02/03/2022
VIA is hiring a Community Organizer!
(Send application, complete with cover letter, resume, and references to [email protected])
Valley Interfaith Action
Job Description: Community Organizer
Valley Interfaith Action (VIA) was created in 2015 by eight congregations to organize, empower, and mobilize local faith communities to address quality of life issues affecting the community. Since its inception, congregation members have stepped into leadership roles on issues such as housing, transportation, systemic bias, education, voting access, and public safety.
The organization: trains members of participating congregations in leadership and organizing skills through workshops, organizational meetings, one-to-one meetings, and retreats, and empowers congregation members to confront local issues which impact the lives of their neighbors and themselves, and to gradually move to bring about changes in the structures and policies of the larger Mat-Su valley, thereby reducing inequities and injustices, and ensures that low- and moderate-income persons are included in decision making in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, especially when these decisions affect their lives or the lives of their families, and works for the good of all the citizens by choosing issues which affect the common good of the members of participating congregations, always aware of the demands of justice, fairness, inclusiveness, and other principles of faith and democracy.
About the Position:
- Reporting to the Executive Director, the organizer will be responsible for providing training to congregation and neighborhood leaders to effectively organize to improve conditions in their neighborhoods, schools, and communities.
Responsibilities:
- Develop deep working knowledge of faith-based community organizing (FBCO).
- Provide training to congregation and community members in the principles of faith-based community organizing.
- Regularly conduct one-to-one visits with congregation and community members.
- Assist local organizing committees in defining their vision and goals for the neighborhood and community.
- Conduct research and strategic planning with local organizing committees. Coordinate large community action meetings.
- Oversee website, Facebook, newsletter, and other digital communications.
- Participate in fundraising, administrative activities, and organizational development as required.
- Other duties as assigned by director.
Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree or prior, relevant work experience
Strong analytical, writing, and public speaking skills
- Strong interpersonal skills & ability to develop relationships of trust
- Ability to work with diverse religious, racial and ethnic communities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Experience in faith-based community organizing (preferred), or a willingness to learn the VIA/AFACT FBCO model.
Salary/Benefits:
- $45-50,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience
- Medical insurance reimbursement
- Mileage reimbursement
- Retirement benefit
- Paid vacation and sick leave
