Description
The Welcome Home Westchester campaign is a multistakeholder advocacy effort, including companies involved in home building and the development of multifamily housing, business leaders and nonprofits, academics and think tanks that have extensively examined the housing question, organizations dedicated to fighting against homelessness and supporting families in need, as well as faith leaders and community advocates. We work together to drive forward a new conversation around housing in the county and engage others in the effort to address our housing shortage.
We are looking for a Campaign Organizer to help develop and execute campaign strategy by increasing the number of organizations, the number of volunteers, and the number of engaged communities working with us to address the housing shortage, and correspondingly improve the effectiveness of our state and local advocacy programs.
This is a grant-funded campaign-related position intended to last six months, with extensions contingent on funding. The Campaign Organizer will report to the eight organizations who make up the partners of the campaign, but will be principally located in Armonk, NY.
Responsibilities:
- Help lead the campaign’s strategy and execution in collaboration with campaign Partners and Policy Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of each of the organizations and groups involved in the campaign.
- Work with campaign leaders to advance pro-housing and pro-affordable housing policy reforms at the local level through organizing participation at public hearings, through online petition campaigns, through social media actions, and in-person events and “teach ins.”
- Working with communications staff of the various partner organizations and volunteers, use timely hooks to coordinate messaging within our networks and local activists on the ground to express pro-housing, “Yes In My Back Yard” sentiments, or to rebut successfully standard NIMBY talking points, including through the press and on social media.
- Analyze, summarize, and build support for existing housing production bills in the New York State Legislature and before the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the New York State Legislature that would have a positive or negative effect on meeting the current and anticipated future housing needs for Westchester County and the region.
- Organize and provide staff support for regular meetings with the Partners and the Policy Advisory Committee to discuss strategy and tactics, and to encourage participation.
- Grow the network of organizations and groups supporting the campaign and participating in its activities.
Requirements
- At least 3 years’ experience of community, labor, or political organizing, with strong preference for issue-based campaigns rather than candidate campaigns.
Experience moving people into action and conducting leadership development activities. - Experience facilitating and leading training sessions on organizing, strategy fundamentals and/or issue policy, aimed at a general audience.
- Excellent writing and communications skills, including ability to write and produce memos, testimony, talking points, and campaign communications.
- Excellent ability to present findings and recommendations in the form of written reports or group presentations.
- Ability to work independently and, at times, a fast-paced environment.
- Relevant work experience in Westchester County or similar suburban communities.
- A valid NY Driver’s License and regular access to a vehicle.
Work Environment
This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands
This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
