Director of Organizing

Abundant Housing LA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for more housing at all levels of affordability throughout LA County. Our vision is an LA County where everyone has access to an affordable home, in the neighborhood of their choice, without the need to rely on a car. Our goal is lower rents and a more sustainable and prosperous region, where everyone has more choices of where to live and how to pursue their dreams. We are looking for people who share these goals to join us. Read more at abundanthousingla.org.

Role Summary:

Abundant Housing LA is seeking a Director of Organizing to lead our in-person and digital outreach to AHLA members, community members, housing advocates, and other organizations to advance a pro-housing agenda. You will be responsible for overall leadership and management of the organizing program, growth of the AHLA network and chapters and grassroots reach; and promoting an understanding of how more housing makes Los Angeles more affordable, livable, and environmentally sustainable. You will work closely with the Executive Director to craft, execute, and oversee a locally tailored strategy for specific areas.

You would join a passionate and dedicated team focused on advocating for housing, building relationships, managing a team along with volunteers, coalition building and energizing volunteers to mobilize strong turnout for project hearings, council meetings, and advocacy opportunities. This role, most importantly, will take ownership over representing AHLA professionally while inspiring, prompting, implementing and mobilizing Los Angeles residents while being open to many different housing viewpoints, needs, cultures, and landscapes and the ability to advocate for all: from the anti-housing to the housing skeptical to move the needle amidst the current housing crisis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee a team of three field organizers
• Lead the overall management of AHLAs network of over 20 chapters and local affiliates
• Build and grow an active base of pro-housing residents throughout L.A. County who are interested in participating in community outreach, community meetings, city hearings, and meetings with policymakers.
• Identify high-opportunity hearings/meetings, and ensure prioritized actions as needed for success.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers and volunteer committees to take ownership of tasks to lead the organization forward.
• Build relationships with advocacy organizations to coordinate pro-housing outreach goals.
• Work with the members, volunteers, and pro-housing leaders to carry out local education, outreach and advocacy.
• Attend and organize hearings, community meetings, and other housing advocacy opportunities to represent the organization and activate local volunteers.
• Plan and host volunteer meetups and organize events that activate and inspire people to become pro-housing leaders.
• Manage the organizing team strategy to grow the membership base and activate volunteers,
• Work with the organizing team to craft, execute, and oversee a locally tailored strategy for specific areas.
• Perform administrative-related tasks such as registration for community events, table booths, setting up meetings with legislators, managing every action.
• Attend coalition and partner meetings on behalf of AHLA to uplift our policy agenda.
• Create and track housing metrics and goals to be used for grant reporting.
• Collect and analyze program data to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and inform program decisions.
• Advocate for policies that support the development of affordable housing and address homelessness.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the organization's strategic plan.

What You’re Good At:

• Passion and enthusiasm for working to end the housing crisis, and a commitment to social and climate justice.
• Ability to establish and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
• Self-motivated - proven ability to take initiative, work independently, and overcome obstacles
• Organizational skills to manage and prioritize work and meet deadlines
• Ability to work in a dynamic and changing environment, as an individual and as a member of a team
• Proven track record of successfully leading and motivating teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively influence and collaborate with community and professionals across various levels.
• Bilingual/multilingual skills preferred.

What you Contribute:

• Strong commitment to social justice and serving vulnerable populations.
• Experience organizing for, or involvement in, YIMBY/pro-housing issues.
• Experience managing a team
• Experience with coalition building required.
• Knowledge of Los Angeles and California housing policy .
• Must be able to travel within Los Angeles County
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Planning, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in community organizing,
• A minimum of 2 years in a leadership role supervising other organizers
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, G-Suite, as well as organizing software such as EveryAction or Action Network

Work Environment:

• AHLA strives to facilitate a culture that focuses on the importance of work-life balance, geared toward collaboration, accountability, and flexible hours.
• We are deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where our differences broaden our awareness, enrich our experiences, and are the basis of our collective strength. We welcome candidates/employees of color, members of underrepresented ethnic or socioeconomic populations, and bilingual/multilingual speakers.

Other Conditions:

• Adhere to all company policies, rules, and regulations as stated in the Company Employee Handbook, Safety Manual, and other Company policies as implemented.
• Must be available to work flexible hours as necessary, including evenings and weekends when and if needed.
• Must always present a professional image, representing self, company, and client in a courteous and respectful manner when dealing with volunteers, public officials, and the public/community.

Abundant Housing LA offers a comprehensive benefits package including a generous time off policy; medical, dental, and vision; and a matching 401(k).

It is the policy of AHLA not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, personal appearance, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, genetic information, or political affiliation.