Canvasser

Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) builds the power of immigrant and working class communities to achieve dignity and respect through community organizing, the provision of high quality legal and support services, transformative education and policy innovation. MRNJ is a project of Make the Road States. Founded in 2014, MRNJ operates centers and organizing hubs in Elizabeth, Passaic, Perth Amboy and Newark, NJ that reach thousands of immigrant and working class people of color each year. Our member-led organizing committees -- which work on the issues named above-- implement strategies to combat shared problems, and develop leadership and the capacity for civic participation.  In the past four years, MRNJ has won more than 10 pro-immigrant and pro-worker policies, including the nation's first guaranteed severance law, landmark anti-wage theft legislation, occupational and drivers’ license for undocumented immigrants and a $15 minimum wage. We also provide an array of high-quality bilingual services including ESOL, legal services in the areas of immigration and workplace rights, workplace safety training and college access.

Current Opening:

MRNJ seeks a Canvasser to join our street outreach team in Passaic, NJ.The role will require in-person work in Passaic and travel throughout the state.

The Canvasser will strengthen the power and capacity of our base, develop the leadership of our members, and advance city, state and federal campaigns that will meaningfully change the lives of working class immigrants and people of color. This position is ideal for an energetic go-getter with a commitment to social justice, community organizing and civic engagement.

Key Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Conduct one-on-one regular outreach through home visits, street outreach and one-on-one calls to low income and immigrant community members;
• Build a base of working-class and immigrant community members to become members of MRNJ and be actively involved in at least one of the ongoing campaigns including attending and participating in meetings, actions, and events;
• Meet weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals set forth in collaboration with broader organizing team;
• Maintain regular contact with new and current members;
• Work with broader organizing team to move forward city, state and federal campaigns;
• Foster and work in close and effective coordination with members of the other departments

Requirements:

• Eligible to work in the US
• Fully vaccinated with a FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine, required;
• Previous organizing experience preferred;
• High School Diploma or equivalent experience; 
• Proficiency (fluency preferred) in Spanish and English;
• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice, and an understanding of the challenges facing low-wage workers, immigrant communities, and communities of color;
• Interest in supporting community organizing, campaigns, and policy and advocacy initiatives;
• Desire to work collaboratively;
• Experience working among populations that make up major portions of MRNJ's membership, such as documented and undocumented immigrants, members of TGNICQ communities, and youth preferred;
• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, as needed.

Job Competencies:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and organizational skills;  
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse client population as well as with community members, co-workers, and the public;  
• Self-motivated, detail oriented, well-organized, and be able to prioritize assignments and workload.
• Interpersonal skills of the highest caliber;
• Strong computer skills;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high intensity environment;;
• High level of accountability and initiative;
• Analytical Thinking;
• Problem Solving Ability;
• System-Oriented;
• Attention to Detail; 
• Empathetic Outlook; 
• Team Player.

Salary and Benefits:

MRStates offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance and sick days. The hourly rate for this position is $18.72.

How to Apply:

Please attach cover letter/resume and submit all documents to the Make the Road New States career center.

Make the Road believes that social change is best achieved through grassroots community-based organizing that flows directly from and engages the community demanding the change. As a membership-based organization, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, criminal history, or Veteran status. We strongly encourage those from historically excluded groups to apply.