Overview:

Tri-State Transportation Campaign seeks to hire an enthusiastic organizer to build a grassroots movement of transit riders and bike and pedestrian safety advocates in New Jersey communities. This is the moment to improve public transit and make our streets safer for all users, and it will take stakeholders from all over the state to seize the opportunity.

About Tri-State Transportation Campaign:

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign is a 501(c)(3) non-profit policy advocacy organization dedicated to mobility, accessibility and livability in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. TSTC uses data and policy analysis, along with strategic media outreach, to influence decision-making throughout the metropolitan region. Since it was founded in 1993, TSTC has become a leading voice in the region for transportation and land use policy reform.

About the Position:

TSTC is dedicated to improving public transit and active transportation—walking, cycling, and other modes—throughout New Jersey, and especially in communities with high percentages of transit users, low-income neighborhoods, and communities of color. We are committed to expanding bus service to neighborhoods with limited access to public transit; improving train commutes both within New Jersey and across the Hudson; and ensuring that walking and biking are safe for everyone. We believe improved public transit access and safer street design can improve communities through positive impacts on economic development, public health, environmental health, and social equity.

The Campaign Organizer will be responsible for a substantial amount of this work and will play a critically important role in building a movement of transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrians from all corners of New Jersey that can win the improvements we need.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage a coalition comprising community organizations, especially including organizations lead by and/or representing people of color and low-income communities.
• Outreach to organizations, businesses, and other entities to build support for better public transit and active transportation.
• Engage with community organizations to appropriately site our work in the broader context of wider community issues.
• Recruit and develop volunteer leaders – including petitioning, phone-banking, and one-on-one outreach.
• Coordinate trainings on improving NJ Transit service, Complete Streets policies, and grassroots, advocacy, and media tactics.
• Mobilize volunteers make their voices heard at events and public meetings.
• Conduct educational outreach through tabling and petitioning, especially in communities most impacted by health disparities and insufficient mobility options.
• Make presentations about TSTC, NJ Transit service improvements, Complete Streets, and mobility to groups in various settings – from church and civic organizations to businesses and government officials.
• Organize press conferences and media events and be a spokesperson on behalf of TSTC in the media.
• Meet with elected officials and their staff.
• Develop outreach materials, web content, email and social media content, and other communications pieces.
• Develop creative ideas to advance the campaign, bring people together and tell a story about the importance of improving transit and making streets safer.
• Work collaboratively with the TSTC staff as well as allied organizations to drive a shared strategy.
• Manage time independently and spend substantial amount of time in the field.

Desired Qualifications:

We would like you to be able to do many of the following:

• Strong understanding of community organizing, including managing campaigns, developing leadership, and recruiting members.
• Ability to lead locally-relevant issue-based campaigns in low-income communities, communities of color, immigrant communities, and middle-class communities.
• Excellent people skills: ability to quickly build relationships, to listen to and persuade people, and to engage people effectively around a common goal.
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking and writing.
• One year of experience in community organizing or a political/governmental role, or equivalent educational experience.
• Ability to communicate in a language other than English is preferred.
• A demonstrated commitment to the values our work embodies; inclusion, democracy, opportunity, and equity.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time position based in New Jersey. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Tri-State Transportation Campaign is an equal employment opportunity employer and actively encourages people of color, women, individuals with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ community to apply.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to Janna Chernetz at Janna@tstc.org with “Campaign Organizer” in the subject.