LGBT Field Organizer-ACLU Foundation of Southern California (5/13/2008)
American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California
Position: LGBT Field Organizer
The ACLU of Southern California (ACLU/SC) seeks a full-time organizer for its
Los Angeles office to advance protections for LGBT individuals and their families.
The ACLU/SC’s Los Angeles Office has approximately 50 full-time staff
members and numerous volunteers. The ACLU/SC is a regional affiliate of the
ACLU, a national, non-profit, public-interest organization.
SCOPE:
The LGBT Field Organizer is part of a 4-person Field Department. While based
in Southern California, the Organizer will be the designated ACLU organizer
for LGBT issues in the state and will co-ordinate and maintain regular communication
with all California based ACLU affiliates (the other two being in Northern California
and San Diego), and local, state and LGBT coalition partners. The LGBT Field
Organizer will serve primarily as the LGBT Field liaison among the California
ACLU affiliates, the national ACLU LGBT Project and other organizations and
coalition partners.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Organizer will at first be working with the Equality For All campaign to
help stop the passage of an anti same sex marriage initiative expected to be
on the November 2008 ballot. If passed, the initiative would amend the state
constitution to “provide that only marriage between one man and one woman
(be) valid or recognized in California.” Following the 2008 election,
the Organizer will work on LBGT issues of all kinds relating to civil rights,
liberties and protections.
We are looking for someone with initiative who will provide a significant contribution
on LGBT rights in California for the ACLU. The Organizer’s role will include
some or all of the following: engaging in grassroots campaigns, lobbying elected
officials, public education, including developing policy positions and recommendations
for the ACLU, doing public speaking, speaking to the media, providing expertise
to policymakers, and collaborating with coalition partners. The Organizer will
need to work cooperatively with the members of the ACLU’s Field, Communications
and Legal Departments, as well as the ACLU chapter and board members.
REPORTS TO:
Field Director
CLASSIFICATION:
Fulltime, Exempt
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Field program: Develop and implement grassroots campaign plan
in key districts in coordination with Equality for All, coalition partners and
allies. Mobilize ACLU and LGBT supporters to engage constituents on behalf of
the campaign. May also organize events such as rallies, community forums, panel
discussions, lobbying visits and trainings to further campaign goals.
Policy and public education: Together with the Policy and
Communications staff members, develop ACLU LGBT positions, talking points, materials
and hand outs. Represent the ACLU in panels, forums and at public events, providing
both LGBT specific and general information about the ACLU and its programs.
Keep tabs on LGBT issues/trends in the blogs and traditional media.
Volunteer and ally recruitment/management: Implement creative
strategies for recruiting volunteers, engaging chapter members, new activists
and supporters. Train, empower and organize volunteers and activists to further
the ACLU and its goals.
Support new and existing coalitions: Coordinate endorsements, represent ACLU
at meetings, conferences, actions and events. Maintain regular communication
with existing allies while seeking to broaden the scope of LGBT issues to encompass
non-traditional areas such as immigration, education and criminal justice.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A minimum of one year experience with organizing and grassroots mobilization
(electoral, community or issue);
- A demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights and the mission
of the ACLU;
- Excellent communications skills, both written and oral;
- Excellent organization and time management skills with strong ability to
manage responsibilities independently and follow through on all assignments
and projects;
- Experience in supervising and motivating volunteers and working cooperatively
with groups;
- Ability and willingness to work occasional overtime, irregular hours, and
travel as needed;
- Familiarity with the California legislative and initiative process;
- Familiarity with the LGBT community and its goals;
- Experience with coalition building and/or event planning.
REVIEWS:
Performance reviews scheduled the 3rd month, 5th month, 6 month and then annually.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Salary is commensurate with experience, within the parameters of the ACLU compensation
scale. The ACLU/SC offers an exceptional benefits package which includes health,
pension, vacation and holidays.
The ACLU/ACLU Foundation of Southern California
is an affirmative action employer. Women, people of color, lesbians and gay
men, people with disabilities and other minorities are encouraged to apply.
Candidates should submit resume and cover letter to ssavage@aclu-sc.org
or mail the same to:
Susanne Savage
ACLU of Southern California
1313 W. 8th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
No phone calls, please.
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