Rapid Response Organizer

The 805UndocuFund started as a grassroots response effort to provide financial assistance to undocumented families in both Ventura and Santa Barbara counties following the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flows. Established by three community organizations (CAUSE, Future Leaders of America, and MICOP), the 805UndocuFund has become a part of our local safety net. The original model rotated responsibilities among organizations; in 2018, MICOP took helm following the Thomas Fire and Montecito debris flows, CAUSE took the helm in 2019 and Future Leaders of America took leadership in 2020 for the COVID19 response efforts. Since its founding, the 805UndocuFund has provided over $8 million dollars to more than 6,000 undocumented families impacted by local disasters and the COVID19 pandemic. Most of our recipients have been Latinx and indigenous community members struggling to find resources outside 805UndocuFund. Due to the immense pressures for the “host” organization, the 805UndocuFund steering committee moved to create its own 501(c)3 with its own staff and Board of Directors. In its new iteration, the 805UndocuFund is figuring out how to compel local funders to fund the organization year-round as some do not see the need for support. Programming for 805UndocuFund includes “small scale” response fund, disaster relief, and plans for a statewide advocacy network, the CA UndocuFund Network.

About Us:

805UndocuFund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation governed by a volunteer board of directors that mobilizes resources when disaster hits, provides short-term financial relief to undocumented residents, and advocates for long-term systems change to ensure immigrants are effectively included in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

As the leading organization of the 805 Immigrant Coalition, we work to unite organizations to educate and organize immigrants and allies, and to advocate for humane and just policies that advance the rights of all immigrants. Together, we collaborate with nonprofits, advocates, and community leaders to advance equity, inclusion, and resilience within immigrant communities across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties.

Reports To: Beatriz Basurto, Programs Manager

Location: Hybrid (2 days remote, 3 days in-office Lompoc, or Santa Maria)

Employment Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Funding secured for one year.

Position Summary:

The Rapid Response Organizer will support the Programs Manager to oversee and execute the operational plans for the 805 Rapid Response Network across north Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County. This network focuses on empowering and protecting vulnerable populations, including undocumented communities, through community education, outreach, and emergency response coordination. The organizer along with the Programs Manager will manage all aspects of implementation of the 805 Rapid Response Network, ensuring timely completion of tasks, fostering collaboration among partner organizations, and maintaining open communication with stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Volunteer Management & Recruitment
• Community Education and Outreach
• Train and develop community leaders to support rapid response efforts.
• Disseminate Know Your Rights (KYR) and Family Preparedness materials tailored for diverse communities.
• Community Organizing & Base Building
• Mobilizing and Advocacy
• Assist in disaster rapid response as needed.

Regional Network Coordination

• Act as the primary liaison along with the Programs Manager to lead and support organizations across three counties.
• Facilitate resource sharing and collaboration among network participants.
• Monitor progress on deliverables and keep stakeholders informed of milestones and challenges.

Community Organizing & Base Building

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, grassroots leaders, and partner organizations across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties.
• Conduct outreach through community events, house meetings, tabling, and one-on-one conversations to expand the Rapid Response Network and deepen community engagement.
• Identify, recruit, and develop community leaders to take on active roles within rapid response efforts and broader organizing campaigns.
• Lead coordination of local rapid response groups (e.g., SB Resiste, Carpinteria Sin Fronteras, Union del Barrio, and other regional formations).
• Facilitate leadership development opportunities, including trainings, mentorship, and pathways into volunteer and advocacy roles.
• Mobilize community members to participate in actions such as trainings, public meetings, County and city council meetings to advance policy and advocacy, and rapid response activations.
• Collaborate with coalition partners to advance local and regional campaigns that protect immigrant communities and promote systems change.

Emergency Response

• Coordinate rapid deployment of resources and information during emergency events.
• Collaborate with partner organizations to support individuals and families affected by crises, ensuring culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
• Take shifts on the Rapid Response hotline and provide interpretation as needed.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, community organizing, or a related field is desired but not required (or equivalent experience).

Experience:

• 1-3 years in community organizing, project management, or emergency response coordination.
• Experience in multi-county or regional programs preferred.
• Familiarity with immigrant rights or nonprofit operations is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish (preferred).
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and project tracking tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and communities across counties.

Attributes:

• Passion for social justice and supporting vulnerable populations.
• Flexibility and adaptability in managing regional operations and fast-paced environments.

Work Schedule:

This position is full-time non-exempt with 40 hours a week max. It is a hybrid role with two days of remote work and three days based out of the 805UndocuFund satellite office in the Lompoc, Santa Maria and occasional travel to the Oxnard office. Occasional in-person meetings and events throughout San Luis Obispo, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties will be required. This position is intended to be permanent.

Compensation/Benefits:

• Hourly pay: $20 to $28 per hour, depending on education and experience.
• Mileage reimbursement will be determined based on state requirements.
• Access to full benefits after a 90-day probationary period, including:
• 11 paid holidays.
• 80 hours of paid time off (PTO) annually.
• 2 days of paid bereavement leave.
• Employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision basic insurance
• 401K with up to 3% match.