Lead Organizer - Peninsula

1400 Parkmoor Avenue, Suite 240 near Suite 240, San Jose CA

Description

Are you an experienced community organizer who is passionate about public education? Are you interested in building a movement to make sure every student in California has access to a world-class public school? Join us as a Lead Community Organizer to find, train and coach parents to advocate effectively for more high-quality public schools in the Bay Area. This position is based in San Mateo County (although working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic until further notice) and reports to Regional VP, Peninsula. About Innovate Public Schools Innovate Public Schools is a nonprofit organization focused on ensuring that all students, including low-income students and students of color, receive an excellent education. We’re building a movement of families, educators, and business and elected leaders across California who together will make this vision a reality. We build the capacity of parents and educators to innovate and act together to advocate for world-class public schools, and we publish easy-to-understand school quality data and research that highlights both problems and solutions. Innovate Public Schools supports parents across California to build powerful community organizations in their local communities that can successfully push for better schools and hold the system accountable to the needs of families and children. Innovate leads a network of grassroots community organizations led by passionate parent leaders in Santa Clara, San Mateo, Los Angeles, and San Francisco counties. About the Position As a Lead Community Organizer, you will work closely with the Regional VP to lead the community organizing work in the San Mateo County area. You will train, support and move our Peninsula organizing team to action and mentor staff around community organizing work and issue strategy. You will be instrumental in building meaningful parent-driven organizations and leading the development of political strategy in the region, supporting the Regional VP in supervising and training the Peninsula organizing team. This is a full-time / exempt position. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package. Annual salary range begins at $80,000 and is dependent on the candidate’s experience. To apply, go to Are you an experienced community organizer who is passionate about public education? Are you interested in building a movement to make sure every student in California has access to a world-class public school? Join us as a Lead Community Organizer to find, train and coach parents to advocate effectively for more high-quality public schools in the Bay Area. This position is based in San Mateo County (although working remotely due to the COvid-19 pandemic until further notice) and reports to Regional VP, Peninsula. About Innovate Public Schools Innovate Public Schools is a nonprofit organization focused on ensuring that all students, including low-income students and students of color, receive an excellent education. We’re building a movement of families, educators, and business and elected leaders across California who together will make this vision a reality. We build the capacity of parents and educators to innovate and act together to advocate for world-class public schools, and we publish easy-to-understand school quality data and research that highlights both problems and solutions. Innovate Public Schools supports parents across California to build powerful community organizations in their local communities that can successfully push for better schools and hold the system accountable to the needs of families and children. Innovate leads a network of grassroots community organizations led by passionate parent leaders in Santa Clara, San Mateo, Los Angeles, and San Francisco counties. About the Position As a Lead Community Organizer, you will work closely with the Regional VP to lead the community organizing work in the San Mateo County area. You will train, support and move our Peninsula organizing team to action and mentor staff around community organizing work and issue strategy. You will be instrumental in building meaningful parent-driven organizations and leading the development of political strategy in the region, supporting the Regional VP in supervising and training the Peninsula organizing team. This is a full-time / exempt position. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package. Annual salary range begins at $80,000 and is dependent on the candidate’s experience. Key Responsibilities - Identify, train and develop community leaders in the principles and practices of community organizing in order to build powerful parent-driven organizations affiliated with Innovate Public Schools - Develop and manage relationships with a broad base of constituents from targeted neighborhoods (including faith-based institutions, public officials, local government agencies, social service agencies, teachers, elected officials, and school leaders), and build their support for the reform efforts of Innovate’s affiliated parent organizations - Consistently meet the target average of 12 1-1’s a week, with a minimum of 10 leader 1-1’s weekly - Over time, build and manage up to 4 parent organizations that drive local school reform work and brings new community leadership to local communities and going through the organizing cycle of listening, research, and action. - Plan and coordinate large public forums and meetings, led by parent leaders - Participate in local, regional and national staff development sessions with organization partners - Participate in fundraising and administrative activities as required - Support in the supervision, training, and development of a team of community organizers - Learn and demonstrate the management, leadership, and judgement skills necessary to effectively supervise and train a community organizer. - Be the lead staff person in charge of coordinating and executing actions in the region. - Practice sound political judgement and develop an advanced political analysis in decision making, strategic thinking, and political strategy, particularly as it relates to building our campaign in the region. - Participate in local and national training as requested. Your Resources - Extensive formal training in community organizing through participation in Innovate’s national, year-long Community Organizer Training Program (COTP) - Membership in a national cohort community of organizers through the COTP, with the opportunity to learn from and share with others in your field - Monthly coaching and development from veteran organizing team members and national experts in the field - Learning about latest changes in education policies and cutting edge practices in designing new, world-class schools through collaboration with experts on Innovate’s other teams Qualifications (required) - A minimum of 3 years demonstrated success and experience in community organizing or related advocacy work (paid or voluntary positions) - Deep experience in conducting 1-1’s and research meetings (led by grassroots leaders), and leading 5-7 public actions or successful issue campaigns throughout organizing career to date - Baccalaureate degree or equivalent work experience - Work experience in low-income communities - Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and communities - 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 - Interest, experience, and competency in working with African American and/or Latino communities - Willingness to work as member of and contribute to a team in a dynamic, learning environment - Passion for public school reform, holding public systems accountable, and supporting high-quality school options for working families - Eagerness to learn and apply Innovate’s approach to community organizing - A valid driver's license and reliable, insured vehicle (needed to fulfill job requirements) - Proof of eligibility to work permanently in the United States - Ability to work frequent evening meetings (average 3-4 per week) and some weekends Qualifications (preferred) - Academic or experiential knowledge related to building social capital and political power in low-income and multilingual communities - Skills as a trainer with specialized knowledge in grassroots leadership development, political context, public policy development, and/or public education - Experience developing and supporting public policy solutions to local or regional problems - Demonstrated understanding of the education landscape in the region and across the state TO APPLY, go to. APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED.