DSA Field Organizer (Western Region)
Kristina Sepulveda
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest democratic socialist organization in the United States and has experienced massive growth over the past two years. We now have 55,000 members and over 200 groups in 50 states and the District of Columbia engaged in movement-building, public education, direct action, advocacy, and electoral politics. Our goal is to build multi-racial working class power and win transformative reforms like Medicare for All, protect programs like Medicaid expansion at the state level, support a stronger labor movement, and elect socialists to office, all while shifting the public framing around capitalism and democratic socialism.
This position will report to the Organizing Director and work closely with other staff to develop and strengthen Democratic Socialists of America chapters across the country, focused on the Western Region of the United States. The Field Organizer can expect to visit chapters an average of one to two weeks per month, sometimes more. A valid driver’s license is required.
Responsibilities
Visit DSA community chapters and small groups organizing to develop chapters, across the country.
Meet with grassroots leaders locally to discuss national and local organizing, build commitment to national priority projects and campaigns, and connect chapters with national educational and organizing resources.
Coach and train local leaders in organizing and campaign practices and skills to build their overall capacity, via site visits, regional trainings, national video conference calls, and one-on-one phone calls.
Share national best practices, ideas between local chapters, and promote statewide and regional communication and coordination.
Speak publicly, lead public political workshops.
Ensure chapters successfully organize campaign events, recruit participants, and have post-event follow up plans.
Work with chapter contacts and operations staff on regional training and national conference logistics, turnout, volunteer coordination, training and organizing as needed.
Handle administrative matters related to travel (booking bus, train, car or plane travel; hotel rooms when local chapters cannot provide a bed; coordinating dates with local chapters and national staff; etc.).
Support one national priority committee or other national project committee with ongoing organizing support and connecting with the rest of the organizing and operations staff.
Support fundraising committees and participate in grassroots fundraising including dues drives, special campaigns, and events.
Perform other duties which may arise based on the needs of the organization.
Requirements
Familiarity with and/or organizing experience in the western region of the United States.
At least two years of experience organizing to win a collective bargaining agreement, a contract, legislation, or other reform that increased grassroots power.
Track record of recruiting, training, and managing volunteers, mobilizing large numbers of people to take action, developing grassroots leadership, and winning concrete campaigns.
Proven ability to move people through public speaking, workshop facilitation, and one-on-one conversations.
Exceptional listening, interpersonal, and general communication skills.
A strong relationship-builder and team player.
Enjoys working with volunteers.
Self starter that can efficiently manage multiple projects at once, use limited resources effectively, and work with a team.
Handles high pressure situations with positive attitude, tact and professionalism.
Demonstrated skill at using social media for organizing.
Able to work irregular hours and available to travel.
Commitment to democratic socialist, feminist, anti-racist, anti-heterosexist and pro-worker action and identify as a socialist and be grounded in democratic socialist politics; general agreement with the positions and perspectives of YDSA and DSA.
Preferred
Grassroots fundraising experience.
Familiarity with Google Suite.
Experience with ActionKit, Action Network, Spoke, VAN and other CRMs.
Graphic design and/or illustration skills.
Popular or political education background.
Creativity and sense of humor.
Reports to: Organizing Director
Work Schedule: Full-time. Work hours will fluctuate according to campaign needs and members’ availability.
Location: Western region
Salary: $44,500-$48,500, non-exempt, depending on experience.
Benefits: We offer employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their spouse/partner and/or dependent children, and three weeks of vacation in the first year of employment, then four weeks each year thereafter.
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.
Application Deadline: Apply as soon as possible, as interviews begin immediately.
To Apply: Email the following documents to jobsw...@dsausa.org with the subject line: WESTERN FIELD ORGANIZER LAST NAME.
Resume
Cover letter with statement of your qualifications related to organizing, project management, and fundraising
3 references with direct supervisory knowledge of relevant work
No phone calls or recruiters, please.
Democratic Socialists of America is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a staff that reflects the working class. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, as well as members of the LGBTQ communities.
PS: DSAers need your support! This year we've expanded scholarships to include support with travel, registration fees, and housing. Please give to the Solidarity Fund to help support delegates getting to Atlanta!
Kristina Sepúlveda
she/her/hers