Lead Community Organizer / Executive Director - Kansas City, KS, Sarasota, FL and Melbourne, FL
Listed: 06-23-2021
Employer: Direct Action and Research Training Center - 9401 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 215
Miami Shores, FL 33138 | (305) 576-8020 | https://thedartcenter.org/
Location: Kansas City, KS, Sarasota, FL and Melbourne, FL
Start Date: August 2021
Type: Full-time
Download: Job Description - Lead Organizer
Who we Are
The Direct Action and Research Training Center (DART) is one of the largest faith-based community organizing networks in the country. Our 27 affiliated organizations span 9 states. By harnessing the power of organized people, these organizations hold political and economic systems accountable for acting fairly—pushing them to become more equitable and just. Since 1982 we have fought for and won policy changes that have addressed systemic failures which disproportionately harm low-income communities as well as communities of color. Victories include:
Hundreds of millions of dollars invested in affordable housing
Implementation of fair discipline policies in hundreds of schools, breaking the school-to-prison pipeline
Nearly $950 million invested in public transportation
Criminal justice reforms resulting in 5,000 fewer arrests of children in Florida each year
Why Choose the DART Network
DART is a network of doers. We understand that the road to a society free of racism and economic injustice is a long one that requires dedication and persistence. To create lasting change, we must do work that extends beyond charity and advocacy—while important, these efforts generally only serve as temporary solutions to permanent, systemic problems. In a world where the interests of the wealthy are prioritized, DART seeks to create communities that honor people power as the true catalyst for change.
DART stands out from other organizing networks thanks to our unrivaled investment in our team members through intentional training and development. You will learn basic organizing principles while gaining concrete skills, such as identifying and developing volunteer leaders, planning effective meetings, researching problems, driving forward issue campaigns, conducting a power analysis, fundraising from grassroots, corporate, and foundation sources, and developing and managing an organizational budget. Ongoing professional development continues through individualized coaching and mentoring, as well as local, regional, and national staff trainings and retreats.
About the Work
Three of our local organizations are hiring Lead Community Organizers who will train people of faith to hold political and economic systems accountable for justice. Your work will empower everyday people to advocate on their own behalf for justice in the form of affordable housing, police reform, public transportation and more.
Day-to-day, the Lead Community Organizer/Executive Director will spend most of their time in the field coaching community leaders and recruiting new congregations to join the organization. Through three annual processes, DART organizations identify community problems, research viable solutions, and rally people to demand the implementation of those solutions by public officials. You will foster relationships, develop leaders, drive forward issue campaigns, and manage the operations of the organization.
Who You Are
DART community organizers have a passion for justice and a strong desire to make change. As an ideal candidate, you are someone who is naturally curious, values strong relationships, and is energized by the prospect of uniting people around a common cause. Community organizers are afforded a great deal of autonomy when it comes to building their schedules. They also need to make themselves available to community members, many of whom work during the day, which may require organizers to work nights and weekends.
The ideal candidate does not have to be personally religious. Because you will be working daily with faith communities, you should have a genuine respect for the faith traditions of others.
DART organizations are diverse coalitions that include communities of color, low-to-moderate-income communities and immigrant communities. We strongly encourage people from these backgrounds, as well as fluent Spanish speakers and DACA recipients, to apply.
Skills and Characteristics:
Core passion for justice and equity
Excellent relationship-building skills
Willingness to be trained to work with diverse faith communities
Two years of community organizing experience or equivalent (experience with DART Center is preferred)
Possession of a valid driver’s license and access to a car
Fluency in Spanish a plus
Compensation and Benefits:
Starting salary is $50,000+ annually plus health benefits, paid vacation, parental leave, mileage reimbursement and more. Employer retirement contributions begin after one year.
To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter to hannah@thedartcenter.org with subject line “Lead Community Organizer Application.” DART organizations are all equal opportunity employers.
Job listings submitted by third parties are not verified by McCormick Theological Seminary. If you have a job you would like to see listed here send the details to webmaster@mccormick.edu