal candidate will have proven organizing experience in African American/Black communities, campaign and political strategies, messaging and communications skills and the ability to build innovative leadership programs that develop and sustain new leaders and activists. S/he will have experience with both place-based and population-based organizing and able to implement community organizing strategies in specific areas of the State. The ideal candidate is someone able to manage multiple organizing projects, and fosters an affirming work environment based on teamwork, clear results and positive evaluation methods.

This position is initially a 1 year, three-fourths time (30 hours/week) contract position, with potential for permanent, full-time employment. The salary will range from $35,000-$41,000 (pro rata for .08 FTE). The exact salary will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

Job Responsibilities

The Organizing Coordinator will be responsible for the following:

Base Building

1 Working with the ACE Director, developing and implementing organizing and leadership development goals, strategies and work plans with built in systems and success indicators to document progress.
2 Programs to expand our membership and volunteer base.
3 Developing training curriculum, conducting trainings, facilitating leadership programs, and integrating training with larger organizational goals

Campaign and Coalition Building

1 Developing and implementing civic engagement and campaign plans for members and partners, including developing work plans guided by the State of Black Oregon policy agenda, to win campaigns and policy priorities
2 Providing guidance for current economic justice and health campaigns
3 Communications, messaging and development of a racial justice narrative

Staff Support

1 Working with ACE Director to develop opportunities for staff development
2 Providing in-the-field staff development support of leads and organizers

Organizational Development

1 Coordinating with ACE Director to move the ACE Department’s strategic plan forward and to anticipate and respond to internal and external opportunities and challenges

Salary / Pay Rate:DOE
Apply by:April 30, 2014
Required Skills and Abilities:The following are a plus, but not requirements: Experience with legislative, electoral, and/or statewide organizing strongly preferred. Proficiency with databases, volunteer management systems, including the Voter Activation Network
Qualifications:The Organizing Coordinator will have: Successful track record of at least 3 years in community or labor organizing (African American/Black , low income communities), and at least 3 years leading campaigns Two or more years’ experience and demonstrated skill in leadership development curriculum and training Deep commitment to and vision for The Urban League’s mission and State of Black Oregon strategic plan Self-motivated and the capacity to create and move forward a complex agenda Ability to identify, set priorities, work plan and move teams of staff and volunteers in line with our goals and strategic direction Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) with ability to connect across multiple audiences Respect for and demonstrated experience working with African American/Black community members, organizations of color and allies Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or commensurate experience.
Education Required:College degree
Other:Equal Opportunity Employer