Community Organizer

Job Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with NYCHA residents, tenant leaders, resident associations, and community organizations, while maintaining a regular presence in developments
• Serve as a bridge between NYCHA residents and CSS programs, connecting residents to services and supports through referrals, warm handoffs, and community partnerships
• Gather and elevate resident perspectives to inform CSS policy, advocacy, and program development, while supporting residents in connecting to advocacy and civic engagement opportunities
• Organize and at times facilitate resident discussions, workshops, and information sessions on issues affecting NYCHA communities, including housing policy changes, resident rights, social housing, and public housing preservation/modernization
• Lead canvassing, flyering, and organizing efforts to drive resident turnout in development votes and engagement events

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant areas such as urban studies, urban planning, social work, public policy, sociology, community organizing, architecture, sustainability, engineering, or related public disciplines preferred
• Current or former NYCHA resident or experience with public housing communities strongly preferred
• Experience in community organizing, tenant engagement, or related work
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with residents
• Able to communicate clearly and document findings
• Commitment to working with low-income communities
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Pay and Benefits

This position is union represented by local 1199 SEIU with an annual salary of $85,395.00 and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage provided by 1199. Community Service Society provides an employee benefit package including 403b retirement savings plan, defined benefit retirement plan, commuter benefit plan, EAP, and more in addition to a robust paid time off policy.

Physical Requirements

Office work that requires sitting, use of a computer, answering phone calls, etc. Ability to travel across NYC and NYCHA sites. CSS currently offers a hybrid work environment requiring onsite work at CSS’ office at least two days per week and three days per week remote work. CSS will provide all equipment necessary to perform the job from home, but the employee must use their own wired internet connection.

Application Information

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter and resume at the time of application submission

About the Role

CSS has a long history of working in NYCHA communities and deep experience in economic security issues, including benefits and health insurance access, debt relief, reentry, and financial coaching. However, this work is largely delivered through separate programs rather than through a coordinated, place-based approach. The NYCHA Community Organizer position would allow CSS to strengthen its presence in public housing communities, improve coordination across our programs, and ensure that resident experience more directly informs both advocacy and program development.

Benefits

CSS complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing employment, recruitment, and hiring.