Open Communities Alliance (OCA) is a Connecticut-based civil rights non-profit. We work to confront the state’s deep levels of residential segregation in order to provide low-income families of color access to opportunity, spur investment in Black and Latino communities, and counteract racial disparities.

Position Overview

OCA seeks a self-motivated, outgoing Community Organizer & Outreach Coordinator to conduct outreach, training, education and leadership development. The Organizer will be responsible for developing on-the-ground relationships with diverse communities and organizations. 

Responsibilities

The Community Organizer & Outreach Coordinator will:

• Work as part of a collaborative team with the Executive Director and other staff  to guide the outreach and community organizing work of OCA.
• Recruit, organize, train and develop grassroots community members to take effective collective action.
• Engage with community members around the issue of segregation and its impact.
• Build new and strengthen existing relationships with community members, Coalition members, partner groups and Town Ambassadors to leverage the power and influence of OCA on the priorities identified by grassroots leaders.
• Train community members, Coalition members, Town Ambassadors, and partner groups through facilitation, public presentations, one-on-one and group trainings in the principles of organizing and support them in developing relational culture in their institutions through listening campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing and new leaders, organizational partners, and community groups.

Who we are looking for:

This is a full-time permanent position that includes a competitive benefits package. Occasional nights and weekends required. Candidates must be able to be present in Connecticut for meetings and events. Strong preference for candidates who have connections to Connecticut communities.

Successful applicants will have the following characteristics:

• Strong demonstrated interest and experience in community organizing.
• The desire to organize around and engage with the issues of systemic racism and housing.
• Capacity to think strategically about systemic issues impacting low-income communities and Black and Latino communities.
• Commitment to working within and among people from diverse socio-economic, racial, faith, and political backgrounds.
• Effective communication and listening skills.
• Excited about and committed to OCA’s mission and social change more generally.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in high-paced, low- structure organization.
• Ability to speak publicly and represent the organization in community and professional settings.
• Ability (when needed) to work flexible hours to meet community needs, including evenings and weekends.
• Command of Microsoft Office, Google Docs, E-mail, and Social Media, and comfortable learning other platforms.
• Bilingual Spanish/English highly desirable.
• Valid driver’s license and insured vehicle required.

The ideal candidate will operate with a strong equity and diversity lens, contributing to organizational values of objectivity, integrity, civility and diversity and supporting the inclusive culture of OCA.

If you are an experienced advocate and a strong leader who has a passionate belief that Connecticut must achieve greater equity and opportunity in housing - and if you want to work with a passionate, dynamic, and supportive team - we hope you will apply!

Salary & Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and is between $60,000 to $75,000 annually. OCA offers the option of a flexible schedule and hybrid working environment. OCA also offers excellent benefits, including medical and dental insurance (employees’ medical premiums are 100% paid by OCA and dependents’ 75%, while dental insurance premiums are 100% paid by the employee), 15 vacation days (increasing to 21 days after the first year), 15 sick days, 3 personal days, 2 flex-holidays and 11 standard holidays, along with, after the first six months, a 401K retirement plan with a 3% contribution from OCA regardless of employee contribution.

To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Community Organizer & Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line. We will review applications on a rolling basis.

If you require a disability-related accommodation to submit your application, please email [email protected]. Otherwise, due to high volume we are unable to respond to queries about application status.

OCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. 

Research has shown that traditionally marginalized communities (people of color, people with disabilities, etc.) often don’t apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. If you think you can do this job but don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to still apply.

We seek to build diversity, equity and inclusion both within our organization and in partnership and allyship with the communities we serve.