Thursday, July 1, 2010

Community Organizer, American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 7/1/10

ACLULogo

COMMUNITY ORGANIZER – Western PA

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania (ACLU-PA) is seeking a full-time Community Organizer to work in its Pittsburgh office on community outreach efforts in western Pennsylvania. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to defending and expanding individual rights and personal freedom, the ACLU is the nation's foremost guardian of liberty. The ACLU-PA promotes, defends and advances constitutional principles founded in the Bill of Rights through litigation, legislative advocacy and community education.

The community organizing department works in collaboration with the statewide legal and legislative departments, as well as the national ACLU’s field department, to raise public awareness about civil liberties and engage our members and other concerned individuals, organizations and communities in advocacy for their rights on a local, state and national level.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Community Organizer will be expected to perform the following duties:

Design and implement grassroots strategies to mobilize ACLU-PA members and supporters to take meaningful action on ACLU’s local, state and national civil liberties agenda;
Plan and implement community education events;
Provide support to and assist the Pittsburgh Chapter Public Education Committee and the Reproductive Rights Committee;
Assist chapters in western Pennsylvania as needed to implement and carry out community education programs and outreach efforts (some regional travel anticipated);
Assist in the development and distribution of public education materials, ACLU-PA website, listserves, and other projects as needed;
Strengthen and nurture alliances with communities of color, communities of faith, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities; disability rights groups and other interest groups on key issues;
Work with other staff across the state to develop and implement a state-wide public education and community organizing program;
Provide assistance to student chapters;
Assist in volunteer recruitment and engagement activities;
Perform administrative tasks related to position (maintaining database of contacts, taking notes at meetings, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong communication, organizational and administrative skills.
Independent worker with ability to motivate, work well with, and lead others.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Experience working on advocacy matters and organizing grassroots efforts.
Experience working with volunteers, committees and boards.
Ability to travel required; driver’s license preferred.
Commitment to civil liberties through advocacy, public education and lobbying and to the mission and goals of the ACLU required.
Ability to speak Spanish a plus.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary commensurate with experience; excellent benefits.

TO APPLY:
All application inquiries will be treated confidentially. Send a resume, cover letter and brief writing sample to search@aclupgh.org or to Search, ACLU-PA, 313 Atwood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. No calls please.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The ACLU of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is committed to developing a diverse pool of candidates. Women, people of color, persons with disabilities, lesbians and gay men are encouraged to apply.

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