Organizing Director- Detention Watch Network (DC)

[Aurea Martinez]

Organizing Director

Detention Watch Network

Location: Washington, D.C.

 

The Detention Watch Network works through the collective strength and diversity of its members to expose and challenge the injustices of the U.S. immigration detention and deportation system and advocate for profound change that promotes the rights and dignity of all persons. Working with DWN is a unique opportunity to interact with, and support the work of, immigrant rights advocates as we build our collective power and vision of a world without immigration detention.

 

Position Summary                                     

The DWN Organizing Director will build the power of the network and our members by recruiting new organizations and individuals to join; developing the leadership of members to drive campaigns; and growing DWN’s capacity to support local and national efforts challenging immigration enforcement.  The Organizing Director will work with members to develop and implement national campaigns; engage in public education, outreach and ally building activities; and coordinate key membership calls and events. This is a full-time position based in DWN’s Washington, D.C. office.

 

Specific Responsibilities

·         Devise and execute, in conjunction with other staff, DWN members and leadership, strategies to achieve Network’s goals;

·         Act as primary supervisor for organizing DWN’s campaigns, including campaign coordination, strategy development, outreach and assessment;

·         Have primary responsibility for coordinating the national conference in collaboration with DWN staff and members and support member meeting coordination;

·         Directly supervise the DWN Organizer;

·         Develop and maintain strong relationships with DWN’s grassroots member organizations and elevate the participation and influence of directly impacted individuals and their families within the network;

·         Survey and assess member skills, as well as existing and emergent needs;

·         Encourage member involvement in DWN public education, media advocacy and public policy efforts with a focus on developing member leadership and capacity;

·         Identify and recruit potential new members in collaboration with the Membership and Communications Manager and other staff.

·         Act as a spokesperson on behalf of the network at events and for media;

·         Engage in public education, outreach and ally building activities;

·         Implement a human rights and racial justice framework and strategies into the Network’s activities and engage members in human rights-related activities;

·         Regular local and domestic travel (up to 40%) to conduct outreach, meet with members and support local campaign activities is required to fulfill the essential job duties of this position.

·         Develop and maintain relationships with allies and constituencies to develop collaborative strategies; 

·         Assist organization-wide fundraising efforts including support for grant proposals, reports and related activities as needed.

Key Working Relationships

• Co-Directors, Organizer, Policy Director, Membership and Communications Manager
• DWN membership

 

Qualifications

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent job related experience required.
• At least five years experience in community organizing strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers.
• Experience as a media spokesperson and with public speaking generally.

 

Knowledge

• Familiarity with social justice issues, particularly related to human rights, immigrant rights, racial justice and/or criminal justice. 
• Familiarity with popular education methodology, a plus.

 

Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in English and Spanish or another language.
• The ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse populations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience as a media spokesperson and with public speaking generally.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated community organizing skills.
• Management skills including facilitation of groups, volunteer management, and program coordination.
• Commitment to working in a social justice field.
• A collaborative work style and a self-directed spirit.
• Willingness and ability to travel as described above.

 

DWN offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits and a collaborative work environment with colleagues who are dedicated to social justice reform.

Please submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample with the subject line “Organizing Director position” to jo...@detentionwatchnetwork.org   

Detention Watch Network, a project of the Tides Center, is an “at-will” and equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender (including pregnancy and gender expression) identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance.

 

Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.