Community Organizer

Description

Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal justice system. Through our programs, we offer opportunities for people to heal from and repair harm, restore their lives, and thrive. We challenge systems rooted in racism and retribution and fight for policies and practices that promote true safety, justice, and liberation. 

At Osborne, we are guided by core values and shared beliefs. We honor everyone's capacity to change, celebrate our shared humanity, are united in our pursuit of justice and equity, take all possible steps to keep our commitments, and advocate for people and principles with fierce and tenacious determination.

We are currently seeking a Community Organizer to join our Policy and Advocacy team! The Community Organizer will be responsible for working with the Osborne Center for Justice Across Generations policy and advocacy team to organize support for legislation in New York that supports children whose parents are involved in the criminal legal system. Legislation currently includes the Protect In-Person Visiting (PIPV) bill that would ensure in-person visits in correctional facilities are not replaced with video visiting, and the CARE Act that would promote the well-being of babies by requiring correctional facilities to provide basic standards of pre- and postnatal care for incarcerated individuals who are pregnant. Organizing activities will largely occur in New York City and Westchester County, and may occasionally include organizing on Long Island and other communities in New York State.

This position is for 18 months and full-time/hybrid . It is based in Osborne’s Brooklyn Office. Some evening and weekend hours are required as needed. 

Salary Range: $30.77 - $34.07 per hour

Essential Duties:

• Support and work closely with the Osborne Center for Justice Across Generations and external partners to create and implement outreach plans to engage those living in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island in statewide criminal justice reform with a focus on the Protect In-Person Visiting and CARE Act bills. 
• Network and outreach to organizations and impacted communities to build support and engage community members for lobby days, press conferences, rallies, and other activities in support of campaigns and advocacy efforts that Osborne supports.
• Organize rallies, press conferences, events and activities to garner support for passage of the PIPV and CARE Act bills, and in support of additional campaigns as needed. 
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with community members, community partners, government agencies, and key stakeholders.
• Organize in-district and Albany-based meetings with New York State lawmakers.
• Coordinate and participate in regular PIPV and CARE Act organizing meetings (virtual and in-person), internally at Osborne, with New Hour for Children (partner organization and leading the CARE Act advocacy). 
• Represent Osborne at various community events in New York City, Westchester County, Long Island, and other communities as needed.
• Regularly represent Osborne and the PIPV and CARE Act campaigns at coalition meetings (in-person and virtual) led by external partners, including but not limited to the Justice Roadmap, Justice for Women Task Force, and the Long Island Social Justice Network coalitions. Take notes and report back.
• Engage in community outreach, including tabling at events and other forms of outreach.
• Participate in media events and interviews with the press, as opportunities arise and as approved in advance by Osborne’s Communications Unit.
• Work with OCJAG and other grassroots community organizers to develop advocacy skills and strengthen the capacity of community members to advocate for criminal legal system reform and engage in community-based activism.
• Assist in developing messaging and communication strategies, including the creation of campaign materials such as one pagers, newsletters, infographics, podcasts, and more. 
• Utilize online organizing tools and social media to engage community members. 
• Develop and manage a detailed project schedule and work plan; monitor progress towards milestones and project goals; reporting on status and troubleshooting, as needed. 
• Educate Osborne staff and participants about OCJAG campaigns, advocacy and civic engagement opportunities.
• In person attendance is required to collaborate with others. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Community Organizing, Social Work, Social Sciences, Public Health, Political Science or a related field. In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, 4 years experience in community outreach/organizing experience and engagement in social justice causes. 
• At least two years of community outreach/organizing experience and engagement in social justice causes. 
• Working knowledge of legislative advocacy. 
• Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.
• Passion for and working knowledge of the criminal legal system, and children and families.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Comfortable meeting with elected officials and community members. 
• Experience with public speaking. 
• Highly organized and able to both multi-task and engage community members including those who have a high-level of knowledge of incarceration and its toll on families and communities.
• People directly impacted by the criminal legal system preferred.

Key Competencies:

• Must be willing to travel to communities in NYC, Westchester County, Long Island and Albany New York. 
• Must have accessibility to the internet for email communication and participation in virtual meetings
• Proficient in Google Suite, including creating presentations and flyers
• Basic knowledge of popular social media platforms 

Benefits of Working at Osborne

Generous benefits include four weeks of vacation, tuition reimbursement, a flexible work schedule, excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, and a 403(b) plan with a company match. Career development through ongoing training and individual development plans.

The Osborne Association is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, unemployment status, or any other protected category. The Osborne Association takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Thank you for your interest in the Osborne Association. Be sure to include a cover letter with your application. No phone calls please. We wish we could personally respond to each application. However, we are unable to do so due to the volume of interest received.

** Salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.

Salary : $31 - $34