Systemic Change Organizer (Focus: Policy and Advocacy)

Sisters of the Road is a social justice organization in Portland’s Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood working to create systemic change that will end poverty and homelessness. We build community one relationship at a time, with nonviolence and gentle personalism, believing everyone has a piece of the truth and that we are all more than the sum of our current situation or past experiences. We interrupt violence and oppression in all forms and Sisters of the Road is a safer place where everyone is welcome.

Job description

Position: Community Organizer (Focus: Policy & Advocacy)

Classification: Non-Exempt, 35 hours per week/Mon-Fri

Operating team: Systemic Change

Reports to: Systemic Change Director

Wage: $43,680/year based on $24.00/hour.

Benefits:

• Fully paid health insurance with alternative medicine including chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy
• Dental and disability insurance
• Generous vacation leave: 3 wks (1st - 3rd year) ; 4 wks (4th year and onward)
• Sick leave (15 days/year)
• 31 days paid sabbatical after every three years of consecutive employment
• 11 paid holidays
• Personal paid (3 days)/unpaid leave
• A 30-minute paid lunch time
• Civil disobedience leave up to 5 days per year
• Bereavement leave up to 5 days
• Paid jury duty leave
• Oregon Family Medical Leave after 6 months
• No payroll deduction for Paid Leave Oregon
• Non-profit Parking Permit if available

Position description:

The Systemic Change Organizer engages and centers the Sisters community through grassroots organizing, research, and advocacy. They will focus on policies and legislation related to the hyper surveillance and criminalization of marginalized peoples in our community. Ideal candidate is self motivated and detail oriented with a commitment to building relationships with local community members and leaders. A strong candidate should be passionate about social justice that centers around fighting the violence of poverty and have strong organizational skills. May require evening and weekend hours.

Primary tasks of the position:

General

• Collaborate with community partners and team members on projects and events.
• Provide project updates on a consistent basis to various stakeholders about strategy, adjustments, and progress.
• Assist in fundraising through your role, and during annual campaigns.
• Represent Sisters at relevant committees, and local, state or regional meetings; communicate information related to campaigns effectively and in a timely manner to the team.
• Perform administrative, clerical, and other miscellaneous duties as assigned by the Systemic Change Program Director.

Community Engagement, Outreach, and Base-building

• Cultivate and sustain relationships with community members, community partners and institutions, and key stakeholders.
• Identify, develop and support community leaders.
• Research and analyze the power relationships and political agendas influencing your focus areas and develop strategic campaigns based on that information.
• Continue to research, practice, innovate, and implement grassroots organizing strategies.
• Plan and follow through with community outreach and engagement initiatives to connect and motivate people to build their collective power.

Advocacy

• Proactively research and monitor local and national trends related to your focus area, and identify opportunities for engagement.
• Create engaging informational materials and reports tailored to our audiences: this includes collaborating on social media posts, email newsletters, articles, brochures, and more.
• Work with local and national stakeholders to develop and implement community-based solutions.
• Provide public commentary at the request of the Systemic Change Program Director or Executive Director which may include creating press releases, written and verbal testimony, and responding to media inquiries.

Required Skills & Experience

• At least 2 years of formal or informal experience in community organizing, preferably in social justice.
• At least 1 year of experience in Oregon-based legislative processes.
• Successful event planning experiences.
• Working knowledge of Portland’s political landscape and homeless strategies to date.
• Ability to anticipate, initiate, and foster working community partnerships.
• Excellent problem solving skills and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, and prioritize multiple ongoing projects.
• Ability to build collective momentum and motivate people to action.
• Experience using software such as Trello, Slack, Google Suite, Instagram, Canva.

Sisters of the Road expects all employees to

• Learn and practice the philosophies of nonviolence, gentle personalism.
• Demonstrate commitment to racial justice and anti-oppression through fostering understanding and refusing to perpetuate oppression in the space.
• Commit to a community-organizing model and a systemic change approach.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, staff, volunteers, service partners, neighbors and donors.
• Interrupt violence and provide incident support, as needed.
• Collaborate and share power, including listening and supporting others to create and implement solutions, as well as prioritizing confidentiality.
• Adhere to the personnel policies as defined in the personnel handbook.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Work Environment: This position works in noisy and busy environments and directly with staff, volunteers, contractors, donors, vendors, and other stakeholders. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. This position is based in an historic building that may experience fluctuations in hot and cold, dust, and other irritants and works out in a loft area without an elevator and including stairs. Sisters of the Road is committed to provide reasonable accommodations.

How to Apply:

To apply please submit:

1. Your Resume AND
2. A cover letter detailing your pertinent experience AND
3. A written response to all of the following questions:

• What is your understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion? How would you practice or promote them in your role and why are you interested in applying for this position?
• What do you think is/are the root cause/s of homelessness or poverty?
• Which of the Sisters philosophies do you relate to the most?

Applications received without all materials will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted through October 16, 2024.