Employment

Thank you for your interest in working with Alabama Arise. We work every day to build a better Alabama for all through research, organizing and advocacy. We believe in a state that offers justice, mercy and opportunity for everyone. And we believe better public policy is essential to make that vision a reality.

We are hiring two Organizers. See below for the job description and information on how to apply.

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Alabama Arise is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law. We encourage candidates who are a racial or ethnic minority, LGBTQ+, low-income or marginalized in other ways to apply.

 

Job announcement: Organizers

Alabama Arise is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of congregations, organizations and individuals united in our belief that people in poverty are suffering because of state policy decisions. We also recognize the decisive role that racism plays in creating barriers to political participation and economic equality and have made an organizational commitment to increase racial equity in all that we do. Through Arise, groups and individuals join together to promote state policies to improve the lives of people living in poverty. Using policy analysis, advocacy and organizing, Arise provides a structure in which Alabamians can engage in public debates to promote the common good.

POSITION

Alabama Arise seeks two Organizers to work to support the mission and vision of Arise by organizing religious and community groups and individuals in support of state and national policies affecting Alabamians marginalized by poverty.

The ideal candidate is passionate about ensuring that Alabama’s communities have the resources they need to implement community-based solutions and policies to alleviate poverty and inequity. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has strong community relationship building skills, has experience equipping and motivating people to action, and values dignity, justice, opportunity and racial equity. This job is for you if you are enthusiastic, flexible, self-motivated and focused and have an interest in public policy at the local, state or federal level.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Inclusive, creative and energetic base builder. 
    • Organize, support and grow Arise’s membership to advance our member-led agenda and build durable power for and with people in poverty.
    • Build strong relationships with Arise members, partners and constituents through regular 1:1 meetings and participation in community outreach events.
    • Arrange and follow up on fieldwork as required by the organizing team’s work plan.
    • Train community groups and members on poverty issues, organizing skills and Alabama Arise.
    • Meet regularly with leaders of religious and community groups to build the Alabama Arise coalition or, as needed, to build a short-term coalition on a specific project.
    • Plan and lead training workshops that develop leadership and motivate people to take action on Arise’s legislative priorities.
    • Plan and implement special efforts to broaden the diversity of membership in Alabama Arise.
  • Skilled spokesperson and thought partner.
    • Give professional media interviews as requested by the supervisor and communications team.
    • Connect with local contact persons on a regular basis to motivate, develop leadership skills, share information, encourage planning, gather feedback and assist in organizing the group or community.
    • Interpret complex policy issues in terms that members can comprehend and in ways that relate to their needs and concerns.
  • Generator and champion of community-based knowledge and expertise.
    • Develop and implement, in conjunction with the organizing team, local leaders and other Alabama Arise staff, strategies to empower more groups of low-income people to advocate on poverty issues.
    • Develop and implement, in conjunction with the organizing team, local leaders and other Alabama Arise staff, strategies to build support in key areas and among key populations of the state.
    • Attend regular planning and evaluation sessions and issue briefings.
    • Recruit new leaders to organizing efforts.
    • Effect an organizing style that communicates a willingness to hear members' concerns and to engage in open-minded dialogue.
    • Communicate concerns of the membership to the organizing team and to the Organizing Director and other staff.
    • Advise Arise policy analysts and advocates of effective and appropriate member engagement and campaign strategies in your region.
  • Highly organized; constantly learning, growing, teaching and networking.
    • Read regularly on economic justice, racial equity and organizing strategies.
    • Proactively seek training and learning opportunities.
    • Network with other organizations and organizers to understand connections between Arise advocacy campaigns and other issues of concern to our base.
    • Maintain consistent records of meetings, expenses and travel and communicate as appropriate to support Arise’s policy and advocacy campaigns.
    • Share learnings and observations with the rest of the team and the Arise staff.
    • Support the operations team in fundraising and member stewardship and recruitment activities as needed.
CORE SKILLS
  • Organizing: Support organizing as a function of movement/power building to realize Arise’s vision, mission and core values.
  • Relationship building: Ability to connect and work with diverse groups and individuals, particularly marginalized populations, to strengthen Arise’s coalition.
  • Public speaking or teaching: Interpret complex policy issues in terms that members and constituents can understand and relate to their needs and concerns.
  • Presenting: Ability to design and lead different types of session formats with diverse groups – strong facilitation and leadership skills.
  • Self-motivated: Ability to work independently and within a team structure.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Strong commitment to the mission and values of Alabama Arise.
  • Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
  • Willingness and ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Willingness and ability to use good judgment in managing Alabama Arise resources.
  • Commitment to social justice, racial equity and inclusion.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Organizer is a full-time position that reports to the Organizing Director. The salary is $50,000 annually, in addition to a full benefits package including health and dental coverage, retirement contribution, paid vacation and sick leave, and generous professional development opportunities.

Alabama Arise Workers United is the union designated to represent Arise workers in collective bargaining agreements. These positions are bargaining unit eligible.

Each Organizer will work in a specific region. We will delineate a specific region in a job offer. The staff member must reside in Alabama but may work remotely.

HOW TO APPLY

Email a resume, cover letter, two professional writing samples and contact information for three references to info@alarise.org by Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. CST. Use the subject line “Organizer.” Examples of relevant writing samples include but are not limited to a self-introductory communication, event/meeting announcement, advocacy alert or event/meeting follow-up communication.

The positions will be open until filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. No calls, please.