Community Organizer, Democracy

Center for Coalfield Justice•Washington, PA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Coalfield Justice (CCJ) fights for coalfield communities through advocacy, education, and organizing. Our approach to working with area residents values their knowledge about the land, waterways, and communities. Our recognition of local expertise is grounded in the belief that people who are facing injustice directly are the most knowledgeable and should be leading the efforts toward justice. We blend organizing, communications, legal, and policy strategies to build power with and for residents across Washington and Greene Counties. Our mission: to improve policy and regulations for the oversight of fossil fuels extraction and use; to educate, empower, and organize coalfield residents; and to protect public and environmental health. The Center for Coalfield Justice prioritizes the relationship between economic justice, environmental justice, and democracy. Democratic participation is critical to ensure that the people of Washington and Greene counties can make their voice heard about the issues that affect their lives such as air & water pollution, affordability, and sustainable job access. It is necessary that we protect the right to vote, engage civically, and resist the influence of money in politics to maintain a democracy that works for everyone. The Community Organizer, Democracy role will work on democracy related issues focusing on Washington and Greene Counties. This role serves as a primary point of contact for community members engaged in democracy campaigns and works closely with the full CCJ team on strategy, events, and coalition work.

Requirements

Resident of Washington County (this is a firm requirement for this role)
Commitment to Mission. The people who work here, regardless of role, show up in support of that work. Staff must understand what we're fighting for, treat that work with respect, and find meaning in making it possible.
All staff are expected to develop proficiency in the following tools, and training and support will be provided: Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Calendar, etc.); Slack; Airtable; EveryAction. Experience with any of these tools is a plus, but a willingness to learn and develop proficiency is required.
Due to the rural nature of CCJ's work in Washington and Greene Counties, reliable personal transportation is required. Candidates must own or have consistent access to an operating vehicle and a valid driver's license.
Comfortable initiating conversations with new people and building rapport across different backgrounds and perspectives
Strong verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and manage your own schedule, while also collaborating closely with a team
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends

Nice To Haves

Experience in community organizing, advocacy, harm reduction, or social services work (paid or volunteer)
Familiarity with economic justice issues, just transition policy, or housing and affordability advocacy
Knowledge of Washington and Greene County communities, local government, or regional resources
Experience with member databases or CRM tools

Responsibilities

Build deep, trusting relationships with residents through one-on-one conversations, canvassing, phone banking, texting, email, and social media
Serve as a consistent and reliable point of contact for community members navigating issues related to any of CCJ’s pillars: Coal, Oil and Gas, Economic Justice, and Democracy
Plan and support campaign-related events in coordination with the Events Coordinator
Support general outreach initiatives in coordination with the Outreach Coordinator
Organize around emerging democracy issues such as voter engagement, voter participation, money in politics, and the connection between environmental & economic justice with democracy.
Contribute to the development of campaigns as they take shape based on community engagement
Collaborate with coalition partners and build community power around shared democracy related concerns
Develop action steps in collaboration with the team and community members, such as community meetings, petitions, public comment participation, and direct action
Attend community events and relevant public meetings throughout the year
Monitor for Washington County and Greene County Board of Elections updates, meetings, and opportunities for public engagement. Mobilize residents to attend meetings; share information broadly.
Identify and cultivate local leaders; invest in their growth and ability to advocate for themselves and their communities
Host community events, trainings, and opportunities for collective action and civic participation
Represent CCJ in coalition spaces relevant to voter engagement, democracy defense, and other identified focus areas as appropriate
Collaborate with the full CCJ team across campaigns, sharing knowledge and coordinating where issues overlap
Provide support to other staff and volunteers as needed
Track community contacts, member engagement, and outreach activities in CCJ's database
Provide regular updates to the Organizing Director on campaign progress and community needs

Benefits

100% coverage of employee health, dental, and vision premiums on a zero-deductible plan
80% coverage for spouses and domestic partners
Monthly stipend toward dependent coverage
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Legal and ID Shield coverage
401(k) with employer match
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Access to CCJ's internal paid family and medical leave policy
Generous paid time off package includes vacation, personal days, all federal, state, and CCJ-recognized holidays, and paid extended office closures for the weeks of July 4th and Christmas/New Year's.
Mileage reimbursement at the current IRS federal rate
Coverage for reasonable overnight lodging costs for work requiring travel away from home.