Job Description:
The Schools Organizer is responsible for our Homeless Education Committee and for bringing together students and parents experiencing homelessness, as well as principals and others who care about homelessness in the schools to change policies and laws that improve the lives of students. This position also focuses on organizing in the Latinx community to build power and grow CCH’s understanding of how homelessness impacts the Latinx community.
About CCH:
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a 38-year-old systemic advocacy organization. CCH develops campaigns and initiatives to address the causes of homelessness – lack of affordable housing, lack of access to health care and services, and lack of jobs paying a living wage. We place much emphasis on organizing and developing leaders who have experienced homelessness to become spokespersons and leaders of our various initiatives. CCH does its work in accordance with its organizational values – collaboration, integrity, strategic action, compassion, and intersectionality. We recognize that homelessness is a problem that stems from systemic racism and that biases and prejudices are embedded in the fabric of society, and thus, also permeate organizations like ours. CCH is committed to advancing racial equity in the workplace through the work of our racial equity committee and through the campaigns and initiatives we choose.
Job Responsibilities:
- Staffing and maintaining the Homeless Education Committee
- Building and maintaining strong core groups in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) grade schools and high schools and targeted Chicago area colleges
- Building and maintaining strong Latinx core groups in targeted schools and shelters
- Developing leaders in all of the above bases
- Working with the Education Committee to develop and staff strategic campaigns that will result in improvements in the lives of families experiencing homelessness in Chicago
- Contributing to CCH’s community organizing training and broader organizational work
Qualifications/Skills:
We’re seeking candidates who excel in relationship-building and collaboration, are results-oriented, who understand how to build power, and have strong project management skills.
Required
- 3 to 5 years’ experience as a community organizer in a direct-action community organization
- Strong leadership development skills
- Ability to build strong relationships with diverse constituencies
- Strong project management skills
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
- Spanish language fluency
Preferred
- Experience with running strategic issue campaigns
- Experience with school-based organizing
- Experience as both a trainer and in supervising interns
Salary range: $45,000 – $49,000, depending on experience
Excellent benefits include health insurance (90% employer paid), dental, life and disability insurance (100% employer paid), optional Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(K) contribution, four weeks’ vacation, and a sabbatical program.
To apply: Please send resume and cover letter to organizerpositions@chicagohomeless.org
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless believes that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognizes and values the intersectional identities that staff members bring to our organization. We are enriched by the diverse experiences, beliefs, and ways of thinking that employees of different backgrounds bring.
People of color and people who have experienced homelessness or poverty are strongly encouraged to apply. Fair consideration is given to all qualified applicants regardless of criminal record. CCH is committed to providing equal employment consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.