SWOPblogger

The SouthWest Organizing Project was founded in 1980 with a mission to empower our communities in the Southwest to realize racial and gender equality, and social and economic justice. Our work is built on a foundation of direct community organizing - building personal and political relationships in the community, developing leadership, and taking action. We are a statewide community based organization and work throughout New Mexico in working class communities of color.

We are seeking applicants for the position of Youth Organizer. This position will work closely with and report to the Lead Organizer and the Executive Director. SWOP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion. People of color, women and young people are encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

GENERAL DUTIES:

1. Ensure all activities are carried out in line with SWOP Mission Statement and with the involvement of membership.
2. Adhere to Staff Responsibilities Statement.
3. Work with the membership and staff to develop and implement strategic plans for campaigns, program efforts and organizational development.
4. Involvement in overall SWOP campaigns and program efforts.
5. Work to conduct regular system of reporting back to membership and incorporating membership into campaigns.
6. Assist in fundraising efforts by participating in donor recruitment, grassroots fundraising events and the development of foundation proposals and site visits.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Coordinate Youth Rights Campaign: Work with SWOP youth core group to identify, develop and implement issues campaigns that work to create positive change for low income and young people of color. This includes scheduled outreach for and facilitation of youth member meetings; ongoing campaign development and planning; recruitment; strategic media planning; use of direct action; door to door member contacts and advocacy.

Coordinate SWOP Youth Summer Intern Program: Work with members and staff to develop and implement a youth summer intern program that works to train young people in community organizing. Supervise youth interns working on Youth Rights Campaign.

Political Education and Leadership Development: Oversee youth membership development program including political education and leadership development. Identify and address member development needs through trainings, workshops, conferences, mentorship and movement building activities. Work with youth and adult membership to promote integrated intergenerational organizational culture.

Collaborate with Jovenes Unidos Cultural Worker: Work with the cultural worker of Jovenes Unidos, a partner project to SWOP, to identify areas of collaboration between youth organizing and youth cultural efforts.

Supervise year-long youth intern: Assist youth intern in developing work plans, schedule and systems of accountability, including evaluation.

REQUIREMENTS:

*Bilingual is preferable but not required.
*Ability to organize materials efficiently and present effectively to small and large gatherings.
*Ability to challenge historical problems and traditional solutions and work toward finding creative and just solutions.
*Willingness to participate in training programs to upgrade skills as may be required by this job description.
*Must have reliable transportation with liability insurance.
*Ability to travel out of state and throughout state to achieve specific goals.
*Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

1. English literacy.
2. Good communication skills.
3. Basic computer literacy skills.
4. Experience in working with youth and/or community organizing work.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Starting salary range between of $25,000-$27,000 depending on experience including generous vacation and health benefits. Eligible to participate in a retirement plan after one year of employment.

Expected start date is October 15th. Please send cover letter and resume by September 23rd to:

SWOP
Attn: Hiring Committee
211 10th St. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102