Community Organizer / Lead Organizer

Community Organizer / Lead Organizer
(Follow the application link to "Apply for this Position")
Faith in New York
Faith in New York was originally founded in 2004 as Queens Congregations United for Action (QCUA)--an interfaith, multicultural federation of 8 congregations representing over 11,400 families in northern Queens. In March 2013, QCUA's core clergy leadership voted to transition into a citywide structure that communicates a bold, prophetic vision for change across New York City (including but not limited to Queens) and allow the organization to grow relationships in the other 4 boroughs and adopted the name "Faith in New York" for this new organization.
Now, Faith in New York is a growing interfaith, multicultural federation of 53 congregations representing 60,000 families in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Faith in New York's mission is to develop grassroots leaders and equip congregations to move significant public policy change that supports our leaders' vision of a more just New York. Faith in New York is working to make large-scale, faith-based organizing a pillar of the broader social change infrastructure, as evidenced by issue campaign results, large numbers of clergy and lay leaders who are improving economic opportunities for working families, and the growth of our strategic partnerships.
Faith in New York believes that those directly impacted by systemic injustice must be partners in developing solutions and employs the Congregations-Based Community Organizing Model and is a proud affiliate of the PICO National Network. People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO) is the largest and fastest growing community organizing effort in the country. At PICO we are lifting a new vision for America that is rooted in our shared moral values and democratic
traditions.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZER POSITION
Faith in New York is seeking a Community Organizer / Lead Organizer (depending on experience) with a passion for justice and for supporting grassroots leaders in building equitable, strong communities in a multi-cultural organization. Community organizers train individual grassroots leaders and Local Organizing Committees to identify priority community concerns, research potential solutions, and secure commitments from policy makers to implement these solutions to improve the community. An organizer has responsibility for teaching community organizing skills to community leaders within congregations and moving organizing teams through local and citywide actions. Faith in New York has a strong learning culture and we place a high priority on personal learning and relationship building. Faith in New York is lifting up a faith-filled vision that unites people across religion, race, class, ethnicity, age, and language. To this end we are looking for applicants who have significant experience working within Latino and/or African-American communities, preferably in the faith-based context.
SKILLS

• Train and develop community leaders to take action effectively in the public arena

• Ability and experience working with diverse religious congregations and racial/ethnic communities

• Deep respect for, curiosity about, and relative comfort with faith leaders and faith institutions

• Strong and effective communication skills

• Ability to analyze policies and institutions

• Strong interpersonal and relational skills

• Capacity to think strategically and analytically about social, economic, cultural, and political issues affecting a community

• Desire to learn and openness to challenge yourself and others

• Ability to work as part of a strong staff team in a dynamic learning environment as well as independently

• Ability to speak Spanish preferred

• Previous organizing experience and/or social justice experience highly desirable

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct 20 one-on-one meetings and house meetings each week with new or established QCUA leaders, clergy, and influential external leaders on a consistent and regular basis

• Assist community leaders in defining vision and goals, and train leaders to act in the public arena with measurable impact

• Provide regular organizing training for Faith in New York clergy, leaders, and community members in the principles and strategies of congregation-based community organizing

• Support volunteer Local Organizing Committees in outreach, research, and strategic planning leading to large community action meetings at the local and county-wide levels

• Create and deepen relationships with staff from strategic partners in community organizations, academia, labor, and public policy organizations

• Work effectively as a team of Faith in New York staff, clergy, and lay leaders in development sessions

• Meet on a regular basis with Executive Director to shadow, plan and evaluate work progress

This position is full time with evening and weekend work. Salary is competitive, depending on experience; benefits include excellent health plan and retirement plan. Candidate must successfully complete a series of group and one-on-one interviews.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applicants must apply online. (Follow the application link to "Apply for this Position")
Please include the following documents:

1. An electronic file of your resume (preferably in PDF format) ready to be uploaded with your application

1. A cover letter (outlining your qualifications for this position) ready to be uploaded with your application. Please Address the Cover Letter to Joseph McKellar, Executive Director.