Community Organizer- Westside (Chicago)

About ENDPP.ORG

The Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments (ENDPP.ORG) is committed to ending the systemic and harmful practice of permanent punishments for individuals with arrest or conviction records. Through organizing, leadership development, and policy advocacy, we aim to dismantle policies that hinder opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals and build long-term power across Illinois.

Position Overview

The Westside Organizer will play a critical role in implementing ENDPP.ORG’s statewide strategy by stewarding power building on the Westside of Chicago. The Organizer will manage Fully Free: Westside, ENDPP.ORG's local organizing and leadership development hub. The organizer will recruit and develop formerly incarcerated persons (FIPs) and institutions that serve FIPs, to be chapter members and build statewide power. This position requires a highly motivated individual who is passionate about social justice, organizing, and community empowerment.

Qualifications

• A strong commitment to the mission of ENDPP.ORG and the ability to work in alignment with our values of dignity, redemption, and racial justice.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in grassroots community organizing, advocacy, or a related field.
• Valid driver’s license and insured vehicle.
• Strong knowledge of Westside Chicago neighborhoods and communities.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and mobilize diverse groups of people.
• Experience leading community meetings, campaigns, and trainings.
• Excellent communication skills—both verbal and written.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities, including experience managing multiple projects.
• Knowledge and commitment to using digital tools, specifically EveryAction (or similar), Google Workspace, Zoom, Canva, and Adobe.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

INDIVIDUALS WITH CRIMINAL CONVICTION HISTORIES, INCLUDING FELONIES, ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

Key Responsibilities

Chapter Development and Management

• Oversee the formation and maintenance of Fully Free chapter(s) within the Westside of Chicago, ensuring alignment with ENDPP.ORG’s mission and goals.
• Provide guidance and support to Chapter Leaders and member institutions in the region.
• Facilitate onboarding of new chapters and ensure chapters meet key milestones during both Phase I (Chapter Onboarding) and Phase II (Chapter Maintenance).
• Monitor chapter performance, identifying challenges and opportunities for further growth.

Leadership and Training

• Organize and conduct training sessions for chapter members, member institutions, focusing on basebuilding/ recruitment advocacy, storytelling, negotiation, and public speaking.
• Develop and support Fully Free: Westside leadership team with the end goal of self-sustaining chapters that…
  • Meets monthly
  • Recruits new members
  • Identify Issues
  • Take collective action
  • Evoke elected official accountability
• Lead regional power meetings, listening sessions, and trainings targeting key narrative influencers across the Westside of Chicago.
• Identify, build, and facilitate leadership development opportunities for chapter members
• Identify, build, and facilitate political education opportunities for chapter members

Advocacy and Campaigns

• Execute ENDPP.ORG’s strategy to end permanent punishments by organizing power meetings and trainings with local stakeholders and policy influencers.
• Identify and recruit community leaders to participate in regional and statewide campaigns.
• Support chapters in conducting training and organizing public-facing events.

Community Engagement and Relationship Building

• Grow MOU committed member institutions by fostering strong relationships with local organizations centered around their needs.
• Serve as the point person for organizing community events and meetings, ensuring strong participation from chapter members and local leaders.
• Support member institutions in developing staff and participants in basbuildign and advocacy.

Logistics and Reporting

• Regularly track and report on chapter progress, providing updates to the Deputy Director and ENDPP.ORG staff.
• Ensure accurate documentation of work using ENDPP systems, such as EveryAction and Google Workspace.
• Ensuring employee schedule is reported on the company calendar, including phone banks, outreach, and 1:1s.
• Record and maintain notes and all other documentation of meetings and activities
• Coordinate the implementation and delivery of all required documentation as necessary
• Provide logistical support for trainings and meetings to support organizational strategies
• Coordinate members and member institution support for events, activities, and initiatives

Regular Required Tasks

• Attending and contributing in weekly staff meeting & weekly organizing meeting.
• Attending and facilitating weekly check-in with supervisor.
• Scheduling and completing at least 10 1:1s per week.
• Creating and completing at least 60 phone calls to members and potential members.
• Scheduling and completing at least 1 teach-in per week at partner orgs/community events.
• Scheduling and completing at least 6 hours of outreach per week (e.g tabling, flyering, door knocking, drop-ins)

Benefits & Compensation

We believe that people who work to build a more just world deserve stability, care, and rest. Our benefits are designed to support your health, security, and long-term sustainability in movement work.

Fully Paid Healthcare

We provide employer-paid medical coverage for full-time staff. Employees have access to comprehensive healthcare plans, with the option to upgrade to expanded coverage based on personal or family needs. We want you to be able to focus on the work without worrying about basic healthcare costs.

Dental & Vision Coverage

Dental and vision insurance options are included to support preventive care and overall well-being. Maintaining your health should not be a luxury.

Life Insurance

We provide employer-paid life insurance coverage to help ensure financial protection and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Generous Paid Time Off

We offer a generous time off policy because rest is essential to long-term impact. Our paid time off includes:

• Vacation time
• Paid holidays
• Sick leave
• Personal days
• Organizational closure days when applicable

We encourage staff to fully use their time off and model a culture where rest is respected and supported.