Community Organizer
About the role
The Community Organizer will be a key member of Essie’s team, responsible for supporting the day-to-day implementation of our organizing programs and campaigns. This role involves recruiting and engaging members, helping them participate in programs, committees, and campaign activities, and supporting their growth into leadership roles.
Core Responsibilities
Member Recruitment and Retention: Support the recruitment of women with incarcerated loved ones to join Essie’s membership and help maintain an engaged, welcoming community. Assist in recruiting new members and stewarding participation of existing members in Essie's programming and campaign tactics, tracking participation and turnout goals.
Member Activation & Campaign Engagement: Assist with implementing campaign activities, such as direct actions, rallies, press events, or meetings with elected officials, following the campaign strategy. Support members in planning and executing campaign activities and help prepare them for public speaking or advocacy opportunities.
Canvassing, Phone Banking, and Outreach: Participate in canvassing, phone banking, and other outreach efforts to engage the community and grow membership. Help produce member- and partner-facing communications and materials.
Logistical Support: Support staff in maintaining relationships with select partners and community allies. Provide logistical support for meetings and events.
Qualifications
2-3 years of experience in organizing (community-based, issue-based, electoral, and/or labor); previous experience in decarceration advocacy is a strong plus.
Commitment to supporting the leadership of women and gender expansive people with incarcerated loved ones and our families.
Excellent time-management, organizational, and event-planning skills.
Effective writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
Track record as a collaborative team player who excels in managing multiple projects and is comfortable working in a fast-paced and non-traditional work environment.
Adept with Mac operating systems, Google Suite, and MS Office Suite (especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word).
Commitment to the beliefs and values of Essie with a demonstrated passion for progressive politics, specifically in gender justice, race justice, and ending mass incarceration.
Qualities
Connecting with others is your superpower. You find tremendous joy in building relationships and supporting the leadership development of others.
A determined, methodical executor. You are extremely organized and coordinate meetings and events with skill and grace, especially in a fast-paced, focused environment.
You are committed to continuous learning and evolving your understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility.
You are committed to recognizing and shifting your behaviors in alignment with your integrity and commitment to equality.
You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey.
You carry a positive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.
Pay
$70,000 - $74,000, depending on experience, with full medical, dental, and vision benefits, an optional 401(k), a substantial vacation package, and a monthly personal wellness stipend.
Schedule
Full-time, salaried, exempt position based in Essie’s Los Angeles office.
Application
Please address a personal, specific, and thoughtful cover letter to the “Essie Hiring Committee” and submit along with a resume through our hiring portal (https://essiejusticegroup.bamboohr.com/jobs).
About Essie Justice Group
Essie Justice Group is a non-profit organization of women with incarcerated loved ones taking on the rampant injustices created by mass incarceration. Our award-winning Healing to Advocacy Model brings women together to heal, build collective power, and drive social change. Essie is Great Place to Work-Certified™ by Great Place to Work.