Position: Director of Organizing Strategy and Training
Position Type: Full-Time ─ Exempt
Location: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Birmingham preferred; remote (work from home) available
Reports to: Co-Deputy Executive Director
Salary Range: $108,000 - $138,000 based on location and relevant experience
Who we are ─ About Jobs to Move America
Jobs to Move America (JMA) is a national and regionally based strategic policy center working to transform public spending and corporate behavior in manufacturing. Grounded in racial and economic justice and community organizing, we partner with workers, community organizations, and coalitions to advance a fair economy with good jobs and healthier communities for all. To learn more, visit our website: www.jobstomoveamerica.org.
About the Role
The Organizing Director is a senior leader responsible for building JMA’s organizing program across regions as we advance an agenda for good jobs and climate justice.
This role goes beyond traditional campaigning to collaboratively developing and deepening JMA’s coalition and worker organizing methodology in partnership with program directors and organizers across the country. The Director will build a training program for core skills which is tailored to each region and its unique context.
What You’ll Do
Develop JMA’s Organizing Methodology
Build out JMA’s organizing method and ideology to support winning campaigns
Create processes for how to build, structure, and assess our coalitions; how to engage and assess workers; how to engage community leaders and organizations
Standardize worker and coalition assessments and data practices across JMA including using Action Builder for worker organizing and Salesforce for coalition organizing
Create materials and train staff on these methods and processes
Develop and strengthen our analysis of power in how we organize
Ensure that JMA organizers and directors can effectively integrate research, policy, and communications strategies with the organizing programs
Operationalize intentional considerations of race, gender, and other identity-related oppressions in how our organizing is carried out
Lead Thinking on Strategic Campaigning
Collaborate with regional teams (and research, policy and communications programs) to develop multi-faceted campaigns to win enforceable pro-worker policies and agreements between communities and manufacturers through community benefits agreements
Understand and provide lead thinking about organizing needs, purposes, outcomes, and plans for each of JMA’s campaigns
Work with JMA’s partner unions to develop a culture of ongoing learning for organizing methods on JMA campaigns including co-developing organizing strategies, messaging, and plans for campaigns; creating systems for JMA and union organizers to collaborate; and identifying opportunities for partnership
Create an Organizer Training Program
Develop a curriculum for JMA’s organizers, including onboarding new hires, training new organizers, and upskilling experienced organizers
Create materials to train organizers on how to organize effective community coalitions and engage workers in campaigns to win community benefits agreements
Periodically run training workshops for new and current organizers focused on hard skills and developing strategic thinking
Nurture a culture of winning and institutionalizing protections and gains for working people and in particular impacted and historically marginalized communities and people of color
Coach JMA Staff
Support JMA program directors, assistant program directors, and campaign managers in supervising organizers
Regularly check in, debrief, and provide feedback to JMA organizers and participate in evaluations administered by their supervisors
Travel to coach organizers in the field and meet with campaign teams and program directors to develop campaign strategy and strengthen organizing skills
What you Bring
Core Experience
At least 10 years of experience in labor, community, and/or coalition organizing
At least 5 years supervising organizers and leading them on campaigns
Experience in building coalitions across a range of stakeholders
Experience in organizing workers
Experience working with data management systems to track contacts; Action Builder experience is a plus
Key Skills and Strengths
Skill in thinking both creatively and analytically about organizing methodology
Skill in leading or creating organizing training programs
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and remotely when necessary with good Google Suite technical skills
Good time management and ability to maintain a high level of timely follow-up to follow through on commitments
Deep understanding of the labor movement
Leadership and Collaboration
Ability to lead and inspire a team while providing useful and effective feedback
Demonstrated ability to lead with curiosity, empathy, self-awareness, and accountability
Experience working across lines of difference and able to build and sustain authentic and productive working relationships with colleagues including JMA employees as well as external partners
Comfort operating in dynamic, politically nuanced environments
Additional
Willingness to travel ~ 25% annually
Preferred
Experience in both coalition building and worker organizing
Other Physical Requirements
Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
Must be able to communicate clearly on telephone with reasonable accommodations
What Else You Should Know ─ Compensation/Benefits
Salary Range is $108,000 - $138,000 depending on years of relevant experience and location with annual salary increases
100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for the employee and dependents, including domestic partners
Generous paid time off including 12 personal days, 12 federal holidays, and 2 floating holidays each year. JMA has a paid, two week winter break at the end of each year. Employees can accrue up to 20 vacation days and 20 sick days. After 5 years of work, all staff are eligible to apply for 3 months of sabbatical leave.
401(k) plan with 5% employer contribution after 6 months of employment
Flexible spending account (FSA)
Cell phone reimbursement
Utility/Internet monthly stipend for those working from home
Work from home office set up provided if needed
Training and professional development opportunities are available upon completion of the probationary period.
A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and practices
Qualifying Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
JMA is a unionized workplace. This position is a management-level position and not a bargaining unit member.
How to Apply
Complete this application, upload a cover letter & resume, and respond to the application questions.
All applications must be submitted through this process—no phone calls, please. Interviews will be conducted virtually.
As part of the process, candidates advancing to later stages will be asked to complete a brief skills assessment. Due to the volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to all applicants.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Jobs to Move America is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or other protected status.
We are committed to fair and equitable treatment in all aspects of employment and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment.
We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and those with experience working alongside these communities.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At JMA, we believe that diverse, engaged, and supported staff are essential to advancing economic, racial, and social justice. We value the perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all team members and believe our work is stronger when everyone’s voice is heard.
As part of our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, we invite applicants to complete optional self-identification questions during the application process.