Environmental Community Organizer for Community Action Works

COMMUNITY ACTION WORKS COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

At Community Action Works (formerly known as Toxics Action Center), we believe that environmental threats are big, but the power of well-organized community groups is bigger. That’s why we work side by side with everyday people to confront those who are polluting and harming the health of our communities. We partner with the people who are most impacted by environmental problems, especially Black, Indigenous, communities of color and poor communities, training them with the know-how anyone would need to make change in their own backyard. Because when neighbors know how to make change, they can build the power to transform our world.

To be the best organizers we can be, we’re diving deep into what it means for us to be undoing racism and classism in every aspect of our work and are committed to evolving our work and organization accordingly. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Community organizing workshops and leadership development: You will conduct community group workshops on core organizing skills and hold one-on-one coaching, relationship building, and leadership development sessions with community group leaders—with a focus on the most impacted communities. 
• Campaign development and campaign strategy: You will identify the most profound local environmental threats and build relationships with key local leaders, particularly in poor, tribal and rural communities and communities of color. You’ll work with leaders to identify solutions to local environmental problems and research and develop creative strategies to win, including building coalitions.
• Communications and organizational visibility: You will work to increase the organization’s media presence and name recognition through events, news releases, campaign materials, and online organizing.
• Networking and movement-building event planning: You will help organize a 500-person grassroots conference and other movement-building events (if and when social distancing is no longer required). You will hold one-to-one meetings with key organizational partners.
• Fundraising: You will identify and cultivate donors, assist with grant-writing, and participate in other grassroots fundraising tactics including door-to-door canvassing, letter writing, and events.
• Organizational development: You will join in implementing our strategic three-year plan, which includes updating our training program and joining our staff-wide process to center racial and class equity.

Qualifications: Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply; we provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight and on-the-ground training by an experienced advocate. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, top-notch written and verbal skills, an eagerness to learn, and be ready for a challenge. We value organizing experience, including building campus or community groups.Candidates must have excellent judgment and discretion, the ability to oversee significant projects and a driver’s license and a car that they are willing and able to drive for work. 

Locations: Portland, ME; Concord or Manchester, NH; Amherst, MA; Boston, MA; and Hartford, CT.  

Pay and Benefits: The target annual compensation for this position is $28,500-$31,000 in the first year. Community Action Works offers a competitive benefits package. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

To Apply: Apply online at https://communityactionworks.org/jobs/job-form/. Direct your application to Leigh-Anne Colet Acting Executive Director. Please state the position and location you are applying for in your cover letter. We’ll review your application and if we are interested in discussing your candidacy further, we will be in touch with you shortly.

Community Action Works is an equal opportunity employer.