GRASSROOTS COLLABORATIVE
637 S. DEARBORN, THIRD FLOOR, CHICAGO, IL 60605
TEL 312.427.0510
TITLE:Coalition Organizer
SUPERVISED BY: Field Director
SUPERVISES: some supervisory responsibility over interns
SALARY/HOURLY, EXEMPT OR NONEXEMPT: Salaried, Exempt, Full-time position
ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY: Grassroots Collaborative (501c3) unites 11 member organization to build power with working families through strategic community-labor organizing, grassroots leadership development, civic engagement, and research. We organize to win progressive policies and systems-change that improve the lives of low-to-moderate income residents and communities of color. We utilize popular education to build consciousness, and build organization that unites residents to create transformative change for a more just society. Our affiliated 501c4, Grassroots Illinois Action, works to build community political power through issue advocacy and electoral strategies.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:Grassroots Collaborative engages in campaigns to make corporations, big banks, and the rich pay their fair share. Our member organizations are facing the combined impact of public financial crises (state budget impasse) and decades of disinvestment from communities of color. As part of a larger strategy to win revenue for the programs, schools, and services our communities deserve, we have launched the People’s Agenda campaign. Combining legislative, communications and organizing strategies this campaign advances bold demands for major investments in our communitiesand taxes on the wealthy and large corporations to pay for those investments. In the summer of 2017 we are launching an initiative to begin building labor-community alliances in 3-4 Illinois cities, to grow the power of working families and communities of color beyond Chicago and across the state.
POSITION SUMMARY: We are seeking an experienced community or labor organizer, either based in Central Illinois, or able to travel and spend 3-4 days/week in Peoria and additional communities. The organizer will work closely with Grassroots Collaborative member organizations in those geographies, and ally organizations as well, to engage grassroots leaders in the People’s Agenda Campaign and other local issues that are identified by those leaders. The organizer will work with our partners to launch a pilot project in Peoria, and will start organizing in a 2nd geography in the fall of 2017. The organizer will help recruit and develop coalition partners, contribute to campaign strategy, communicate with and motivate existing and potential members, assist in legislative efforts, educate and mobilize low information voters,conduct popular education sessions, and lead public actions. The ideal candidate will be reliable, engaging, and hold a deep commitment to leadership development and empowerment.
Job Responsibilities:
- Coalition Building – Identify and recruit new People’s Agenda endorsers and local organizations that want to work together in a labor-community coalition Maintain communication with partners and engage them in digital, legislative and street actions.
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- Political Education & Leadership Development– Conduct workshops and presentations that educate union members and grassroots leaders about the origins of our fiscal crises and prepare members to lead elements of the People’s Agenda campaign.
- Communications – Work with the Communications Director tocreate and amplify a locally appropriate public narrative about the need to curb the power of the finance sector, and for the wealthy to pay their fair share.
- Direct Action – In collaboration with our partners, develop and execute a variety of member-led actions that move our campaign objectives forward.
- Legislative – Implement grassroots lobbying strategies to educate legislators about the People’s Agenda platform and to move them to support our policy solutions.
- Other roles: Participate in Grassroots Collaborative staff team and other organization-wide meetings and activities. Additional roles and responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of 2 years full-time labor, community or constituency organizing experience
Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Ability to motivate and inspire others
Willingness to workirregular hours, including evenings and weekends, and travel
An energetic commitment to social justice and working within an anti-oppression framework
- Coalition building and coordination skills
- Excellent verbal communication and writing skills. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and grassroots leaders
- Demonstrated ability to lead direct actions and events
- Spanish language skills are a plus
- Proficient in Excel, Powerpoint, Word
- Excellent team player, able to meet deadlines and work independently, innovative, creative
- Valid Driver’s License
Work Environment:
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 40 pounds
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- Travel within Central Illinois, between Central Illinois and Chicago is required. Occasionally, some out-of-the-area travel may be expected
- Workplace is a smoke-and drug-free environment
Grassroots Collaborative is an equal-opportunity employer. People of color strongly encouraged to apply. For consideration, send a resume, cover letter, and three references to . No calls, please. Position open until filled.
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