About the Texas Organizing Project (TOP): Founded in 2009, TOP, has become the leading statewide organizing group in Texas, advancing racial and economic justice through community and electoral organizing. Our programs are anchored in the three largest metro regions of the state, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. We have a base of over 300,000 members and supporters who are reflective of Texas’ growing population – people of color, low moderate income families. Through on the ground organizing, grass-roots leader trainings, direct action, policy advocacy and electoral engagement we have made gains in policy solutions and public investments in neighborhood infrastructure, family sustaining jobs, affordable housing, community schools, health access and immigrant rights.
Position: Housing Justice Organizer: Working under the supervision of the TOP Housing Justice Lead Organizer, the Community Organizer will be directly responsible for developing relationships with directly impacted tenants and community members to establish an active group of Houston residents who can effectively organize and advocate for housing issues to impact policy reforms in Houston and Harris County. Currently, Houston TOP is working to ensure our Black & Latino low income communities have access to safe and affordable housing, reform the criminal justice system so it works for our communities & make the immigration system more just.
Job Responsibilities:
• Build a community centered membership base
• Identify and develop grassroots leaders through ongoing organizing efforts
• Organize events including house meetings, neighborhood meetings, press conferences, town halls, and forums on at least a monthly basis
• Working with the Campaign Director and Lead Organizer to help develop a comprehensive strategy to advance campaign goals
• Conduct grassroots lobbying activities including petition drives, letter writing campaigns and meetings with local elected officials
• Work closely with Housing Lead Organizer to maintain regular communications with campaign members
• Help develop and execute community organizing plans; map out key community and constituent targets; and identify and implement effective strategies to engage impacted communities
• Prepare written reports and compile statistical data as needed
• Participation in electoral organizing during election season on an as needed basis, including canvassing/door knocking, phone-banking
• Consistently track and input data into EveryAction database, training provided
Requirements:
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and conversational skills
• Ability to work well with all religious, cultural, ethnic and social groups
• Must be committed to building Black & Latino power/solidarity
• Willingness to work long and often irregular hours including evenings and weekends
• Valid driver’s license and full time access to a car
• Bilingual in both Spanish and English is highly preferred
• Computer competency – Google Suite, Internet required; Experience in working with database systems a plus
Salary: $50-53,000. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid holidays including a weeklong period of rejuvenation at the end of each calendar year, vacation, parental leave, sick leave, and travel reimbursement.
This position is within a bargaining unit that is represented by a union.
To Apply: Applicants should e-mail résumé, cover letter, and three references to: recruit@organizetexas.org. **Women of color and directly impacted individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.