Part-Time Community Organizer

Part-Time Community Organizer

Job Description

About Student Loan Fund (SLF)

We are Connecticut student loan borrowers developing leaders and building power to cancel

student debt and fully fund state and community colleges. We believe everyone deserves access

to higher education and we recognize the student debt crisis disproportionately impacts people of color and first-generation college students. SLF is made up of individuals directly impacted by student loan debt. We are nonprofit leaders, artists, truck drivers, lawyers, social workers, chefs, teachers and more.

To date, Student Loan Fund members have:

1. Successfully organized and led the state to establish a private student lender registry;

2. Won a renewed commitment from the legislature for a Student Loan Ombudsman and access to borrower resources, including a borrower repayment education course;

3. Gained support to establish a student loan reimbursement pilot program;

4. Introduced the issue of transcript withholding in Connecticut. As a result of our

organizing, this year the legislature passed a bill that is the first step in stopping schools

from holding transcripts for ransom.

5. Led a state-wide campaign to ensure maximum participation by eligible CT borrowers in

the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Limited Waiver. We provided direct service to engage borrowers throughout this campaign, including serving more than 3,500 borrowers directly. And we’re growing!

As we expand our work throughout the state and engage with even more borrowers, the Student Loan Fund is positioned to build power through organizing. We will continue to effect policy change across the state and influence national debt cancellation efforts.

Desired skills and capabilities:

1. Strong organizational skills and ability to balance multiple priorities

2. Curiosity about why things are the way they are and what could be

3. Ability to build strong relationships with borrowers, elicit stories and engage them in

ways that meet their self-interest

4. Willingness to support leaders from behind the scenes

5. Comfort using agitation to support people in moving toward action

6. Strong sense of personal responsibility for the work and our commitment to borrowers

7. Ability to learn and grow from mistakes and embrace that learning process

As a Community Organizer, you will work with the executive director and advisory committee to build relationships, develop leaders, and build organizational power. You will:

1. Build trust, understanding, and reciprocal relationships through one-on-one meetings

with current and potential members. Each organizer will conduct 10 - 15 one-on-one

meetings with current and potential SLF leaders each week.

2. Turnout members for SLF meetings and public actions

3. Set strategy for member meetings and prepare members to lead meetings taking into

account what they need to know/share / practice / prepare in the current issue

campaign

4. Support in planning and executing powerful targeted public actions and outreach events - host community listening sessions, conduct intentional outreach to SLF members, and the broader student borrower base in CT, and conduct issue-based research to refine campaign context and direction.

What is the salary for this position?

The PT Organizer will work up to 20 hours a week with a base hourly pay of $30.00.

What will my typical hours be and where should I expect to work?

The nature of organizing includes nights and weekends. You will meet in person with your

supervisor weekly and check in via ZOOM and phone regularly. Many 1:1 meetings will be in

person. Meetings will take place throughout the state of CT or virtually as needed.

What do I need for the job?

SLF will provide you with a work computer. You will need a phone, internet, and reliable

transportation (public or private transport is fine, as long as it dependably gets you where you need to go). SLF will provide a stipend for cell phone, internet, and public transportation/mileage reimbursement as needed.

What does the application and selection process look like?

We will review your application and reach out to qualified candidates for an initial phone screen. The next stages in the process are as follows:

Stage One: ZOOM interview with the Executive Director

Stage Two: Meeting with 1 member of the advisory council and 1 member of the SLF board

Stage Three: Offer

Application Submission: Send a cover letter describing your experience, qualifications, and personal interest in student debt and a resume to info@slfnh.org by March 30, 2024.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Choose your own hours

Ability to Relocate:

• New Haven, CT 06513: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New Haven, CT 06513