Midwestern Regional Lead Organizer

Job Title: Regional Lead Organizer

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $55,000 - $65,000 per year

Reports to: Organizing Director

Location: Midwestern Region of the US

About the National Black Worker Center

In response to disproportionately high levels of unemployment and low-wage work in Black communities, the National Black Worker Center (NBWC) – a national network of Black worker centers – launched in 2011. We support and incubate worker centers that empower Black workers to advance their rights and improve the quality of jobs in key employment sectors. We provide education about the impacts of low-wage work and unemployment on Black communities and work to prevent racial discrimination in hiring and other employment practices and policies.

We intervene in the labor market through our network to improve racial and economic employment conditions. Partnering regional Black worker centers are in Los Angeles, California; Oakland, California; Chicago, Illinois; New Orleans, Louisiana; Baltimore, Maryland; Raleigh, North Carolina, Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Greenville, Mississippi; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Washington, District of Columbia. Our network consists of membership-based and member-driven organizations that utilize a combination of leadership development, organizing, policy advocacy, and strategic communications to build power to address the Black job crisis.

Summary

The ideal candidate is an experienced community organizer and campaigner who is also a coalition-builder and strategist, who believes deeply in the importance of building community leadership, capacity, and power for working Black people. The Regional Lead Organizer will be responsible for mapping out and executing a comprehensive strategic campaign plan for assigned areas that are rooted in holistic organizing and centered around eradicating oppressive, harmful, and unsafe workplaces for Black people. The Regional Lead Organizer will be responsible for performing positional responsibilities while collaborating with staff, member leaders, the leadership of current Black worker centers, and BWC allies. The ideal candidate for the Regional Lead Organizer position must be able to organize and effectively communicate at all levels – with our constituencies and with established community leaders and policy experts. The Regional Lead Organizer reports to the Organizing Director.

Essential Functions

• Build a large base of members who will participate in demanding changes from their employers and creating a political climate that allows for changes to be adopted.
• Identify “hot” organizing issues that Black workers want to address in their regions and nationally and organize direct actions, events, and other tactics to address issues and bring about change.
• Develop and execute field and political strategy to end worker structural racism
• Acts as a spokesperson with allied organizations, community groups, and media in assigned region(s)
• Coordinates the development of member organizing committees
• Ensures the tracking, reporting, and analysis of all membership activity within their purview
• Manages departmental budgets, allocates resources effectively, and plans and implements program activities as appropriate
• Coordinate campaign messaging, traditional media work, mass communications, and digital organizing with the Communications department.
• Regularly communicate the campaign’s progress to our members, staff, and partners.
• Work with the existing database to track members, participation, and progress towards achieving success.
• Work with partners to move the campaign forward. This may include joint strategy meetings, joint actions or other events, relationship building, and other responsibilities.
• Enhance our reputation and brand and promote our values in conjunction with the Communications team.
• Utilize online spaces to reach, engage, and grow our base of constituents.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competencies, Education, and Experience

• At least three (3) years of organizing experience running campaigns. One (1) year of political and policy experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading successful mobilizing, organizing, and recruitment drives.
• Must be a strong, strategic thinker and effective strategy developer.
• Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Relentless drive, tenacity, and a willingness to advance the organization’s mission and values
• Demonstrated dedication to Black workers’ rights and social justice
• Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to relate, establish, and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Comfortable with nontraditional routes to mobilizing, organizing, and leadership development.
• Experience with organizing databases like Every Action, Action Network, and Network for Good.
• Ability to lead and work with a team and have proven success working independently.
• Digital organizing, online to offline experience preferred.
• Ability to track and report effectiveness of strategy and growth
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated focus on policy analysis, outreach, and targeted communications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of Black workers, the workplace, and racial justice issues
• Willingness to work long and often irregular hours including evenings and weekends
• Adept at leading and motivating workers in necessary struggles
• A valid Driver’s License
• Strong planning, organizational, and independent judgment skills
• Ability to work individually and in a team environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Assist with the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Physical Demands

• During business travel, the job's physical demands include bending, sitting, lifting, and driving when necessary.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Travel

Up to 25%, with occasional overnight and out-of-state travel. Travel to multiple BWC sites is required.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

The National Black Worker Center provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. The National Black Worker Center is dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce and inclusive culture.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This role requires flexibility in working hours, including nights and weekends, to accommodate operational needs.

This search is being led by NRG Consulting Group. Reach out to kristen@nrgconsultinggroup.org with any questions.