Community Organizer

Location: Must live in central Illinois (work from home when not in the field)

Status: Full-time

Salary: $50,000–$60,000 base, commensurate with experience. 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision premiums. Home office stipend. Generous paid time off. Mileage reimbursement.

For 30 years, Illinois People’s Action (IPA) has believed that everyday people, working together, can be a powerful force for justice. Using the principles of direct, grassroots community organizing, you’ll build deep relationships with grassroots and faith leaders and move together into action to win changes people can see in their everyday lives. Our leaders, not our staff, are the public face of IPA.

What you’ll do

1. Build power through outreach and one-on-one relationship building with grassroots and faith leaders in urban and rural communities across central Illinois, growing IPA’s membership.
2. Help our leaders in their communities identify and act on local environmental and climate justice issues, with racial equity at the center.
3. Train grassroots and faith leaders in organizing and leadership skills.
4. Work as part of IPA’s regional environmental justice campaign and with local, state, and national allies.
5. Work with your supervisor and the organizing team to plan and carry out strategy. The job includes regular supervision, staff meetings, and routine reporting.

Who we’re looking for

• A self-starter who wants to build a career in organizing.
• Someone who listens first and finds satisfaction in developing other people as leaders.
• Comfortable talking with people across differences of race, faith, class, and geography.
• Organizing or campaign experience is a plus but not required. We will train the right person.
• Able to work some evenings and weekends and travel across central Illinois, occasionally to Springfield and Chicago. Reliable transportation required.

How to apply

Email a resume, cover letter, and three references to don.illinoispeoplesaction@gmail.com with “Community Organizer” in the subject line. Applications received by Friday, November 30, 2026 will receive priority consideration; the position will remain open until filled. We will let you know before we contact your references.

Illinois People’s Action is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision premiums. Home office stipend. Generous paid time off. Mileage reimbursement.