Posted September 13, 2019
Job Description
The Special Projects Organizer is an entry-level position responsible for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless’ (CCH) Speakers Bureau and Horizons programs, which bring together grassroots leaders along with community stakeholders through programming events that develops the leadership skills of CCH’s grassroots leaders as well as furthers CCH’s advocacy and organizing efforts. Horizons is a creative writing program that seeks to use written and spoken word as a tool for advocacy and civic engagement of people experiencing homelessness. The Speakers Bureau is an external-facing program comprised of grassroots leaders which makes presentations to audiences and institutions about the issue of homelessness. This position uses community organizing skills to build relationships with community partners, allies, and CCH’s grassroot constituency to implement Speakers Bureau and Horizons programs and will work to advance racial equity.
About CCH
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a 40-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
Managing the Speakers Bureau and Horizons project.
Horizons project:
- Develop and facilitate creative writing workshops with families and youth experiencing homelessness.
- Develop lesson plans and prepare materials for workshop lessons.
- Coordinate the planning and execution of the annual Horizons showcase.
- Coordinate project collaboration with Adler University art therapy department.
Speakers Bureau:
- Develop relationships with shelters, churches, and schools (high school and college level) that build active collaboration bridges with the Speakers Bureau and CCH advocacy activities.
- Develop and implement trainings to improve presentation and communication skills of Speakers Bureau members.
- Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including budget and expenditure reports.
- Works in collaboration with all CCH departments – CCH believes strongly in interdepartmental collaboration and expects all staff to work in close partnership with the other departments at the organization.
- Collaborate with organizers to ensure leadership development implementation within project activities.
- Mobilize institutions for direct action, when applicable.
- Work as a team member with other organizers and other departments, as requested.
- Attend all staff and program meetings, as required.
- Assist with community organizing training.
Skills/Qualifications
Required:
- Community organizing experience in strategic action and building grassroots power through civic engagement.
- Experience building and developing grassroots leadership participation.
- Strong communication, including written and oral presentations.
- Demonstrated excellence in relationship-building skills.
- Experience working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing racial, economic, gender and social justice, and equity.
- Ability to travel and to work flexible hours, including some weekends and evenings.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs.
Preferred
- Lived experience of homelessness
- Spanish speaking
- Experience as a trainer
Salary range
$ 36,000 – $ 38,000 based on experience; highly competitive benefits package.
Please send resume, cover letter and writing sample 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, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.