We’re Hiring: Lead Organizer — Get Your Boots on the Ground

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Lead Organizer who doesn’t just believe in justice but is ready to build it, block by block, ward by ward. If you are a strategic thinker, experienced organizer, and visionary movement builder who knows how to activate, engage, and grow a base, this is your moment.

This isn’t your average 9-to-5. This is frontline, relational, justice-centered organizing that holds space for both fierce resistance and radical love. As a key member of ONE DC’s leadership, you’ll drive base-building campaigns, political education programs, and collective leadership development while supporting a powerful team of organizers.

What You’ll Do

Organizing & Strategy

• Anchor and lead ONE DC’s Organizing and Membership Committees
• Co-create campaign strategy and political actions with our members, not for them, but with them
• Develop and guide grassroots campaigns rooted in community self-determination

Political Education & Member Power

• Facilitate workshops, host forums, and run our LEAP program to grow sharp, committed member-leaders
• Mentor organizers, apprentices, and volunteers in ONE DC’s organizing model
• Develop at least 50 members annually into trained, active leaders (excluding staff or SLT)

Movement Partnerships & Public Voice

• Represent ONE DC at public hearings, coalition meetings, and community events
• Build strong, strategic relationships with local and national allies

Team Leadership & Culture Building

• Co-lead Human Resources and internal development with our Operations Lead; be an ex officio member of ONE DC’s Personnel Committee
• Supervise and support a team of organizers, apprentices, and volunteers; especially Right to Housing organizers, Homes for All organizers, Cooperation DC organizer, and other community organizers
• Support onboarding for staff, interns and apprentices, volunteers, and SLT apprentices
• Facilitate check-ins, performance reviews, and professional development
• Plan retreats and team trainings that align with our values and organizing culture
• Facilitate staff meetings, retreats, and trainings in line with ONE DC’s values
• Co-develop pathways for leadership within our Shared Leadership Team

Organizational Strategy & Governance

• Co-lead strategic planning and development of SLT governance practices
• Help recruit and nurture new SLT apprentices and Directors
• Participate in member development, political education, and community outreach
• Model democratic leadership and movement-building from the inside out

What You Bring

As Lead Organizer, you’ll wear many hats, but all of them rooted in justice, strategy, and relationship. Here's how you'll help us build power:

Required:

• 5+ years of direct organizing experience, especially familiarity with grassroots organizing movement work, demonstrated direct organizing/base building experience; and Willingness to learn about and commit to ONE DC’s organizing model
• 2+ years of experience leading teams or managing staff; Demonstrated ability to lead teams, facilitate consensus, and move strategy
• Strong campaign instincts and a record of building people power
• Strong leadership and people skills, especially in working-class and BIPOC communities; Deep connection to working-class communities and a commitment to collective liberation
• Emotionally intelligent, politically grounded, and accountable
• Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends

Preferred:

• DC resident (or strong DMV ties) – we prioritize local leaders!
• Ready to commit to 3+ years with ONE DC
• Experience with political education, popular ed, and cultural organizing
• Multilingual (especially Spanish, Amharic, or Chinese)
• A good sense of humor, creative spirit, and love for our people

What We Offer

We take care of our people, period. You can’t build power on burnout. When you join ONE DC, you’re not just filling a role, you’re stepping into a community that values rest, health, growth, and joy.

• Full benefits: medical, dental, vision, and prescriptions
• Time to reset: 13 paid holidays, generous PTO, and paid maternity or paternity leave
• Growth and support: Paid sabbaticals, professional development, and leadership opportunities
• Culture of care: A team that gets it, lives it, and moves with purpose and unity

More details will be shared during the interview process but just know this, we pour into our people the way we want them to pour into the movement.

Logistics & Expectations

• In-person presence in DC required
• Evening and weekend availability for meetings, actions, and events
• Local travel within DC for organizing, outreach, and coalition work

EEO & Inclusion Statement

ONE DC is an equal opportunity employer that values the richness of our collective experiences. We strongly encourage applications from Black and Indigenous people, people of color, women, people of all gender identities and expressions, LGBTQ+ individuals, working-class and low-income individuals, and people with lived experience of systemic barriers.

We understand that traditional qualifications can sometimes overlook the strengths and wisdom that come from lived experience. If you meet many of the requirements but not all, we still encourage you to apply. We value a deep commitment to justice, the courage to grow, and a heart for building power in community.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, list of three (3) organizing references, and a cover letter (including salary expectations).