Seeking Senior Field Organizer/Trainer

Job Announcement

Senior Field Organizer/Trainer

The Western States Center is looking for an experienced community organizer and trainer to join our field staff with responsibility for working broadly within our training and leadership development programs. Current programs include: Research and Action for Change and Equity (RACE) program, Gender Justice Program, Leadership Development Program and Building Political Power Program.

Organizational Background:

Western States Center is a dynamic training and organizing institute that advances social, economic, racial and environmental justice in the West. Based in Portland, Oregon, Western States Center works with hundreds of activists, community organizations, constituency groups and progressive elected officials in the eight-state region of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada and Utah. More information is available on our website www.westernstatescenter.org

This position will focus on implementing the Uniting Communities project in Oregon. Uniting Communities works with organizations based in communities of color and immigrant and refugee communities to bring together the work for racial justice and LGBTQ equality. This position will also support the Center’s general programs, including the RACE and Building Political Power, and Leadership Development programs.

Responsibilities: The following are responsibilities for this position:

Program

* Uniting Communities: Assist organizations in Oregon, based in communities of color and immigrant and refugee communities in bringing together racial justice and LGBTQ equality

* Work as a team member with Building Political Power, RACE, Leadership Development and Gender Justice program staff to implement and strengthen all of our programs

* Participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of Center programs, including annual CSTI conference

Training and Technical Assistance

* Technical Assistance: Provide on-site training and assistance on a broad range of skills, campaign development, and planning support to groups involved in Center programs

* Organizational Development: Provide organizational support including board development, fundraising training, staff development, and overall organizational health and effectiveness

* Support Trainings: Serve as one of the core trainers for the Western State Center’s leadership development and organizer training programs

Communications and Development

* Create and maintain well written materials that support the Center’s training programs

* Support the fund development work of the Center by assisting with major donor relationships, foundation officers, and other contributors as needed

* Write for the news magazine, website, and other communication forums to promote the work of the Center and key groups in our region

Desired Experience/Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have most of the following job qualifications:

Organizing and Training Experience

* Demonstrated commitment to grassroots organizing and social justice

* Three to five years working in and building grassroots organizations dedicated to social and economic justice

* Experience working with communities and organizations of color and in multi-cultural settings, including immigrant and refugee communities

* Experience working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community organizations and issues

* Demonstrated ability in, and enjoyment of, organizing events, workshops, training sessions and conferences

* Experience developing and delivering issue, organizing, and organizational development training curricula

* Familiarity with the structures of small non-profit organizations

* Knowledge of a range of organizing styles and approaches

Other Experience and Skills

* Solid understanding of the issues involved in organizing for economic and social justice, and a strong commitment to meeting the particular challenges facing communities-of-color, low-income communities, LGBT and queer communities and organizations working in rural communities.

* Good verbal and written communication skills

* Solid planning skills, attention to detail and follow-up

* Team player

* Proficiency with basic word processing, email and other computer programs

* Fundraising/proposal writing

* Electoral or initiative campaign experience

* Knowledge of the region

* Experience working with electoral and initiative campaigns

* Biliterate and bilingual in Spanish and English preferred

* Ability to travel extensively in the West and beyond, including weekends and evenings

* Have a valid driver’s license

Salary & Benefits

Annual salary of $34,000 - $38,000 depending on experience. Excellent benefits including health and dental, retirement benefits, paid sick leave, vacation, and sabbatical. Western States Center is an EEO employer and encourages applications from people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and women.

Applications accepted until January 19, 2010. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis; please submit your information in a timely way. Applications will be accepted by email. Only complete applications will be considered.

Please submit a resume, cover letter referencing organizing experience and interest in this project, and three references for your work by email to: [email protected]