Community Organizer (Environmental Justice & Developments)

Community Organizer (Environmental Justice & Developments)

JOB SUMMARY: ASE is seeking to hire an additional Community Organizer to help expand our Coalition for a South Works CBA, and work with residents to win Community Benefits Agreements (written agreements between developers and the community) and combat toxic developments on Chicago’s southeast side. ASE unites diverse communities on Chicago’s southeast side, majority African American and Latino, to have a voice in the community on social justice issues, including equitable development.

There have been 17 developments in the last 4 years on the southeast side. ASE coordinates the Coalition for a South Works CBA on: 1) making sure southeast side developments benefits local residents, and 2) combating environmental racism, and the concentration of toxic developments on the southeast side. Residents have prioritized jobs and training, affordable housing, green infrastructure, and quality of life.

ASE is currently working on 2 CBAs, won a victory with the City’s denial of the General Iron permit (company with a history of air pollution violations), and is now working on policies at city, state, and federal levels, led by community residents.

The Community Organizer would be part of a team working on equitable development, environmental justice, and ensuring the community is part of the decision-making process in local developments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform outreach to organizations (e.g. schools, churches, non-profits, block clubs) and networks to expand Coalition.
• Coordinate meetings with stakeholders and decision-makers
• Discuss local issues regarding equitable developments with community members
• Strategize with community residents, local organizations, and fellow ASE campaign staff
• Work with community residents on racial equity issues, as they arise and as capacity allows.
• Other tasks and duties reasonably related to the job responsibilities
• Prepare written reports, meeting summaries, related written materials as they pertain to the work

REQUIREMENTS:

• HS Diploma. Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Previous experience in community/union organizing or working on community issues, desirable
• Good interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to build relationships with and engage a variety of community members, community groups, and potential allies.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Willingness to perform outreach, both to individuals and to groups, and speak in front of groups.
• Share our commitment to social, racial, and economic justice, and increasing community leadership and involvement in local issues
• Track record of working with diverse populations, especially African Americans and Latinos.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Bilingual (English/ Spanish) desirable.
• A flexible schedule and ability to work some evening and weekend hours, when needed.
• Cell phone and automobile (with valid U.S. driver’s license and auto insurance)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Docs

This position is available immediately.

Salary and benefits: Full-time salary, commensurate with experience. Health benefits, vacation & paid time off (32 days/ year), travel reimbursement

How to apply: Please submit cover letter, resume, and list of three references to Amalia, at amalia@asechicago.org, with “Community Organizer” in the subject line of the email.

Alliance of the SouthEast (ASE) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other factor not specifically related to the ability to perform the job at hand.     10/2023