PROGRAM:

The Garden State Alliance for a New Economy (GANE) is a non-profit dedicated to growing, fueling, and sustaining a long-term movement for economic justice through a collaboration of unions, community organizations, and faith-based organizations. GANE utilizes an innovative combination of research and organizing that builds power for working families while holding governments and corporations responsible for the creation of quality jobs, secure health care, affordable housing, and environmentally safe communities. GANE is a member of the national Partnership for Working Families network.

This is a full time position requiring an individual of independence, initiative and responsibility. The successful candidate must have a strong commitment to strengthening our labor and progressive social justice movements; collaborating with progressive, diverse community organizations; and conducting effective organizing, outreach and the promotion of a comprehensive policy program. Our work focuses on a broad range of working class and low-income issues. Applicants should have both the commitment and the desire to work closely with the labor movement. The organizer will be focused on recruiting and developing leaders in neighborhoods particularly from within union locals, identifying issues, and initiating actions and campaigns, consistent with GANE’s focus.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Train and support individual leadership in the strategy and execution of issues and campaigns.
• Recruit individuals and organizations through one-on-ones visits and organizational presentations.
• Plan, organize and debrief actions and meetings.
• Educate community about GANE issues and campaigns.
• Develop and cultivate relationships to increase allies’ organizational capacity and campaign participation.
• Coordinate and execute GANE organizing efforts with overall campaign strategies.
• Develop materials for GANE recruitment, community actions, etc.
• Communicate with partner organizations, including labor unions, progressive community organizations, human service organizations, environmental groups, academics and think-tanks, religious institutions and others.
• Identify new target communities to organize, consistent with GANE’s existing and future work.
• Facilitate specific community and committee meetings.
• Represent leadership opinion within GANE staff planning sessions & some meetings with decision-makers.
• Track progress toward and effectiveness of organizing and campaign goals.
• Document GANE’s organizing and campaign accomplishments and periodically report and communicate to appropriate stakeholders about progress in reaching goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Community and/or union organizing experience, including recruitment, cultivation and leader development.
• Experience developing and working with diverse, broad-based coalitions.
• Experience designing, coordinating, and leading training programs desirable.
• Ability both to lead and to work well in teams.
• Strong written and verbal skills; computer competency.
• Self directing and able to handle multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Willingness and flexibility to work “campaign hours” when necessary; ability to work well under stress and deadlines.
• Belief in and commitment to social and economic justice.
• Experience working with communities of color, immigrant communities, and/or people whose first or only language is other than English.
• Spanish proficiency highly desirable.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This is a full-time, salaried position. Salary is competitive, based on experience, with generous benefits. Friendly, democratic, team-oriented working environment.

Interested applicants should email cover letter, resume, and three work-related references to Kate Atkins at kateatkinsjc@gmail.com. GANE is a strong supporter of affirmative action. People of color are highly encouraged to apply.