Community Organizer

Pioneer Valley Project (PVP) is a broad-based grassroots power organization working to advance a racial and economic justice agenda in Springfield, Massachusetts and surrounding communities.  The Community Organizer will work with the Executive Director and Lead Organizer to support, strengthen and expand PVP’s organizing program in Springfield, which includes individuals, congregations, unions and other community organizations.  The Community Organizer will identify, recruit, co-train and support individual residents and institutional members to become community organizers, leaders and active civically engaged citizens.  The Community Organizer will work to amplify impacted resident voices in Springfield, with a particular focus on racial and economic justice issues. The Community Organizer’s work will address systemic problems of access and opportunity in a variety of public settings. 

DUTIES:

·       Learn the PVP organizing model and approach to leadership development

·       Conduct 10-15 one-on-one relational meetings with residents, organizational leaders and organizational allies per week

·       Develop a clear power analysis of Springfield 

·       Recruit residents and institutional members into PVP’s organizing for racial and economic justice 

·       Train adult leaders to build teams with the power to win systemic change

·       Co-manage PVP social media’s outreach and database from meetings and events

·       Participate in and co-lead leadership trainings and organizing campaigns

·       Communicate effectively with leadership base about PVP

·       Manage preparation of written materials including agendas, meeting notes and emails/texts 

QUALIFICATIONS:

·       High school diploma or GED required. College degree preferred

·       Demonstrated commitment to racial and economic justice issues

·       Strong political, cultural and racial justice analysis

·       Strong communication, writing and analytical skills 

·       Strong relational skills; ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

·       High degree of professionalism when engaging with residents, organizational leaders and elected officials

·       Responsible and disciplined, able to work independently and collaboratively on a team

·       Desire to learn and openness to being challenged 

·       Ability to thrive in fast-paced, active environment 

·       Previous organizing experience and/or working in African American and/or Latino communities highly desirable

Hours, location and compensation: PVP’s office is located at South Congregational Church in downtown Springfield.  Work will be in-person with occasional virtual meetings.  Attendance at evening or weekend meetings/trainings will sometimes be required. This is a full-time (40 hrs. weekly) salaried position with benefits. Salary is commensurate with experience.  

Pioneer Valley Project has a strong learning culture, including weekly staff development and coaching opportunities.  We prioritize creating a respectful multiracial and multicultural organization.