Director of Organizing Strategy and Training

Position: Director of Organizing Strategy and Training

Position Type: Full-Time ─ Exempt

Location: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Birmingham preferred; remote (work from home) available

Reports to: Co-Deputy Executive Director

Salary Range: $108,000 - $138,000 based on location and relevant experience

Who we are  ─ About Jobs to Move America

Jobs to Move America (JMA) is a national and regionally based strategic policy center working to transform public spending and corporate behavior in manufacturing. Grounded in racial and economic justice and community organizing, we partner with workers, community organizations, and coalitions to advance a fair economy with good jobs and healthier communities for all. To learn more, visit our website: www.jobstomoveamerica.org.

About the Role

The Organizing Director is a senior leader responsible for building JMA’s organizing program across regions as we advance an agenda for good jobs and climate justice.

This role goes beyond  traditional campaigning to collaboratively developing and deepening JMA’s coalition and worker organizing methodology in partnership with program directors and organizers across the country. The Director will build a training program for core skills which is tailored to each region and its unique context. 

What You’ll Do 

Develop JMA’s Organizing Methodology

Build out JMA’s organizing method and ideology to support winning campaigns

Create processes for how to build, structure, and assess our coalitions; how to engage and assess workers; how to engage community leaders and organizations

Standardize worker and coalition assessments and data practices across JMA including using Action Builder for worker organizing and Salesforce for coalition organizing

Create materials and train staff on these methods and processes 

Develop and strengthen our analysis of power in how we organize

Ensure that JMA organizers and directors can effectively integrate research, policy, and communications strategies with the organizing programs

Operationalize intentional considerations of race, gender, and other identity-related oppressions in how our organizing is carried out

Lead Thinking on Strategic Campaigning 

Collaborate with regional teams (and research, policy and communications programs) to develop multi-faceted campaigns to win enforceable pro-worker policies and agreements between communities and manufacturers through community benefits agreements

Understand and provide lead thinking about organizing needs, purposes, outcomes, and plans for each of JMA’s campaigns

Work with JMA’s partner unions to develop a culture of ongoing learning for organizing methods on JMA campaigns including co-developing organizing strategies, messaging, and plans for campaigns; creating systems for JMA and union organizers to collaborate; and identifying opportunities for partnership

Create an Organizer Training Program

Develop a curriculum for JMA’s organizers, including onboarding new hires, training new organizers, and upskilling experienced organizers

Create materials to train organizers on how to organize effective community coalitions and engage workers in campaigns to win community benefits agreements

Periodically run training workshops for new and current organizers focused on hard skills and developing strategic thinking

Nurture a culture of winning and institutionalizing protections and gains for working people and in particular impacted and historically marginalized communities and people of color

Coach JMA Staff

Support JMA program directors, assistant program directors, and campaign managers in supervising organizers

Regularly check in, debrief, and provide feedback to JMA organizers and participate in evaluations administered by their supervisors

Travel to coach organizers in the field and meet with campaign teams and program directors to develop campaign strategy and strengthen organizing skills

What you Bring

Core Experience

At least 10 years of experience in labor, community, and/or coalition organizing

At least 5 years supervising organizers and leading them on campaigns

Experience in building coalitions across a range of stakeholders 

Experience in organizing workers

Experience working with data management systems to track contacts; Action Builder experience is a plus

Key Skills and Strengths

Skill in thinking both creatively and analytically about organizing methodology

Skill in leading or creating organizing training programs 

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work independently and remotely when necessary with good Google Suite technical skills

Good time management and ability to maintain a high level of timely follow-up to follow through on commitments 

Deep understanding of the labor movement

Leadership and Collaboration

Ability to lead and inspire a team while providing useful and effective feedback

Demonstrated ability to lead with curiosity, empathy, self-awareness, and accountability

Experience working across lines of difference and able to build and sustain authentic and productive working relationships with colleagues including JMA employees as well as external partners 

Comfort operating in dynamic, politically nuanced environments

Additional

Willingness to travel ~ 25% annually

Preferred

Experience in both coalition building and worker organizing

Other Physical Requirements 

Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. 

Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards

Must be able to communicate clearly on telephone with reasonable accommodations 

What Else You Should Know ─ Compensation/Benefits 

Salary Range is $108,000 - $138,000 depending on years of relevant experience and location with annual salary increases

100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for the employee and dependents, including domestic partners

Generous paid time off including 12 personal days, 12 federal holidays, and 2 floating holidays each year. JMA has a paid, two week winter break at the end of each year. Employees can accrue up to 20 vacation days and 20 sick days. After 5 years of work, all staff are eligible to apply for 3 months of sabbatical leave.

401(k) plan with 5% employer contribution after 6 months of employment

Flexible spending account (FSA)

Cell phone reimbursement 

Utility/Internet monthly stipend for those working from home

Work from home office set up provided if needed

Training and professional development opportunities are available upon completion of the probationary period.

A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and practices 

Qualifying Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

JMA is a unionized workplace. This position is a management-level position and not a bargaining unit member.

How to Apply 

Complete this application, upload a cover letter & resume, and respond to the application questions. 

All applications must be submitted through this process—no phone calls, please. Interviews will be conducted virtually.

As part of the process, candidates advancing to later stages will be asked to complete a brief skills assessment. Due to the volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to all applicants.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Jobs to Move America is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or other protected status.

We are committed to fair and equitable treatment in all aspects of employment and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment.

We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and those with experience working alongside these communities.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At JMA, we believe that diverse, engaged, and supported staff are essential to advancing economic, racial, and social justice. We value the perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all team members and believe our work is stronger when everyone’s voice is heard.

As part of our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, we invite applicants to complete optional self-identification questions during the application process.