Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice - Community Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator - Detroit

About The Position

The Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator will lead our work on community benefits, social and economic equity initiatives, and related project areas. The individual will work extensively with outside partners, organize and participate in meetings and presentations, conduct research, develop legal documents, and mobilize and empower communities towards a great realization of their economic and social rights.

About Sugar Law

The Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice is a national, nonprofit organization founded in 1991, dedicated to using law and public advocacy to advance the rights of low-income persons and the communities where they live and work. Throughout its history Sugar Law has highlighted the interdependence of civil and economic rights, working to bind corporations and government to their legal and moral responsibilities.

Sugar Law has built a national network of attorneys who work closely with the Center, thus maintaining national scope for our work in Detroit, Michigan, and in other states. Our influence and our resources have expanded in recent years, and we are poised for further growth.

The Sugar Law work environment is most productive for people who

• Are low-ego and high-output;
• Are good at taking ownership of a project and driving results;
• Like working collaboratively and take leadership on projects and teams;
• Are confident yet humble; and
• Calmly thrive in a high-pressure environments while maintaining personal and professional perspective.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• A demonstrated commitment to economic and social justice;
• Organizing; campaign coordination; and policy advocacy skills;
• Commitment to and experience working within diverse communities;
• Commitment to equitable development, community benefits, and social and economic equity principles in economic development;
• Ability to plan and manage projects.
• Success managing local or regional advocacy campaigns, especially in conjunction with community groups, unions, and/or nonprofit organizations.
• Strong communication, listening, and group facilitation skills;
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills;
• Skill using a range of software, and no fear of learning new programs.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in team environments and to work under the direction of others;
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission and operations of Sugar Law Center;
• J.D. is preferred.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee, conduct and coordinate work related to community benefits campaigns and related community benefits project work;
• Undertake and lead research and writing, convening and coordination of meetings, and partner collaboration on project work in assigned areas of responsibility,
• Lead ongoing project work related to the equitable implementation and enforcement of law in previously identified municipalities;
• Lead project work related to equitable development within low-income communities;
• Assist in environmental justice, equity within utility services, and public benefits work;
• Support workplace justice, democracy emergency, and other office project areas as needed;
• Undertake media outreach and social media efforts within assigned project areas;
• Contribute to and cooperate in office’s fundraising efforts, including but not limited to assistance with grant writing and related reports as need;
• Recruit and train volunteers and student interns and providing training for the same within assigned project areas;
• Work cooperatively with staff and community partners to advance the success of the candidate’s work and the work of all others in the office.
• The position will require public speaking and participation in events and meetings on evenings and weekends.
• On occasion, travel outside the local area will be required.
  
  

Salary/Benefits

Approximately $60,000 annually, depending on qualifications.

Position status: Exempt (no overtime).

Thirty-five (35) hour workweek.

Benefits include vacation, paid sick leave, and health, dental, and professional liability insurance.

Position reports to Executive Director of Sugar Law and does not have supervisory responsibilities over other staff.

Position is represented by UAW Local 2320.

Sugar Law Center is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and we encourage applications from members of marginalized and underrepresented communities. Motivated candidates with some, but not all, the desired qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply

• All applications must be submitted by email. Send a resume, cover letter, writing sample (if available), and contact information for three references to mail@sugarlaw.org.
• Deadline: April 11, 2025. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
  
  

Sugar Law Center For Economic & Social Justice

4650 Cass Ave.

Detroit, MI 48201

Phone: 313-993-4505; mail@sugarlaw.org

www.sugarlaw.org

Date Posted

03/27/2025