The New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC) is a coalition of 70 labor, community, and environmental organizations advocating for safe, secure jobs and a healthy, sustainable environment. WEC seeks a full time, experienced Campaign Organizer based in our Trenton area office. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2022.
The person hired will organize and expand a dynamic grassroots advocacy coalition: Healthy Schools Now (HSN). The HSN coalition focuses on ensuring that all New Jersey children and school employees learn and work in healthy, safe, and modern public schools. The campaign focuses on Schools Development Authority (SDA) districts, formerly the “Abbott” districts. Priority will be given to securing reauthorization of funding for these underserved communities as well as regular operating district (ROD) grants.
The Campaign Organizer will have these responsibilities:
• Work with the Director, other staff and stakeholders to develop and implement the coalition’s campaign plan.
• Maintain and expand a diverse coalition of key organizations, through in-person and telephone contact, participatory campaign planning meetings, etc.
• Lead the coalition in order to achieve measurable goals within specific timelines.
• Speak at union, community, and environmental organization meetings.
• Coordinate messaging, press conferences, and other media events.
• Write and distribute quarterly newsletter, social media posts and regular correspondence with members.
• Organize actions, such as pickets and demonstrations.
• Organize other grassroots activities, such as petitioning and postcard signing.
• Communicate with legislators and other public officials.
• Help identify, develop, and train leaders.
• Provide training to parents and community stakeholders.
• Develop and edit outreach materials.
• Some administrative tasks to support campaign activities, including identifying edits/changes to the campaign webpages.
• Identify and participate in promotional opportunities, such as conferences and exhibits to highlight the campaign to external audiences.
• Assist in the development of content for grant proposals and other fundraising appeals.
• Prepare and edit quarterly and annual reports.
• Assist with other fundraising efforts as appropriate.
• Maintain project documentation, help write reports for funders.
• Participate in self-critical campaign assessment, as well as WEC staff meetings.
Qualifications:
• Demonstrated ability to build coalitions, recruit volunteer activists, mobilize action, and lead campaigns.
• Excellent verbal and writing communication skills.
• Competency in basic computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Drive.
• A valid driver’s license and car access are required.
• Ability to conduct outreach activities approximately two evenings a week (including occasional weekends).
• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
We want a person with high energy and enthusiasm; that works well under pressure; can handle multiple tasks at once and can adapt to changing situations; is committed to social justice; and is a hard worker who recognizes that changing NJ is not a 9 to 5 endeavor. Must be willing to travel statewide.
Experience:
Minimum of two years of organizing experience in grassroots and/or union organizing preferred. Experience engaging and managing volunteers is highly desired. Formal organizing training, such as by Midwest Academy, Center for Third World Organizing, etc., preferred. Fundraising experience is an asset.
The position is full-time, based in Trenton. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and includes generous time off and medical benefits. The salary range is $61,352 to $63,191.
To apply, email a) a cover letter; b) resume; c) writing samples (and/or other supporting material), and d) three professional references (with contact information) to: [email protected]. Writing samples should reflect materials intended for a broad audience and relevant to this position. No phone calls please. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2022.
WEC is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBT individuals are urged to apply. Union members who can take leave time for union-related leave of absence are also encouraged to apply.
WEC is the nation’s longest standing labor/environmental coalition and is the state affiliate of the BlueGreen Alliance, a national coalition of unions and environmental organizations.
Visit www.njwec.org and https://njwec.org/take-action/campaigns/healthy-schools-now/ for more information.