Youth Organizer

Description

The mission of Creciendo Juntos is to provide a platform for the voices, needs and wants of the Latinx community in Charlottesville and surrounding counties through education and leadership development. As agents of advocacy and equity, our volunteer network of individuals and organizations strive to strengthen Central Virginia by ensuring that all Latinx individuals have access to the opportunities they need to become resilient leaders in our community.

Si Se Puede is currently our only program this year. The program consists of 75+ high school youth and families attending workshops on higher education learning about career paths, financial aid, and overcoming potential hurdles. Students are also paired and meet monthly with college age mentors. Outcomes include increased ability to access resources available for pursuing higher education, and increased support for Latinx families in their children’s pursuit of higher ed.

Creciendo Juntos is seeking a part-time Youth Organizer who is looking to expand their grassroots organizing, programmatic, and leadership skills. The ideal candidate is someone who has vision, is a self-starter, and is eager to build Latinx youth organizing power in the Charlottesville area. Please note that while we’re looking for someone with a community organizing background, the day-to-day tasks of this position may include other responsibilities not listed below to meet the needs of the organization.

CJ is undergoing a strategic planning process that is redefining our mission, vision, and programs. The youth organizer will play a crucial role in defining future campaigns, base-building and outreach strategies, as well as serving as a liaison between the Board and the youth we serve.

Join us in empowering the next generation of Latinx leaders and making a lasting impact in our community!

Job Duties

Overall Expectations
– Build leadership and power among Latinx youth and families in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area
– Work with the Interim Executive Director and Board to develop and implement organizing strategies, building future campaigns, and creating initiatives that align with our mission and goals.
– Stay up to date on the latest findings, research, literature, and data related to youth organizing and systemic issues that affect Latinx youth

Programs (40%)
– Collaborate with the Board in leading the Si Se Puede (SSP) program.
– Participate in strategic planning that will determine the future of our relationship with SSP and any future programs that will come out of the process.
– Host monthly planning meetings with the SSP committee to design, plan, and execute SSP.
– Develop and facilitate workshops with support from Board members.
– Create an outcome/impact tracking system for programs and evaluate outcomes and room for improvement.
– Manage, oversee and train youth interns, student volunteers, and mentors that support youth programs.
– Curate and send out monthly/quarterly newsletter for outreach.

Youth engagement and outreach (40%)
– Build strong relationships with youth participants, providing mentorship and support.
– Facilitate youth leadership development and advocacy training.
– Develop and implement outreach and base-building strategies to engage and recruit youth participants.
– Collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to enhance program visibility and impact.
– Organize and participate in community events and activities that promote CJ’s mission..
– Grow partnerships with schools and other youth organizations to increase youth engagement with CJ.
– Create marketing materials, social media posts, and keep the website updated for program outreach.

Organizational Expectations (10%)
– Communicate with the Board and its committees regarding work outcomes
– Attend Board and staff meetings as requested by the Board
– Assist in defining future campaigns and initiatives that align with our mission and goals.
– Work with outside consultants hired by the Board related to strategic planning, measurement and evaluation, development, etc.
– Build and maintain relationships with individuals, organizations, and coalitions in Charlottesville, statewide, and nationally

Fundraising and Development (5%)
– Provide data to the Executive Director as needed
– Support in grant writing and fundraising as needed by providing context for grant proposals and potential donors.

Operations (5%)
– Ensure meeting notes and media related to Programs are filed correctly
– Monitor and report on program expenditures.
– Maintain records pertaining to program activities and expenses.

*Please note that in order to meet organizational needs, day-to-day tasks of this position may include responsibilities not listed above.

Skills Required

– Committed to racial, gender, economic, environmental, and social justice.
– Experience with community organizing, advocacy, or strategic campaigns.
– Strong understanding of Latinx culture and the unique challenges faced by Latinx youth.
– Willingness to work a flexible schedule that will include evening and weekend events.
– High degree of honesty and integrity.
– High level of communication skills and ability to navigate multiple responsibilities and relationships at once.
– Ability to focus on a detailed task and be able to switch tasks quickly to a more urgent, easier task.
– Ability to take detailed notes collaboratively with another person or individually while having a conversation.

Preferred Qualifications:
– Spanish language proficiency
– Lived experiences in historically under-resourced and marginalized communities due to race, class, gender, etc.
– Ability to use a variety of tools to reach the community, account for accessibility needs, and keep people engaged (ex. online tools, door-knocking, social media)
– Familiarity with grassroots organizing concepts or working with youth
– Familiarity with civics, local and state legislatures, and budget processes

Work Schedule

– 30 hours per week M-F, occasional weekends and evenings
– Potential to move to Full-time depending on funding

Additional Info

Location: This position is based in Charlottesville, VA.

Benefits:
– 8 hours of Vacation per every 80 hours worked
– 11 Federal holidays. Part-time employees will be paid 4 hours for each holiday. Should any of the holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, then either the Friday before or the Monday after will be observed as that holiday.
– There will be opportunities for professional development paid by CJ, with prior approval from the Board.
– No insurance or retirement benefits at this time, but CJ is striving to provide this as we find more funding.

How to Apply: Email your resume and cover letter to juntos@cj-network.org for consideration. Feel free to submit supplemental materials you would like us to review with your application (video, writing sample, portfolio, etc).