FAMILY ORGANIZER JOB DESCRIPTION

Are you passionate about building Black and Brown parent and youth power to ensure that historically underserved students in Oakland have access to a high-quality public education? Join us as a family organizer to find, train and coach parent and youth leaders so they can advocate effectively for equitable access to high-quality public schools. 

ABOUT FAMILIES IN ACTION FOR QUALITY EDUCATION (FIA OAKLAND) 

In response to escalating, politically driven losses related to charter renewals, school facilities and equitable access to resources, Oakland charter school communities came together to form a historic coalition in March, 2019. Families in Action for Quality Education (FIA Oakland) unites diverse school communities representing nearly 17,000 students to build leadership, influence, and political power to reposition charter families, youth and stakeholders as influential city-wide leaders. FIA leaders have made a collective commitment to break out of isolation and act collectively in order to build political power to protect and increase access to high quality schools.  In addition to organizing, FIA has a robust and creative approach to new media, hosting online podcasts, awards shows and digital media that  amplify our mission.  FIA Oakland was founded with the support of key community partners - Innovate Public Schools, Great School Voices and Energy Convertors - to provide expertise in three program areas: family organizing, communications and youth organizing. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a full-time exempt position. FIA is a hybrid work organization, meaning we have 2-3 in office work days and 2-3 remote work days per week, in addition to some in-person and virtual evening meetings.

In this role, you will report to and receive weekly coaching from the FIA Senior Organizing Consultant in order to:

• Recruit, train and lead  a team of parent/community leaders to develop school-based parent-led organizing campaigns to empower parents, youth and teachers to act in the public arena to promote and defend their interests and values. 

• Use 1:1 meetings to build relationships and identify parent/community leaders. Use a variety of outreach methods to recruit leaders and allies through including door-to-door canvassing, house visits, and house meetings.

• Develop the knowledge and understanding of parent leaders in education data, the Oakland public education landscape,  and the principles and practices of community organizing.  

• Develop, lead, and manage education issue campaigns and community collaborations including community meetings, public events and demonstrations, voter education and mobilization initiatives, and other forms of civic engagement.

• Create and maintain outreach and organizing project plans, communication systems, databases and work plans.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build strong coalitional relationships among diverse groups of organizational stakeholders and neighborhood leaders.

• Coordinate new media, apps and social media organizing including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, canvasser, blogs and email outreach to enhance the on-the-ground work.

• Perform other duties as required to support the work of the organization as a whole

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including 401K plan.  Annual salary range is from  $50,000 - $75,000 and is dependent on the candidate’s experience.  In addition, FIA organizers receive weekly coaching and development from our experienced organizing team members. 

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Passion for creating more high-quality school options for Oakland families.

• Familiarity with Oakland politics as well as the historical & root causes of educational disparities (ie., racism, systemic issues to maintain white privilege and power).

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and communities and eagerness to learn and engage in organizing.

• Ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively, including speaking in small and large group settings

• Strong strategic thinking skills and an ability to analyze policies and institutions

• Willingness to work as member of and contribute to a team in a dynamic, learning environment

• A valid driver's license and reliable, insured vehicle (needed to fulfill job requirements) and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Preferred:

• Proficiency in Spanish 

• Experience working in African American and/or Latino communities

• Two to five years of professional community organizing or community development experience

• Skill as a trainer with knowledge in grassroots leadership development, political context, public policy development, and/or public education

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment characteristics and the physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while successfully performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills.  We are an equal opportunity employer.

SAMPLE “WEEK IN THE LIFE” OF AN ORGANIZER

• Meet 1-1 with 8-10 of your parent leaders to strategize about the next steps in your campaign to expand educational options in the district

• Meet 1:1 with 4-5 potential new leaders in order to understand their self-interest and share the mission and vision of FIA. 

• Prepare and then support your team of 15-20 parent leaders as they hold their first meeting with the local superintendent about the district's plans to improve outcomes for low-income students

• Meet with the FIA Communications team and Stakeholder workgroups  to plan a powerful presentation for a local school. 

• Role-play your upcoming training on power and leadership for the organizing team and receive feedback from your colleagues

• Train a parent to chair a meeting with her local school board president, and coach her to think through the appropriate tone and level of challenge the group should bring to the board member about their issue

• Make calls to invite parents to attend an upcoming meeting and schedule 1-1 visits with them for the next week

• Meet with your supervisor to evaluate your previous parent leader team meeting 

• Schedule a 1-1 with a local nonprofit leader to learn more about the their work with families and the changing political environment in local cities

• Read and reflect on a classic organizing text, like Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals