Regional Organizer

Western Organization of Resource Councils (WORC) is a network of grassroots organizations from 7 states (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota and Wyoming) that includes 10,000 members and 37 local community groups. WORC helps its members succeed by providing training and coordinating regional issue campaigns.

WORC's mission is to advance the vision of a democratic, sustainable and just society through community action. WORC is committed to building communities that balance economic growth with the health of people and the stewardship of land, air and water resources.

Position Overview:

WORC has an opening for a regional organizer. The position will be full time and located in WORC's main office in Billings, Montana. WORC has a current staff of 13. The regional organizer position is designed to increase WORC's capacity to undertake focused, comprehensive regional campaigns which currently address coal mining, leasing and export; oil and gas development impacts and fracking; and promotion of local foods and marketing and anti-trust issues in agriculture.

Responsibilities:

The regional organizer will play a key role in the development and implementation of successful regional campaigns. Specific responsibilities include:

• Planning and implementing 1 or more regional campaigns in partnership with leaders and staff of the member groups.
• Providing strategic support to WORC's member groups on their local and statewide campaigns.
• Conducting action-oriented research.
• Participating as a member of the leadership and staff development training team, and facilitating some training.
• Building the capacity of WORC's member groups through the targeted delivery of organizational development, consultation and training assistance.
• Teaming with staff colleagues on special projects.
• Ensuring that communications, marketing and technology are an integral part of every campaign.
• Working with development staff to meet the organization's fundraising goals.
• Performing administrative tasks and duties necessary for the smooth functioning of the organizations.

Qualifications:

• Personal commitment to the principles of community organizing, with at least 5 years of experience in community organizing.
• Experience managing local, state, regional and/or national issue campaigns.
• Experience planning and facilitating leadership and staff development trainings.
• Knowledge and experience building strong, membership driven organizations.
• Ability to work effectively in networks and coalitions.
• Excellent writing, speaking and interpersonal communication skills.
• Skilled in group dynamics and group decision-making processes.
• Ability to travel and attend some weekend and evening meetings.
• Knowledge of the West and its people a plus.
• Knowledge of current regional issues including oil and gas development, coal mining, local foods, farm bills, competition in livestock markets, and anti-trust. This is useful but not required.

In addition, the ideal candidate will possess a mix of the following qualities and skills.

• A good people person.
• Someone who is persistent.
• A good listener.
• Someone who can build trust.
• Someone who can develop and encourage local leaders.
• A sense of humor.
• A strategic thinker and planner.
• A self starter who can work independently.
• Open to constructive feedback.
• Ability to juggle many tasks at once.
• Someone who can motivate people to take action.

Compensation: Competitive salary range based on qualifications and experience. Generous benefits include health insurance and dental insurance, retirement plan and vacation. The target date for work to begin is July 16, 2012.

To Apply:

Please send a resume, cover letter and 3 references to the Pat Sweeney, Director, Western Organization of Resource Councils.

The Western Organization of Resource Councils is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.