LOCATION: Remote Position (Based in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, West Virginia, or North Carolina)

THE POSITION:  Do you have the knowledge and skills to organize at the state and local level to support policy change that leads to tangible changes in the lives of people who use drugs and their communities? Do you want to join a dynamic and growing organization working to advance harm reduction policies and practices across the United States? Do you have an understanding of or interest in how the nation’s history of racialized drug policies have caused egregious harm to people most vulnerable to structural violence?

The Southern States Regional Organizer will work collaboratively with HRC’s policy team, HepConnect Initiative team, and state advocates in southern states to develop and run political advocacy strategy to advance harm reduction policies at the state and local level, particularly in Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. This position includes technical assistance and training for HRC’s grantees and other state advocates, coalition and campaign development in local communities, and development of tools and political education materials.

The ideal candidate is an individual who has a proven track record organizing on behalf of social change, who is committed to organizing in Southern communities, and enjoys fast-paced collaborative work bringing different communities together.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION: Harm Reduction Coalition is a national advocacy and capacity-building organization that works to promote the health and dignity of individuals and communities who are affected by drug use. With offices in New York and California and expanding to DC, we advance harm reduction policy and practice through five core programs:

1. harm reduction policy and advocacy;
2. national training and capacity building initiatives;
3. national and regional conferences;
4. publications and resources, and;
5. technical assistance on overdose prevention education, hepatitis C prevention and treatment, syringe access expansion, and the US opioid crisis.

Collectively, these core programs work toward our North Star Statement: Harm Reduction Coalition creates spaces for dialogue and action that help heal the harms caused by racialized drug policies. 

DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES:

• Lead the development and execution of policy technical assistance, resource creation, skills building, and training for state and local organizations in the South, especially prioritizing supporting HRC grantees in their advocacy in support of syringe access.
• In collaboration with local organizations, develop and manage coalition work focused on advocacy and movement building among harm reduction programs and people who use drugs in the South.
• Support local organizations in developing and implementing advocacy campaigns around harm reduction policies in the South.
• Monitor policy developments and identify policy barriers and opportunities in Southern states.
• Coordinate between the HepConnect initiative and the Policy team to ensure grantees are receiving high quality, timely support from both teams in order to meet their goals.
• Represent HRC and the Policy team in relevant coalitions, with potential stakeholders including allied movements, and as a regional representative as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience with paid or unpaid community organizing or issue campaign work
• Proven track record applying a racial justice lens to social change work
• Strong communication, public speaking skills, and group facilitation skills
• Experience with coalition work; experience with policy analysis and development of advocacy materials a plus
• Lived experience with harm reduction programs as participant, volunteer, or staff and/ or knowledge of harm reduction policies a plus.
• Comfort and proficiency in current technology products including, but not limited to, G Suite, Microsoft Suite, webinar software for training, and project management systems
• Experience working remotely preferred
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel required 

SALARY RANGE: $50,000- $60,000

REPORTS TO:  Senior Director of Policy and Mobilization

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

TRAVEL: Position requires heavy travel, more than 21 days per year.

Details at a glance

• Remote Possible
• Full Time Schedule

How to Apply

TO APPLY: Please use the below link to apply online for the Southern States Regional Organizer position.  The attachments should adhere to the following naming convention: “Lastname, Firstname_Cover Letter.” Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. No phone calls or visits please.

People who currently use or have a history of substance use, sex workers, people of color, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, and people living with HIV/AIDS and/or hepatitis C, or people who have experienced housing insecurity are strongly encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Harm Reduction Coalition views the experiences associated with these identities as assets in this role and within our organization.

To submit your application, Click HERE (external link).

DEADLINE: April 15, 2020

Location

New York, NY