Bus Riders Unite Organizer, OPAL Environmental Justice, Portland, OR

[jo...@opalpdx.org]

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:

COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

 

FULL-TIME EXEMPT // $36,000 ANNUAL SALARY

 

OPAL is seeking a full-time Community Organizer to lead our Bus Riders Unite organizing and base-building work and advance transportation and environmental justice campaign initiatives. The Community Organizer is primarily responsible for expanding our BRU membership base by recruiting and retaining new members, facilitating leadership development opportunities, and working with members to prioritize, develop, implement and win transit and related environmental justice campaigns.

 

The ideal candidate has strong communications and relationship-building skills and is passionate about environmental and social justice with capacity to develop and inspire leadership within our members and constituents. S/he will be committed to getting results in a fast-paced environment and will play a leading role in amplifying the voices of frontline communities most impacted by transportation and environmental justice issues in the Portland metro region.

 

This is an opportunity to work in an effective, dynamic organization that organizes for environmental and social justice at the intersection of transportation, housing, health and climate resiliency.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

1.       Develop and implement Bus Riders Unite outreach and organizing plans

2.       Retain and expand BRU’s membership base, focusing on transit-dependent communities

3.       Support leadership development activities for members to become self-determinative

4.       Develop and execute grassroots strategies to advance and win campaign priorities

 

Desired Qualifications Include:

 

·         Track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among a diverse group of stakeholders, with strong cultural awareness

·         Empathy for oppressed communities and strong active listening skills

·         Demonstrated commitment to high organizing and leadership development standards

·         Grassroots campaign experience and a track record of accomplishment

·         The ability to multi-task, prioritize and problem-solve as an independent thinker

·         Passion for OPAL’s mission and values and a desire to deepen your awareness of environmental and social justice principles and movement-building

·         Strong communication skills; Bilingual ability (particularly Spanish) is a plus

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

I.          BRU MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

·         Develop and implement outreach and organizing plans to mee base-building goals for engaging, orienting and retaining new potential BRU members

·         Facilitate monthly BRU membership activities, including First Saturday bus organizing, Second Tuesday Action Planning Team, Third Wednesday Political Education and Fourth Friday general membership activities

·         Support annual BRU membership meeting and leadership committee election

 

II.         BRU CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENT & MOBILIZATION

·         Work with members and staff to develop campaign workplan(s) to advance membership priorities around transportation and environmental justice

·         Support members in direct action and other engagement opportunities to ensure meaningful participation in and influence over decision-making

·         Work with partners organizations and stakeholders to build alliances and coalitions to broaden and enhance campaign initiatives

 

III.        LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

·         Create leadership and volunteer opportunities for members to develop critical skills and ownership over campaign work for increased self-determination

·         Develop deeper relationships with key leaders in order to strengthen their involvement with BRU and OPAL and cultivate leadership potential

·         Increase public awareness of environmental justice framework and intersection between transportation, housing, health and climate concerns

·         Support grassroots fundraising and strategic communications for organization

 

Salary & Benefits:

Full-time at $36,000 annually, with generous health, transportation and PTO benefits.

 

How to apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to jo...@opalpdx.org, outlining your experience, qualifications and awareness of environmental justice. Position is open until filled.

 

OPAL is an equal opportunity employer, prioritizing opportunities for historically underserved communities. Women and candidates of color are encouraged to apply.