JOB OPENING: Homes RI Community Organizer
About the Housing Network of Rhode Island (HNRI)
HNRI is the State's membership organization for non-profit agencies that are committed to the development of affordable homes and vibrant communities across Rhode Island. HNRI is the backbone organization for Homes RI. HNRI is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, country of ancestral origin, religion, disability, familial status, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or status as a victim of domestic violence. Whenever practicable, HNRI will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by law.
About Homes RI
Homes RI is a coalition of organizations working together to increase and preserve the supply of safe, healthy and affordable homes throughout Rhode Island. We believe Rhode Island can and should be a state where all residents are able to live in safe, healthy and affordable homes in thriving communities.
Overview of Position
HNRI is seeking a dynamic individual to help develop and implement activities that will advance the objectives of Our Homes: Our Votes 2020. OHOV 2020 is a project of the National Low Income Housing Coalition focused on building the voting power of people impacted by housing insecurity and elevating housing as a policy priority at all levels of government. The Community Organizer will lead outreach and education efforts to diverse constituents across Rhode Island and support voter registration and candidate engagement activities.
Responsibilities:
· Lead community outreach and voter engagement efforts: Working with Homes RI partners, develop and implement strategies to engage, educate and mobilize diverse constituents and stakeholders on issues concerning housing and homelessness and voting rights / process, prioritizing people most affected by housing insecurity and voting barriers.
o Utilize a variety of approaches to connect with and mobilize constituents including in-person meetings, info sessions, community events, print and digital media, canvassing, phone banking, and more. As necessary, design materials and activities to support these efforts and share with appropriate stakeholders.
o Coordinate with Homes RI partners and others to train staff and volunteers to support outreach and voter engagement activities for OHOV 2020 activities.
o Engage, recruit, and build relationships with other organizations and individuals whose aspirations align with Homes RI and OHOV 2020.
o Identify methods and sources of data to effectively target constituents and maximize efforts, and recommend tools to track progress.
o Support leadership development of volunteers and constituents.
o Work with Homes RI Communications Specialist to embed voter information across multiple platforms (website, social media, print materials, etc.).
· Coordinate nonpartisan voter registration events and activities: Identify opportunities to include voter registration activities at various events and coordinate with partner organizations on logistics, staffing, and promotion. Plan, staff, and manage volunteers for at least two stand-alone voter registration drives, ensuring that events are widely promoted through different media and are accessible to residents in the chosen communities.
· Support candidate engagement on housing issues: Help plan and execute events to engage federal and state legislative candidates. With input from partners, develop and disseminate a candidate questionnaire for federal candidates. Identify opportunities to engage candidates on housing issues via partner organizations and through different forms of media, including survey questions, polls, social activity, etc. and in-person.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities:
Homes RI Community Organizer Position Description
- Philosophical commitment to progressive values, housing justice and civic engagement
- Openness to learning, trying new things, and receiving input from a variety of stakeholders
- Excellent interpersonal skills including active listening and reflecting, ability to connect, collaborate with and motivate others, de-escalate challenging situations and resolve conflicts
- Superior verbal skills (writing and oral) and comfort using various methods to mobilize people, including making phone calls and speaking in front of an audience
- Culturally sensitive and committed to principles of equity and inclusion
- Ability to problem-solve and adapt to rapidly shifting priorities
- Demonstrated leadership in a professional, service or academic setting that included mobilizing people around an issue, coordinating volunteers, delegating responsibilities and/or community outreach
- Ability to travel around Rhode Island and work a non-traditional schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed
- Proficiency in using computer applications and technology including Microsoft Office, Google Apps, and social media platforms (Facebook/Instagram, LinkedIn, twitter)
- Basic understanding of U.S. political processes and government systems and general awareness of barriers to civic participation
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least one year of grassroots organizing experience
- Demonstrated experience with voter engagement or work on a political campaign
- Experience working on a progressive issue such as housing, racial equity, economic justice, etc.
- Familiarity with Adobe PDF, Canva, and GoToMeeting
- Bilingual in Spanish and English
- Background knowledge in community development, housing, homelessness
- Familiarity with Rhode Island and its distinct and diverse communities
- Demonstrated knowledge of voter rights, barriers to voting, voter systems, and political processes
Compensation and Benefits: This is a temporary part-time, non-exempt position of approximately 24 hours per week. Compensation is $20/hour with no fringe benefits. Travel reimbursement is provided for expenses incurred while working, including mileage. Professional development opportunities are available.
Work Hours and Schedule: HNRI hours of business are Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Given the nature of the position's responsibilities, it is expected that the employee will be willing and able to work evenings and weekends as needed, and shifts may fall outside of the business hours of the office or take place off site. A mutually agreed upon schedule that accommodates the duties of this job will be arranged between the employee and their immediate supervisor with approval from the Executive Director.
Supervision: This position will be supervised by Housing Opportunities Initiative Manager Katie West.
Equipment and supplies: The Housing Network of Rhode Island is an open office with cubicles. The employee will be furnished with an individual cube, laptop (with Microsoft Office Suite), and landline telephone with wireless printer access. The building has a gate-entry parking lot/street parking, accessible entrance with ramp, and an elevator. It is accessible by public transit on the RIPTA R-Line.
Other Important Information: This position is temporary and funded through November 30, 2020. Extension will be contingent upon availability of future funding.
To Apply:
Please e-mail a letter of interest and your resume by 11:00pm on Friday, January 17, 2020 to Ms. Katie West at HR@housingnetworkri.org. Please include the position title in the subject heading of your e-mail.
Courtesy of the Housing Network of Rhode Island
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