Part-time Lead Organizer - Job Description

    (Revised on 3/24/10)

    The Boston Parent Organizing Network is a non-profit organization serving parents with children in the Boston Public Schools.  We are looking for a creative, organized professional with a passion for social justice and with community organizing experience.  The parent organizer will work in partnership with parent leaders to identify issues, potential solutions, and lead organizing campaigns to improve the Boston Public Schools.

     

    Responsibilities:

    • Conduct extensive outreach to identify and recruit parents as new individual members, and encourage their involvement in the BPON Parent Task Force and/or BPON related activities
    • Develop leadership and sense of empowerment amongst parents through the provision of training, mentorship and direct experience aimed to develop effective self-advocacy skills
    • Assist in the development of strategic campaign activities identified at BPON Parent Task Force meetings or as assigned by Associate Director
    • Mobilize parents to be actively involved in the high level arenas where education policy making is taking place (i.e. School Committee, City Hall, State House, etc)
    • Meet regularly with Family and Community Outreach Coordinators (FCOC) and leaders from School Parent Councils
    • Organizing and conducting trainings and forums to educate the broader community about Education issues in Boston
    • Organize meetings on a regular basis with School and elected officials to communicate issues and concerns from the parents
    • Assist with administrative duties including maintaining contact database, updating website and other duties as requested
    • Participate in BPON's Membership Meetings, Board Meetings, Coalition meetings and other activities as necessary
    • Responsible for data collection, grant reporting and evaluation, including preparation of work plans and progress reports as requested
    • Reports to Associate Director
    • Other duties as assigned

     

    Qualifications

    • Minimum 2 years organizing or advocacy experience (volunteer experience acceptable) including experience building the leadership of community members
    • Knowledge of and familiarity with the Boston Public Schools
    • Strong interest in and commitment to community organizing and social, economic and racial justice
    • Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, with ability to motivate others
    • Experience working with diverse populations and an understanding of cultural competency and conflict resolution
    • Ability to effectively communicate, both in writing and verbally, relaying complicated information in a user-friendly manner 
    • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work independently and manage own projects
    • Basic computer competency for word processing and data management
    • Must have a flexible schedule to accommodate some weekend and evening hours

     

    Other Desired Qualities (not mandatory)

    • Background in education and/or policy
    • Fluency in Spanish, Haitian Creole or Cape Verdean
    • Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply

    Education Required:

    B.A. preferred

    Associate Degree in education or related field required

    1-3 years work experience in urban education and/or community organizing (life experience could be considered as equivalent)

    Salary and Benefits:

    This is a part-time (20 hours per week) position with potential for full time when funding is available.

    How to Apply:

    Mail or Fax cover letter and resume no later than April 16, 2010 to:

    Boston Parent Organizing Network (BPON)                                                                                               

    Attention: Olu Crayton, Associate Director

    284 Amory Street

    Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

    NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS PLEASE