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Description
The mission of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (CCI) is to empower and unite grassroots people of all ethnic backgrounds to take control of their communities; involve them in identifying problems and needs and in taking action to address them; and be a vehicle for social, economic and environmental justice.
We use organizing strategies that build people power and focus on civic engagement, leadership development, and holding institutions accountable to everyday people. We view community organizing as the most effective means for engaging people in true democracy to bring about progressive social change.
Our community organizing is currently centered on 4 main program areas:
- farming and the environment;
- housing and economic justice;
- voter-owned clean elections; and
- immigrant rights & worker justice.
We are fast-paced, energetic and recognized by other organizing groups as an organization that is effective at creating social change.
Position Overview:
Iowa CCI wants to hire another community organizer who would work on issues in both urban and rural areas, be based out of our Des Moines office, and travel throughout the state. The right candidate is highly motivated and passionate about standing up for what's right. You would work as part of a team of members and staff to build people power; hold elected officials, government agencies, corporations and industry groups accountable; and fight for social, economic and environmental justice.
The community organizer we hire will focus on a broad range of issues related to:
- Farming and the environment
- Housing and economic justice
- Voter-owned clean elections
Responsibilities:
- work with CCI members and other like-minded people to identify issues that are important to them.
- research issues raised by members, and train members to do research themselves.
- Work with CCI members to develop action strategies to win on issues and assist in carrying out strategies to win concrete victories
- help carry out media strategies to raise awareness about issues and build support for our organizing.
- assist with other project activities as needed (local issues, statewide organizing, national/regional issues, grassroots fundraising, etc.)
- recruit new members through organizing campaigns and other means.
- assist with fundraising, grant writing and reporting.
Qualifications:
- excellent verbal and written communication skills
- ability to communicate excitement and enthusiasm
- ability to work well with everyday people in diverse racial, ethnic, social and economic groups
- ability to show initiative and follow-through
- strategic thinking skills and attention to detail
- ability to work well as part of a team
- ability to work well under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing situations
- willingness to travel around the state, and do some out-of-state travel occasionally
- not afraid to use confrontation as a tactic for winning justice
- must be passionate about Iowa CCI's mission and purpose
- must demonstrate passion for social justice and a commitment to community organizing for the long-haul
- excellent computer skills
- willingness to work long hours
- organizing experience and college education a plus
Compensation: Starting salary of $26,000 or based on organizing experience. Excellent benefits include a great work environment with dedicated people, health and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and generous vacation and PTO. Opportunities for advancement.
To Apply:
Please email resume and 3 references by August 15, 2011 to Hugh Espey, Executive Director. Please put "community organizer" in the subject line.
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement
2001 Forest Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
Iowa CCI is an equal opportunity employer.