A strong, organized community steers its own future. Join us!
The West Side Community Organization (WSCO) is seeking a part-time Housing Justice Community Organizer, with a minimum of 2 years organizing experience. This position will include base building work within cultural communities and grassroots leadership development. WSCO is seeking a motivated candidate to join our team who shares our passion and commitment to racial, social, housing, environmental and economic justice.
ABOUT WSCO
At WSCO, We believe that everyone deserves to live in safe, dignified, and affordable homes without fear of displacement. Free from housing discrimination.
We are grounded in the histories of displacement that have affected the West Side, from the forced removal of the Dakota people in 1851, to the destruction of the immigrant community on the Riverside Flats in the early 1960’s, to today’s displacement of low-income people of color due to gentrification.
We organize with renters on the West Side of Saint Paul to address exploitation, unlawful evictions, repair issues, and rent hikes, because housing is a right, not a commodity.
Job Description
RESPONSIBILITIES
Outreach, Engagement & Relationship Building
- Organize West Side resident renters on issues directly affecting their quality of life.
- Engage underserved residents, solicit ideas, cultivate leaders, and develop community-led campaigns and outcomes utilizing a variety of strategies including in-person communication (modified for safety during COVID) such as door knocking in neighborhoods and multi-level buildings, digital outreach, and phone communication
- Participate in relevant community meetings to network and build strategic alliances and coalitions with other community-based entities to represent the West Side and WSCO.
- Organize campaigns to build collective power for systemic change.
- Promote, and engage residents and leaders in all aspects of the organization's work.
- Participate in peer networking and relationship building.
- Ensure that the diversity of ethnicities, cultures, genders, abilities, sexual orientations, nationalities, life opportunities and socioeconomic factors of the West Side are well-represented in organizational activities, committees, community forums and planning/decision-making processes.
- Participate in event planning, set up & take down, and fundraising activities.
Research & Planning
- Conduct issue research; identify emerging community issues and community strengths ● Generate written documentation of activities, research, policy positions, etc. per WSCO long-range strategic housing justice plan and annual work plan.
- Research and establish connections with resource providers to share with the community.
- Be accountable to co-created goals, and organizer reports.
Administrative
- Administrative tasks including Nationbuilder data entry, assist in providing dual language content for communications, filling out timesheets, printing, copying, etc.
- Other duties as assigned.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Experience in—and an understanding of—community organizing, with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic groups.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities.
- Knowledge and understanding of West Side geography and history. (helpful)
- Computer proficiency and familiarity with Microsoft Office products.
- Able to lift and carry 40 pounds (accommodations available) and work outside in a variety of weather conditions
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Bi-lingual in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Oromo, or other language(s) significant to the West Side strongly preferred but not required.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
- Minimum of 2 years of community organizing experience preferred.
MINDSET & PERSONALITY
- We are looking for someone who takes initiative, anticipates needs, and gets things done consistently on time, a self-starter and self-manager.
- Responsive: We are committed to a high level of responsiveness both within our organization and community.
- Positive attitude: Our ideal candidate has a can-do spirit, is fun to be around,Our ideal candidate engages productively and respectfully with coworkers and community members, is a proactive problem-solver, and contributes to a positive and healthy shared work environment. Commitment to a team, and a model of shared power.
- Grace and poise under pressure: At WSCO, there are times when things get intense. We pride ourselves on being able to function at a high level even when things get busy by working together as a team and communicating effectively.
- Commitment: The West Side Community Organization (WSCO) powers the people of the West Side to work together to create a vibrant neighborhood for all.
REPORTS TO
The Community Organizer reports to the WSCO Programs Manager
COMPENSATION
$20 per hour, 25 hours per week (part time). Prorated holiday, vacation, and sick leave.
COVID CONSIDERATION
WSCO employees are currently working mainly from home during the pandemic. Some distanced in-person and limited office work will be required to perform the job duties during the pandemic. Masks are required for all in-person work. Further information on our COVID plan will be discussed if you are selected for an interview.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Send resume and cover letter to [email protected] by Friday, Feb. 19th, 5:00 pm 2021
The West Side Community Organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, creed, religion, sex, sexual or affectional orientation, color, national origin, ancestry, familial status, age, disability, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.