Community Organizer

~ Oregon Rural Action is a grassroots, multi-issue, membership-based organization organizing in rural, Eastern Oregon for responsible, sustainable use of our natural resources and agricultural land, for social justice and equity, and thriving and diverse local economies. ~

Eastern Oregon is home to a disproportionate number of socially, economically and politically disenfranchised people, including farmers, people of color, women and children. ORA incorporated in 2000 because Eastern Oregon residents needed, and still need, an organized voice in decisions that affect their lives, health and communities.

For 17 years ORA has organized in five Eastern Oregon counties: Baker, Malheur, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa, recruiting members, developing leaders and organizing campaigns to improve our communities. Members learn to run local chapters and influence decision-makers. ORA members also lead four issue teams: health care reform, renewable energy, social justice and food & ag policy.

Position Overview

Oregon Rural Action, a progressive grassroots organization based in La Grande, Oregon, seeks a full-time Community Organizer with a passion for social, racial, and environmental justice to work with new and existing members on a range of locally-identified issues. Current campaigns include sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare, with an emphasis on engaging an increasingly wider and more diverse membership in Morrow, Umatilla, Malheur, Baker, and Union Counties.

Responsibilities

• Primary responsibilities include recruiting and engaging members; building and supporting local chapters and issue teams; working with member-leaders to develop campaign strategies; and further developing members’ capacity to take action on issues that affect their lives.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English strongly preferred. Exceptionally strong candidates may request work-from-home arrangements in Malheur, Umatilla, or Morrow Counties; otherwise position will be based in ORA main office in La Grande.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Prior experience and/or training in community organizing as an approach to social change.
• Commitment to progressive values, social justice, and the mission of Oregon Rural Action, including strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and helping them work together to develop collective vision, goals, and strategies.
• Ability to plan and facilitate effective meetings for groups of varying sizes.
• Familiarity with rural communities, issues, and decision-making bodies.
• Strong communication skills.
• Working vehicle and valid drivers license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Experience and/or education in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, health care, rural community development, and/or diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Compensation

• Starting salary $30,000 - $35,000 depending on experience, health insurance, and other benefits.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter, résumé, and 3 references or mail to Search Committee, Oregon Rural Action, P.O. Box 1231, La Grande, OR 97850.
• In your cover letter, please describe which of your past experiences, education, and/or interests connect most directly to this position, and what you believe would make you an especially strong Community Organizer for Oregon Rural Action.
• Review of applications begins January 9 and continues until position is filled.