Organizing Director

Poder In Action and AZ Poder are seeking a passionate leader committed to oversee our base-building programs and an organizing team of 4-6 organizers who are responsible for identifying, recruiting, and developing new leaders and volunteers to build community power through grassroots organizing. The Organizing Director (OD) is responsible for collectively setting program vision, goals, team structure, and overall cohesiveness of the team as it pursues Poder’s mission. This position is responsible for the overall progress of all base-building programs, including goal setting, implementation of plans, and the overall strategy and expansion of program teams. When needed, this position supports the training and coaching of c4 field organizers. This is a full-time position based in our Phoenix, Arizona office reporting to the Director of Strategy.

About Us

Poder In Action is a 501c3 grassroots organization that builds the power of people of color and working-class communities to disrupt and dismantle systems of oppression and determine a liberated future in Arizona by developing organizers, civic advocacy, and movement building.

AZ Poder is a 501c4 organization that builds political and social power among working class communities to disrupt and dismantle state violence through community governance, organizing our base to take action, and shifting our culture away from punishment towards health and wellness.

The Ideal Organizing Director:

• Invested in the work and mission of the organization and sees themselves being in the organization anywhere from 3-5 years (or more) to help build a long term organizing strategy.
• Committed to building leadership and strong organizing bases. The OD knows how to organize and develop other organizers. They are someone who understands the critical need for leadership development as an organizing organization and demonstrates this with their organizing team.
• Skilled in training organizers to improve and expand their overall effectiveness. The OD should have experience with delivering workshops and trainings on the fundamentals of power and political education as well as developing curriculum needed for continuous organizer development. The ideal OD works with the organizing team to help them develop the skill set to train, educate and engage with targeted stakeholders.
• Can Really Multitask. The OD must be skilled at managing 4-6 organizers, managing 4 programs, tracking organizing schedules and meeting organizing & program goals. Other tasks include preparing 1:1 meeting notes, tracking metrics on a weekly basis and working with organizers to troubleshoot, strategize, and coach.

Key Responsibilities

Effectively supervise and mentor four organizing programs

• Responsible for the operations and development of Poder programs
• Responsible for personal and leadership development plans of 4-6 organizers
• Conduct mid-year and annual performance reviews
• Develop monthly progress reports
• Develop and communicate transparent metrics for accountability and growth
• Create and sustain a culture of rigor, accountability, and excitement among the organizing team

Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic and organizing plans and timelines in collaboration with Poder organizing programs and teams.

• Train and coach C3 and C4 organizers and/or staff on core skills and knowledge
• Assess, strengthen, and continuously update the ladder of engagement across organizing programs
• Conduct regular trainings and workshops in accordance to the leadership ladder in organizing programs
• Train organizing staff in workshops & skill building trainings
• Assess skills and knowledge gaps within the organizers or larger staff

Coordinate quarterly strategy meetings to track and assess progress, organizing goals, and campaign timelines with the organizing team

• Ensure adherence to organizational policies and values and modeling leadership
• Develop program goals in collaboration with the Strategy Director and organizers
• Oversee implementation of organizer annual, monthly and weekly workplans and campaign timelines
• Hold weekly project check-ins with c3 organizers and campaign managers
• Manage the hiring/onboarding process for new organizer positions

Build strategic and collaborative working relationships and collaborate with community partners and stakeholder groups

• Take lead on developing a membership model for the organization
• Represent organization in community spaces or with partners and coalition tables
• Work autonomously and make appropriate program decisions that align with the mission, goals, and values of Poder
• Lead in coalitions as representative of the organization, including, growing awareness of other organizations, having 1:1s with organizations to form and maintain intentional relationships with organizations

Key Qualifications

Experience:

• Knowledge of or experience in working for a grassroots organization or comparable organizations with an organizing focus preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience organizing the community
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience
• Experience in policy development and campaign implementation
• Direct experience organizing teams, developing leaders, and achieving goals and deadlines
• Experience in program management specifically to grassroots, community-based work
• Experience using computers & tech (Zoom, Google Workspace)

Skills:

• Excellent Spanish and English oral and written communication skills
• Strong conversational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work and relate with a diverse range of people and organizations
• Ability to represent Poder In Action/AZ Poder in coalitions and community events
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to oversee multiple programs, tasks, and duties
• Ability to work in and lead a team, as well as to take initiative and work independently
• Ability to organize and delegate work, problem-solve, and be persistent

Personal Attributes:

• Commitment to personal growth and leadership development
• Genuine enthusiasm to support and develop organizers and teams
• Must be willing to participate in evening and weekend meetings/events

Logistics

• Compensation: $90,000+ per year based on experience
• Benefits: Poder offers a competitive benefits package covering 100% of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums, professional and personal development opportunities, and a generous and flexible paid time off policy
• Hours: 40-45 hours per week; Evening and weekend availability required
• Location: Office, in field, online
• Travel: Under non pandemic circumstances, this position may require travel within Arizona, depending on the needs/goals of the programs and campaigns.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the position, and three professional references to support@poderinaction.org with the subject line: Organizing Director.

Equal Opportunity

Poder is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We actively encourage individuals from underrepresented groups, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates and employees with disabilities during the hiring process and throughout employment.

Poder offers a competitive benefits package covering 100% of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums, professional and personal development opportunities, and a generous and flexible paid time off policy

Fluency in Spanish and English oral and written communication skills