COMMUNITY ORGANIZER (North LA County/Valley Region)

Work Location: Field work in the North LA County/Valley Region and Greater LA Area for 3 days of the week; Office work at our location in Anaheim 2 days of the week.

Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required

Position Status: Exempt

Pay Range: $67,000-70,000/annually commensurate with skills and experience

Reports to: Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager

Requirements: Access to reliable transportation.

Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 3% employer-matched retirement plan, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 holidays, hybrid work schedule temporarily available.

About Us: Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, and talented and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join the efforts.

About the Role: Our Community Organizer will work to build out a network of organizations and leaders to take action on local issues of community concern, with a particular geographic focus within the North LA County/Valley Region and the Greater LA Area. CAIR-LA community organizers also act as ambassadors of our programs and services to the broader community within their assigned geographic region.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Community Organizing Duties: Duties will be centered on building out a network of organizations and leaders to take action on local issues of community concern within their assigned geographic turf.
  • Relationship building: Set up and conduct 10-15 relational meetings with Muslim community leaders and other important stakeholders per week.
  • Recruitment and development: Identify and develop community leaders, partners, and members to strength the Muslim community's grassroots power.
  • Political Education: Educate grassroots leaders and members on power-building, legislative and electoral policy, campaign development and evaluation, and other tools needed for a successful issue campaigns.
  • Lead Direct Actions: Utilize pledge cards, surveys, action alerts, and other tools to further campaign goals. This includes turning out large numbers to galvanize public officials as well as other escalation tactics.
  • Collaborate with policy department to develop issue campaigns: Work closely with the public affairs department team to create base-building and political organizing strategies to reach political/policy outcomes in specific issue areas (i.e. immigration, economic, social, and racial justice policies).
  • Develop and advance advocacy partnerships: Develop strategic partnerships with allies, coalition partners, and funders to advance political priorities.
  • Maintain government relationships: Build and maintain relationships with state, and local level elected officials.
  • Maintain volunteer database: Support and implement CAIR-LA's volunteer management database and action alert system, Action Network.
• Outreach duties: CAIR-LA community organizers are ambassadors of our programs and services to the broader community within their assigned geographic region.
  • Community outreach & education: Work with CAIR-LA's various departments to coordinate and publicize workshops, teach-ins, and trainings that will empower the Muslim community. These include, but are not limited to know your rights presentations on various legal rights, policy trainings, immigration services, etc.
  • Develop and strengthen relationships with volunteers: Identify and recruit potential volunteers for CAIR-LA's various departments, programs, and services. Match volunteers and interns with CAIR-LA's work based on their interests and maintain relationships within your region.
  • Friday and event outreach: Attend Friday prayers and other weekend or community events in and beyond your assigned geographic region and mobilize congregants around ongoing campaigns, services and initiatives (past examples include fundraising pitches, GOTV, census mobilization, calls to action, etc.)
  • Develop and strengthen relationships with donors/funders: Develop relationships with regional funders and local donors. This will including pulling together annual fundraisers and private dinners in the region and identifying new grant opportunities and strengthening rapport with regional funders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 2 years nonprofit or similar experience in engagement with the Muslim community
• Previous community organizing experience is preferred.
• Experience with base-building, volunteer recruitment, and leadership development in a diverse community context.
• Familiarity with and experience working with the American Muslim community.
• Experience with strategizing and campaigns.
• Passion for CAIR-LA's mission and values.
• Growth mindset and ability to receive constructive feedback.
• Self-starting with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Excellent personal accountability and follow-through.
• Can meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
• Being multilingual is a plus.
• Familiarity with digital campaign and organizing tools is a plus.
• Willingness and flexibility to change job requirements as the team grows.
• Valid automobile driver's license and working vehicle required; this position will involve extensive travel throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area.
• Must be able to accommodate a variable work schedule including nights and weekends.

TO APPLY:  Submit cover letter, updated resume and three references.

CAIR-CA is an equal-opportunity employer to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.