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ISAAC

MREJ

DATE 10/5/09

Title

Lead Organizer, Southside of Kalamazoo

Goal

The Lead Organizer is hired to complete the goals and objectives of the Ordinary People  for Extraordinary Change Project outlined in the proposal of the same name.   See project proposal for more details.

Job Duties

The Lead Organizer is responsible for working with institutions in the Edison Neighborhood in order to achieve significant participation, and civic engagement. 

The responsibilities include:

-       Building relationships through one-on-one conversations with stakeholders;

-       Planning meetings with leaders.

-       Issue identification.

-       Leading the group in a power analysis of Kalamazoo’s social, political, and economic landscape.

-       Organizing actions.

-       Recruiting leaders to trainings.

Qualifications

The Lead Organizer must demonstrate an ability to:

1. Build relationships in the public arena systematically and strategically.

2. Discover and articulate self-interest in potential leaders.

3. Cut issues, strategize and move groups of people into action (e.g., core teams).

4. Work with pastors and key leaders to create yearly plans.

5. Work with leaders to carry out their core team plans (e.g., in-reach or ad book campaign).

6. Identify potential leaders, proposition and move them toward national training.

7. Articulate the Gamaliel process of organizing.

8. Reflect on the process of organizing.

9. Develop and agitate within the context of a staff team.

10. Take training from mentors and supervisors.

11. Organize money

12. Train, strategize and organize metro level power.

Expectations

The Lead Organizer is expected to:

1.        Have his/her own vehicle

2.      Be conversant in English and Spanish

3.       Have basic organizing experience

4.      Comfortable with people of faith

5.       Have a passion for social justice and social change

6.       Be multicultural (able to interact with and understand different cultural groups)

Working Conditions

The Lead Organizer will be provided with a desk, computer, filing space, shared printer, internet access, and reimbursement for cell phone usage and gas mileage.

While the Lead Organizer will have an office, he/she is expected to spend a significant amount of time out of the office (meeting with people, etc). 

The Lead Organizer can expect to work long hours, especially at peak times in the organizing process.

Supervision Received

The Lead Organizer’s direct supervisor is the Lead Organizer/Executive Director of ISAAC.  He/she is also responsible to the Leadership Board of ISAAC. 

Supervision Exercised                                                                                                           

The Lead Organizer will work directly and closely with a part-time organizer at the Hispanic American Council, Inc. (“the Council”).  While this is a partnership role, the Lead Organizer takes primary responsibility for planning and execution of plans related to achieve the goals of the Project.  Thus, he/she will exercise a supervisory role as necessary.

Development Opportunities

The Lead Organizer is expected to attend Week Long Training administered by the Gamaliel Foundation.  In addition, he/she will attend the two (2) annual Gamaliel staff retreats.  Finally, he/she will have access to all Gamaliel trainings and is encouraged to attend.  The Executive Director will meet with the Lead Organizer at least weekly one-on-one for mentorship, agitation, and planning.

The Lead Organizer will be reviewed at six (6), twelve (12), and twenty-four months (24).  The twelve and twenty four month evaluations may offer opportunities for advancement in title and pay-grade. 

Benefits

Lead Organizer will receive health care benefits, of which he/she will contribute 10% of the cost.  Investment opportunities are available with an employer match.

Other duties may be necessary.

Applicants should submit resume, cover letter, and two references to

Rachael Tanner

ISAAC

412 E. Michigan

 Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Or by e-mail to R.Ann.Tanner@gmail.com.  If submitting electronically, please put your last name in the file name.

Deadline: October 16^th

Questions, please call Rachael at 269-341-4213.