ABOUT WE THE PEOPLE
We The People Action Fund (WTPAF) (501c4), along with and through its sister organization, We The People Michigan (WTPMI) (501c3), works to build a multi-racial, working-class constituency across the state that is engaged in community organizing, the development of leaders, and the building of a unified, proactive agenda rooted in economic, racial, and social justice for all Michiganders.
ROLE SUMMARY
WTPAF seeks a full-time organizer that will work to develop relationships with community members in SW Michigan, with a focus on Kalamazoo County. The organizer will work to build a base of volunteer leaders in SW Michigan that will build and run a community organizing campaign related to housing affordability, safety, and stability. The campaign will provide a community and political home for BIPOC and working class people that is values-centered, where members deepen their political analysis and sharpen community organizing skills by engaging in campaign work. The SW Michigan Organizer will report to the Lead Organizer of the HOME Team.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Construct a functioning volunteer base that can build and drive organizing campaigns, with the necessary committees and structures to hold regular meetings for learning, strategizing, action, and fellowship;
- Leverage community organizing skills, such as personal narrative, recruitment, and coaching to achieve this;
- Recruit members and invest in their leadership skills and understanding, using organizing activities like one-to-ones, house meetings, listening sessions, and trainings;
- Cultivate a values-aligned culture within the base that accounts for rights and responsibilities of the membership;
- Support members in building their own teams;
- Work to execute goals and metrics set forth by WTPAF;
- Other duties as assigned.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD HAVE THESE KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- A deep commitment to the values and vision of WTPAF.
- A natural sense of curiosity about people and the ability to relate to them.
- Skill in connecting personal experience with historical and political context.
- Ability to pay attention to the details, be vigilant about tracking goal progress, and meet deadlines.
- Willingness to speak up, suggest new ideas, receive feedback, and adjust plans accordingly to ensure successful completion of goals.
- A relational leader and good team player, able to work well with others in a collaborative setting, and motivate diverse groups of people.
- Experience initiating conversations with community members about their stories, hopes, fears, and challenges, with a willingness to be bold in conversations with strangers and volunteers.
- Computer literacy and experience with MS Office and Google Suite.
- Excellent communication skills through a variety of channels, including written and oral.
- Previous organizing experience is preferred.
- Previous training in community organizing is helpful.
WTPAF is a diverse team of people, and we believe that our diversity makes us stronger. As we work to build a multi-racial, working-class constituency across the state, we believe that representation from diverse communities is crucial to our shared success. We also recognize that people who are women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet all qualifications. We believe in leadership potential and development and encourage people from these groups to apply if you meet some but not all of these qualifications.
WORK ARRANGEMENT
Position Location: Employee must be based in Southwest Michigan, with a preference for Kalamazoo County.
Work Schedule and Conditions: Our work schedule is standard business hours with flexibility. Evenings and weekends may be required. There may be occasional travel around the State of Michigan, and prolonged periods of sitting in a car and driving. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Compensation: This is a full-time permanent position with a salary range of $50,000-55,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Salaries are adjusted based on federal COLA at the end of each year, not to exceed 5% (budget permitting); and staff have the opportunity to increase their level and pay each year based on an evaluation of their skills.
Benefits include 100% coverage of health insurance for employees and 75% coverage of eligible family members; 100% coverage of dental and vision for employees and eligible family members; 401(k) with a 5% employer match; and a generous PTO package, including a minimum of 24 paid days off per year for holidays and observances, and 2 weeks paid vacation.
WTPAF is currently negotiating its first collective bargaining agreement with We The Workers Union of We The People – MI. They will be represented by the Newspaper Guild of Detroit, Local 34022. The person hired for this position will likely become a member of the bargaining unit.
TO APPLY:
- Send a cover letter and resume to wtpjobs@wethepeoplemi.org with the subject line “SW Michigan Organizer” by June 19, 2023.
- In the cover letter, which may be written or spoken, please address the prompt below. Responses should be 1-2 pages or 4-8 minutes in length. Any basic word processing, video, or voice recording formats are fine for this exercise (ex: voice memo app on a phone or Google Docs).
- Cover Letter Prompt: Tell a story about a time when you had to fight for something that you or a loved one needed because of economic, racial, gender inequality, or another form of injustice. Who was involved? Why was it important to you to act? What actions did you take? Why? What was the outcome?
- The anticipated start date for this position is mid-August.
- Applications not including the cover letter will not be considered.