SWOPblogger

Job Announcement: Communications Organizer

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 Communications 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, age or religion. People of color and women are encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

GENERAL DUTIES

1. Ensure all activities are carried out in line with the 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 communications plans that support organizational campaigns and program efforts.

4. Involvement in overall SWOP campaigns and program efforts.

5. Work to conduct regular system of reporting back to staff and membership and incorporating membership into campaigns.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

1. Coordinate the production of quarterly newsletter Voces Unidas by working with staff and membership to develop themes, collect articles and photographs, design, lay out and edit the newsletter.
2. Develop and maintain relationships with mainstream and alternative media outlets including regular communication in the form of crafting press releases and media advisories related to SWOP program work.
3. Update web site to reflect current work, support campaign and fundraising efforts, opportunities to volunteer, obtain resources and foster political discussion.
4. Work with staff and members to develop media and messaging strategies that support goals and objectives of program efforts.
5. Conduct training for staff, members and allied organizations about effective communication strategies and corporatization of mainstream media.
6. Collaborate with Development Coordinator by developing materials and messages to be used in the areas of donor recruitment, grassroots fundraising events and foundation proposals and site visits.
7. Create a system for archiving and filing images and press coverage of organization.

REQUIREMENTS

· Bilingual is preferable but not required.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications as well as desktop publishing, web publishing and graphic design.

· Ability to organize materials efficiently and present effectively to small and large gatherings.

· Ability to effectively manage multiple projects.

· 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.

· Ability to travel out of state and throughout the state to achieve specific goals.

· Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

1. English literacy

2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills

3. Experience/training/interest in desktop publishing and/or graphic design and/or effective communication strategies.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

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

Expected start date is November 30, 2006. Please send cover letter and resume by November 15^th, 2006.

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

Job Announcement: Statewide Field Organizer

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 Statewide Field Organizer. The Statewide Field Organizer is expected to spend as much as 50% of their time outside of the Albuquerque metro area. The field organizer reports directly to the Lead Organizer and Executive Director. SWOP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, race, gender, sexual orientation, age or religion. People of color and women 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 staff and 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

1. Work with staff and membership to Identify and address member development needs through trainings, workshops, conferences, mentorship and movement building activities.
2. Conduct regular community outreach in assigned communities including organizing outreach materials.
3. Train and assist community members in setting up house and community meetings to address problems and issues.
4. Develop and coordinate efforts and work with groups in formulating, implementing and evaluating empowerment strategies.
5. Work as needed, in a community, city, state and regional wide capacity.
6. Develop strategic working relationships with other organizations and individuals for effective collaborative work.
7. Communicate regularly with staff and members committees regarding campaign plans, budgets, and strategies.
8. Ensure membership and campaign activities that build an organization that can accomplish its mission.
9. Maintain timely and accurate records of meetings and field activities including minutes, photos, published articles, etc.

REQUIREMENTS

· Bilingual is preferable but not required.

· Ability to organize materials efficiently and present effectively to small and large gatherings.

· Ability to effectively manage multiple projects.

· 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.

· Ability to travel out of state and throughout the 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 community organizing work.
   
   

SALARY AND BENEFITS

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

Expected start date is November 30th, 2006. Please send cover letter and resume by November 15th, 2006

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