Special Project Community Organizer

FRESC: Good Jobs, Strong Communities (www.fresc.org) is a labor-community partnership with a mission to ensure that Colorado jobs pay livable wages with family-supporting benefits, and that families have access to affordable housing and a healthy living. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that seeks to achieve this vision by growing and fueling a long-term movement for economic justice through the collaboration of unions, community organizations and other stakeholders. FRESC shares offices and administrative staff with the Denver Area Labor Federation. 13 committed individuals work in our modest west Denver location—we work hard and have a fun office environment (we eat lunch together most days). FRESC is a vibrant and financially stable organization.

Since 2002, FRESC has pushed for equal economic opportunity for all of metro Denver residents, particularly people of color and low-income individuals. FRESC has a track record of success and is well known by leaders in the political, non-profit, conservation, and labor communities. FRESC's current programs include transit/transit oriented development equity, affordable housing, construction careers, ending wage theft, and non-partisan voter engagement.

More about What We're Looking For:

FRESC seeks a full time community organizer to grow, develop and activate community support for the Marking Change at Walmart (MCAW) in Colorado. MCAW is a campaign challenging Walmart to help rebuild our economy and strengthen working families. A coalition of Walmart associates, union members, small business owners, religious leaders, community organizations, women's advocacy groups, multi-ethnic coalitions, elected officials and ordinary citizens, MCAW is united by the belief that changing Walmart is vital for the future of our country. The community organizer will identify potential community organizations and community members, primarily within the metro Denver region, to support MCAW. S/he will recruit and activate these community organizations and individuals to be in solidarity with Walmart associates and union grocery store workers to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions in the retail industry. S/he, with support, will lead a coalition, communicate with individual community members and community organization leaders, develop and support individual leadership skills and plan and execute actions that support the MCAW campaign. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to work with a diverse array of individuals and communities. The successful candidates must have a solid commitment to strengthening our labor unions and social, racial, and economic justice movements.

This is a six-month position with the possibility for longer term employment pending FRESC funding and employee performance.

Responsibilities:

• Train and support individual leadership in the strategy and execution of MCAW campaign.
• Recruit and mobilize individuals through one-on-one visits and organizational presentations.
• Plan, organize, facilitate and debrief actions and meetings.
• Educate community about MCAW issues and campaigns.
• Develop and cultivate relationships to increase allies' organizational capacity and campaign participation.
• Coordinate and execute MCAW community organizing efforts with overall MCAW campaign strategies.
• Develop materials for recruitment, community actions, etc.
• Communicate with partner organizations, including labor unions, progressive community organizations, social service organizations, environmental groups, academics and think-tanks, religious institutions and others.
• Identify new target communities and/or community groups to organize, consistent with MCAW.
• Monitor and/or participate in appropriate governmental and public meetings and processes consistent with the MCAW campaign, including lobbying, testifying, etc.
• Track and evaluate progress and effectiveness of organizing and campaign goals.
• Support FRESC's fundraising activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:

• At least two years of experience working in labor, environment, and/or social justice communities, or comparable transferrable experience.
• Interest in issues ranging from workers' rights, economic justice and quality jobs.
• Experience designing, coordinating, and leading strategic campaigns.
• Experience building, maintaining and growing a coalition of organizations.
• Recruitment and individual leadership development experience.
• Ability both to lead and to work well in teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; including comfort presenting to large groups or people, computer competency.
• Self-directed and able to handle multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Willingness and flexibility to work "campaign hours" when necessary (nights and weekends); ability to work well under stress and deadlines.
• Commitment to understand race, class, gender, immigration status and other equity issues as part of your work.
• Degree in relevant field a plus.
• Ability to navigate complex systems, relationships and inspire others to act.
• Experience working with low income communities, communities of color, and/or the labor movement helpful.
• Ability to travel locally and within the state of Colorado; have reliable transportation.
• Flexibility. Understanding that campaign priorities may change in response to external factors.
• Willingness to learn, show initiative and creativity.
• Bilingual Spanish-English (written and spoken) preferred.