Community Organizer

JOB POSTING

Organizer

Who We Are

We are a faith-based organization that strives to achieve its vision of a just community in which racism and poverty no longer limit people’s full participation in society through working with a powerful organizing and policy advocacy network and by publishing a highly-regarded investigative journal on matters of social justice. Founded in 1882, the organization, organizes and trains both communities and individuals to advocate for social and economic justice. We envision a community where all God’s children flourish and live in dignity. Visit our YouTube channel and view the 2024 Membership Assembly to learn what we're currently working on.

What We Will Bring

We are consistently exploring new approaches to achieve racial equity and social justice. We seek to create an environment that gives our people the opportunity to live out their passion for justice and build new capabilities, while discovering their genius.

You will use, identify, develop and adeptly use online organizing and political tools as well as old school stuff like conference calls and just getting one-on-one on the phone when needed.

This is a full-time hybrid (in office/in field position) and salary range of $45,000 to $50,000 annualized IS FIRM. The health & wellness benefits and paid-time off we offer are generous and what we would encourage any organization to offer their employees and should be considered as part of total compensation.

Come be a part of our team – you’ll work with great people!

About This Position

This position organizes current and recruits new Community Renewal Society member congregations to create social change on issues of race, poverty and police accountability. Additionally, this position sits in the Organizing and Policy Department so the staff is expected to have knowledge of the legislative process and a willingness to engage. This organizer must have a passion for social justice and experience in base building, developing leaders and developing strategic campaigns.

What You Will Bring

Campaign and Issue Agenda

• Lead exploration of community problems, research potential solutions, develop policy proposals, and identify coalition partners and community allies.
• Represent CRS in coalitions and working groups, while cultivating partnerships in conjunction with various issue campaigns.
• Develop materials that advance CRS initiatives.
• Staff CRS Issue Teams including recruiting and convening leaders to the team and working with them to build winning strategies and move into action.

Membership

• Develop plans to engage and increase the number of member congregations
• Identify, train, mentor and maintain relationships in new and existing member congregations
• Build core Faith in Action Team in each congregation
• Assure that all member congregations pay membership dues and are up to date
• Participate in the CRS annual membership meeting and engage member congregations to attend

Training

• Understand and communicate effectively on all policy issues addressed by CRS
• Serve as a trainer for CRS Base Building and Community Organizing Trainings. Support with recruiting efforts.
• Recruit leaders and outside community partners to participate in Organizing Training and Confronting Pharaoh Congregational Training.
• Participate in and organize other trainings for congregations and community partners on an as needed basis.

Administrative

• Attend and staff various staff and committee meetings as requested
• Provide support to organization wide events

We’d Love to See

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience organizing communities to win change and knowledge of the politics of the City of Chicago, Cook County, and State of Illinois, particularly at the state level.
• Experience working on at least two campaigns.
• Experience working with Africa-American clergy and congregations.
• Commitment to the faith-based tradition and work of CRS, social justice issues and social change.
• Capacity for communication and relationship-building with clergy, congregational members, community leaders, and the general public on matters of justice and faith.
• Demonstrated experience with and/or knowledge of grassroots community organizing, digital organizing and decision- making practices, including demonstrated ability to interact comfortably and competently with people from diverse racial, social, economic, and education backgrounds.
• Experience with and/or knowledge of policy issues emerging from realities of race and poverty (e.g., progressive tax policy, education funding reform, criminal justice, restorative justice, work force development, affordable housing, and police accountability).
• Familiarity with abolitionist, racial justice and anti-capitalist politic.
• A valid Illinois driver’s license and daily access to an insured vehicle.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills essential.

Impact You’ll Make

• Create social change on issues of race and poverty.
• Shape public policy and advocacy.
• Empower people directly impacted by systemic and structural racism.

For PROMPT Consideration

Include the following:

• Cover letter clearly articulating why you’re interested in this opportunity and your salary requirements
• Most recent resume
• Three professional references

PLEASE NO CALLS OR SEARCH FIRMS

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• Organizing: 3 years (Preferred)
• Social Media: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60606 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60606: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60606

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000