Community Organizer (NYC)

ABOUT US

West Harlem Environmental Action a/k/a WE ACT for Environmental Justice is a non-profit, community-based advocacy organization that works to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low-income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. WE ACT is a nationally recognized leader in the environmental justice (EJ) movement and is known for its work in the areas of children’s environmental health; government accountability; and climate, energy and environmental justice.

WE ACT is the only national EJ organization with a permanent presence in Washington, DC. Our federal policy strategy includes advancing and reforming new national policy, practices and regulations; supporting policy implementation and regulatory efforts of existing policy to ensure accountability; convening coalitions, organizations and researchers to drive a shared national EJ agenda; building a powerful narrative to catalyze a national EJ movement; and serving as a connector, re-grantor and technical assistance provider to build the capacity of EJ organizations into a powerful, cohesive national movement.

WE ACT prioritizes the voices of longstanding community members, communities of color, lower-income communities and, most importantly, those who have been historically marginalized and subjected to environmental and other forms of racism and exclusion. In accordance with the Jemez Principles, we believe that communities must speak for themselves. We work at the intersection of community engagement and activation, policy, research and education. WE ACT leverages our place at the table to push system actors, including elected officials, Big Greens, coalitions and allies to center racial justice and equity.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Director of Civic Engagement and Organizing, key responsibilities will include the following:

• Work within Civic Engagement & Organizing and partner with other key departments to develop and implement strategies for WE ACT’s campaigns, organizing initiatives, and projects.
• Conduct (online or in-person) recruitment, organizing, and retention efforts for members from Northern Manhattan and the five boroughs.
• Conduct leadership development training and increase the number of leaders in our membership program.
• Attend community member meetings on the second Saturday of every month.
• Coordinate and administratively support organizing events by:
  • Going door-to-door to residents in Northern Manhattan and other low-income and BIPOC communities
  • Conducting phone banks and tabling events
  • Developing outreach materials (e.g. scripts, text message campaigns, email blasts)
  • Managing data entry, tracking documents, and organizing resources
  • Planning information sessions and teach-in opportunities to members of the community.
• Support technology best practices that allow the department to efficiently find, track, and utilize sources of information rapidly (i.e. Nationbuilder, Van, Canva)
• Provide technical assistance to members when utilizing online tools (e.g. Zoom).
• Participate and prep members to testify at hearings, rallies, press & organizing events, and other grassroots engagement opportunities.
• Resource or be able to direct members with questions related to wraparound services to appropriate partner organizations or services.

ABOUT YOU

• BS/BA degree or an equivalent of two (2) years of organizing experience is required.
• Knowledge of Northern Manhattan communities and the five boroughs strongly encouraged.
• Knowledge of environmental and social justice issues affecting communities of color and low-income communities, and experience promoting issues and policy objectives preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively and work on a variety of projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills, data-driven thinking, and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft and Google suites and able to navigate basic internet, social media and computer software systems.
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills required.
• Ability to work certain late nights, holidays, and weekends required.
• Spanish is plus.

SALARY & BENEFITS

WE ACT offers competitive nonprofit compensation and is committed to justice in salary transparency and wage equity. The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000 based on experience and qualifications. WE ACT offers a generous suite of benefits, including comprehensive health care (medical, dental and vision), flexible spending account, life insurance, pre-tax transit program, retirement programs and paid holidays and vacation. WE ACT follows a hybrid work policy. All staff are fully vaccinated.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

WE ACT is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities and LGBTQ communities. We are committed to transparent and equitable recruitment, hiring and promotion processes that foster inclusion and belonging. If you’ve read this job description, are excited by it and can see yourself in this role, we hope you apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please email Shanell Reyes at Shanell.Reyes@weact.org.