Community Organizer jobs in Middlesex, NJ

Community Organizer

Garden State Equality is seeking candidates for a Community Organizer to work in an exciting and fast-paced environment advancing LGBTQ rights and protections as well as minority equity and justice. For nearly two decades, Garden State Equality has led the fight for equality in New Jersey, becoming one of the most successful statewide civil rights organizations for the LGBTQ community in the nation. We are New Jersey’s leading LGBTQ education and advocacy organization, and we work tirelessly statewide and nationally to ensure the communities we serve experience lived equality.

The Position:

Garden State Equality is seeking a Community Organizer, with the supervision and assistance of the Director of Advocacy and Organizing, to support our advocacy efforts, assisting in implementing strategic campaigns, mobilizing our community, managing volunteers, and strategizing volunteer recruitment. The Community Organizer should be a dynamic and motivated individual, who will work closely with the Director of Advocacy and Organizing to collaborate closely with internal teams, external partners, and volunteers to drive impactful initiatives that promote equality.

It is often recognized that marginalized groups tend to apply for jobs only when they meet every single qualification. However, at Garden State Equality, we urge you to defy this statistic and apply regardless. The truth is, no one ever truly meets 100% of the qualifications. Our dedicated team believes in the power of hard work and compassion, and we value authenticity, empathy, and kindness. We are excited to review your application.

Key Responsibilities:

• Campaign Development:
  • Assist in designing and implementing campaigns to advance LGBTQ rights, especially student rights, with a focus on educating and mobilizing youth leadership.
    • This will be done by utilizing a combination of grassroots organizing, digital advocacy, policy analysis, and media engagement.
  • Develop advocacy skills and strengthen the capacity of community members.
  • Support and coordinate story collection activities with community partners.
  • Work with the Communications Manager and other team members to increase the organization’s traditional and social media presence with messages that educate the public about key issues, engage everyday people in solutions, and shift the conversation about LGBTQ lived equality in New Jersey.
  • At the direction of the Advocacy and Organizing Director, the Community Organizer will collaborate with legal and policy teams to develop and implement strategic campaigns and initiatives.
• Community Mobilization:
  • Engage and mobilize supporters, volunteers, and community members to participate in education efforts and events, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose for safe schools and communities.
  • Serve as a credible source of knowledge and information to community members who desire to be more involved and educated in GSE events.
  • Develop strong relationships and galvanize support of community organizations, public officials, faith leaders, business leaders, donors, and new and diverse communities for organizing campaigns.
• Volunteer Management:
  • Recruit, train, and support a team of dedicated volunteers to support advocacy campaigns, such as safe schools and trans student awareness, and events at a grassroots level.
  • Tracking volunteers, membership, and engagement.
• Coalition Building:
  • Assist in building and maintaining strategic partnerships, such as our adverse childhood experience partners, with other education and advocacy organizations, community groups, school clubs, and allies to amplify our impact.
  • Cultivate and sustain relationships with community members, community partners and institutions, and key stakeholders.
  • Help to identify, develop, and support community leaders.
  • Support consensus building among community members, project partners, and stakeholders.
  • Represent Garden State Equality at various community events, meetings, and media events
  • Work collaboratively with organizations providing resources, outreach, and education
• Other Responsibilities:
  • Provide project updates on a consistent basis to various stakeholders about strategy, adjustments, and progress;
  • Create, maintain, and contribute to comprehensive project documentation
  • Coordinate meetings, events, and activities
  • Utilize online organizing tools and social media

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or minimum of 2 years’ experience in political, issue-based, or nonprofit organizing.
• Understanding of LGBTQ issues, civil rights, social justice, and political climate particularly within the New Jersey context.
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal abilities with a collaborative and inclusive approach to teamwork.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability and desire to learn new programs and skills
• Flexible schedule to accommodate occasional night-time and weekend commitments
• Commitment to Garden State Equality’s mission and values.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role. The employee may be required to perform other job-related tasks as requested by their supervisor or organization. The job description may be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect evolving needs and priorities.

Skills/Abilities/Experience:

• A strong personal commitment to Garden State Equalities’ mission and work.
• Ability to develop and implement programs related to the Garden State Equalities’ mission, vision, and philosophy.
• Demonstrated strong facilitation and group leadership skills.
• A familiarity with and understanding of LGBTQ issues and issues of diversity and inclusion, with knowledge of how those issues are particularly navigated in the state of New Jersey.
• Record of building coalitions and partnerships with like-minded organizations, preferably within the NY, NJ, PA service area.
• Strong computer proficiency in Windows/Microsoft Office environment, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience working with youth, schools, businesses, as well as elected and government officials, interfaith, and/or community groups.
• Experience working in a leadership capacity with diverse groups.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced working environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and take initiative independently.
• The ability to collaboratively develop curriculum for educational programming.
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Strong presentation, oral, and written communication skills.
• An understanding of assessment and measurement tools.
• Willingness and flexibility to engage in occasional weekend, evening, and overnight residential programs.
• Must have own car, valid driver’s license, and auto liability insurance.
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 30 pounds.
• Spanish-language proficiency preferred.
• BA or equivalent in a related field preferred, plus minimum of 3 years’ experience in program development and work in the fields of education, organizational development, diversity, and/or change management.

Salary:

• Full-time annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision.