The New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC) is a coalition of 70 labor, community, and environmental organizations advocating for safe, secure jobs and a healthy, sustainable environment. WEC seeks a full time, experienced Campaign Organizer based in our Trenton area office. The position begins in September or October 2014.
The person hired will organize and expand a dynamic grassroots advocacy campaign, Healthy Schools Now. The campaign focuses on ensuring that all New Jersey children and school employees learn and work in healthy, safe, and modern public schools. Focus will be on Schools Development Authority districts (formerly the “Abbott” districts.)
The Campaign Organizer will have these responsibilities:
- Work with the Director and other staff to develop and implement campaign plans.
- Maintain diverse coalition of key organizations, through in-person and telephone
- contact, participatory campaign planning meetings, etc.
- Speak at meetings of unions, community, and environmental organizations.
- Coordinate messaging, press conferences, and other media events.
- Organize actions, such as pickets and demonstrations.
- Organize other grassroots activities, such as petitioning and postcard signing.
- Communicate with legislators and other public officials.
- Help identify, develop, and train leaders.
- Provide training to parents and community stakeholders.
- Assist with fundraising efforts.
- Some administrative tasks to support campaign activities.
- Participate in self-critical campaign assessment, as well as WEC staff meetings.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to build coalitions, recruit volunteer activists, mobilize action, and lead campaigns.
- Excellent verbal and writing communication skills.
- Competency in basic computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
- A valid driver’s license and car access are required.
- Ability to conduct outreach activities approximately two evenings a week (including
- occasional weekends).
- Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
We want a person with high energy and enthusiasm; that works well under pressure; can handle multiple tasks at once and can adapt to changing situations; is committed to social justice; and is a hard worker who recognizes that changing NJ is not a 9 to 5 endeavor.
Experience
Minimum of two years of organizing experience in grassroots and/or union organizing. Experience engaging and managing volunteers highly desired. Formal organizing training, such as by Midwest Academy, Center for Third World Organizing, etc., preferred. Fundraising experience is an asset.
The position is full time, based in Ewing, outside Trenton. Salary is commensurate with experience. Includes health care insurance. The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
To apply, email a) a cover letter; b) resume; c) writing samples (and/or other supporting material), and d) three professional references (with contact information) to: support@njwec.org Writing samples should reflect materials intended for a broad audience and relevant to this position. No phone calls please.
WEC is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBT individuals are urged to apply.
Union members who can take leave time for union-related leave of absence are also encouraged to apply.
WEC is the nation’s longest standing labor/environmental coalition and is the state affiliate of the BlueGreen Alliance, a national coalition of unions and environmental organizations.
Visit www.njwec.org and www.njwec.org/healthyschoolsnow.cfm for more information
