Part-time Community Organizer

Overview:

Tri-State Transportation Campaign (TSTC) seeks to hire an enthusiastic part-time community organizer to work with us and support the activities of the Mercer County Action Team.

TSTC leads the 35-member Mercer County Action Team (MCAT), which brings together state, MPO, county, and municipal planners; elected officials; professional advocates; trail managers; and grassroots organizers. We seek a part-time community organizer based in Trenton to scale up advocacy efforts around priority trail segments in the city. This position represents a strategic investment in the grassroots power-building necessary to overcome the procedural challenges that have stalled three Delaware River Heritage Trail segments for two years.

About Tri-State Transportation Campaign:

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign is a 501(c)(3) non-profit policy advocacy organization dedicated to mobility, accessibility, and livability in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. TSTC uses data and policy analysis, along with strategic media outreach, to influence decision-making throughout the metropolitan region. Since it was founded in 1993, TSTC has become a leading voice in the region for transportation and land use policy reform. More information about TSTC can be found at www.tstc.org.

About the Position:

The community organizer will focus on building and maintaining relationships with local stakeholder organizations including Trenton Cycling Revolution, East Trenton Collaborative, Isles, school districts, faith-based communities, civic organizations, fraternities, sororities, and other community groups. This relationship-building work is essential for creating the broad-based coalition necessary to influence city government decision-making and ensure community input in trail planning processes.

Building on the success of our existing "Trenton Walks!" initiative, the new organizer will transform this program from a monthly community engagement activity into a comprehensive public participation and advocacy platform. The current monthly walks on existing and proposed trail routes provide opportunities to build community awareness and positive perception of trails as community assets.

Responsibilities:

• Manage key coalitions of stakeholders for creating the broad-based coalition necessary to influence city government decision-making and ensure community input in trail planning processes.
• Design, coordinate, and lead peer exchanges, roundtables, webinars, and meetings with groups ranging from local community based organizations to statewide coalitions
• Develop and maintain strategic communication to stakeholders including elected officials, department/agency staff, community-based organizations, etc.
• Public speaking/advocating: Prepare and deliver presentations and public testimony on circuit trails on panels, at conferences, in public hearings, rallies and on webinars
• Stay abreast of current events, policies, and research related to program content areas.
• Inform legislative action through coalition building, research, and campaigning.
• Assist in grant reports and grant management tasks as needed.
• Work collaboratively with the entire TSTC team.
• Travel required throughout New Jersey and occasionally to NY, PA, & Washington D.C.

Desired Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have experience or the equivalent in the following:

• Knowledge of, passion for, and experience with advocating for social, economic, and racial justice.
• Experience and/or interest in circuit trails, transportation and urban planning.
• Knowledge of bike and pedestrian policy issues.
• A demonstrated commitment to the values of our work; inclusion, democracy, opportunity, and equity.
• Interest in partnering to center people of color in advancing the goal of safe mobility for all.
• Demonstrated background in community based work and/or organizing
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• Strong understanding of state and local level government
• Experience engaging elected officials and agency staff
• Self-starter who shows initiative and is eager to advance active transportation projects across the Tri-State area
• Ability to navigate challenging situations and to learn and apply skills with confidence, enthusiasm, and humility.
• Strong track record in project management, including initiation, planning, and execution.
• Works well independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• (Not required but a plus) Fluency in languages other than English

This is a part-time position, with remote capabilities and travel required. Candidates based in New Jersey are preferred. The work week is estimated at 20 hours at $30-$35/hour depending on experience.

Tri-State Transportation Campaign is an equal employment opportunity employer and actively encourages people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community to apply.