Program Specialist And Organizer

The successful applicant for this position will have the following:

·        Familiarity with community, public education and labor groups and coalitions in Maryland; preferably in Prince George’s County.

·        Demonstrated experience in successfully developing, implementing, and winning comprehensive organizing campaigns which have resulted in increased membership, leadership, and community/member/parent engagement.

·        Knowledge of current issues in public education, including Maryland’s community schools’ model.

·        Possession of relevant education and/or experience in the labor movement or related field.

·        Knowledge of union organizing practices and principles. In addition to union organizing and coalition building.

·        Sound interpersonal and communication skills appropriate to providing a quality member experience including the ability to establish and cultivate respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

·        Demonstrated ability to formulate and deliver on short-term and long-term organizing plans, development, and capacity building goals.

·        Understanding of member-based organizations, especially unions.

·        Demonstrated skill as a community, labor, or political organizer.

·        Experience working in coalitions and in highly collaborative efforts.

·        Be able to organize and facilitate public meetings.

·        Ability to assess and analyze complex political situations and respond appropriately.

·        Experience in developing campaign plans to mobilize parents/members or run issue campaigns.

·        Experience in working with coalitions and the public education system.

·        Have strong oral, written, and visual communication skills, as well as experience using social media tools.

·        Bilingual preferred.

Qualifications:

·        Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, leaders, and community-based organizations.

·        Ability to make and follow through on a work plan.

·        Willingness to conduct home visits and worksite visits.

·        Strong listening, research, and communication skills.

·        Familiarity with digital media tools, Microsoft Word, Excel, video conferences etc.

·        Ability to work well in a team environment and independently within the context of a plan.

·        Ability to effectively balance multiple priorities and manage time.

·        Ability to meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment.

·        Ability to resolve conflict.

·        Ability to work flexible hours including evening and weekends.

·        Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle required.

Core Responsibilities

·        Assists Executive Director in developing and implementing organizing campaign plans, focusing on developing and engaging student and parent activists, One-on-one communication with community partners.

·        Work collaboratively with PGCEA members, Board of Directors and the local union president to develop a community engagement program that helps advance a shared quality agenda for good schools with community partners.

·        Build PGCEA through the development of alliances.

·        Serve as a trainer of leaders and staff in organizing, community engagement, planning, leadership identification and development, scratch organizing, and other capacity-building efforts.

·        Develop qualitative and quantitative reports related to the assigned work.

·        Provide support to building reps and broader membership in mapping the surrounding school community, surveying members about existing community relationships, and developing relationships with community leaders and parents. Including the development of school site organizing structure that prioritizes engaging with parent, student, and community groups.

·        Recruit new members to participate in union activities and political campaigns.

·        Network with other unions and community organizations through coalition involvement

·        Under the direction of the Executive Director, represent the PGCEA at meetings and in dealings with outside organizations.

·        Coordination and supervision of PGCEA parent and community organizing campaigns, meetings, and diverse outreach efforts.

·        Support the development of parent/community work, training, and timely progress within PGCEA campaigns.

·        Identify potential allies through available resources such as local politicians, community organizations, and parent participation groups.

·        Facilitate communication around parent/community engagement between all levels of PGCEA leadership and membership.

·        Organize ongoing dialogue with community organizations.

·        Engage PGCEA in campaigns with parents and community organizations.

·        Build leadership development and political education programs among parents in the service of assisting people in becoming skilled parent/community organizers and liaisons.

·        Assess and identify school sites where there are specific opportunities to engage parents on an ongoing basis.

·        Maintain data regarding community engagement.

·        Other duties as assigned.

Competitive salary and benefits:

Starting salary is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits include health insurance, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave schedules provided.  PGCEA is an equal opportunity employer, and we firmly believe our organization and work benefit from a diverse staff's experiences and perspectives.

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to the following:

Yahnae Easton, Executive Director

PGCEA

8008 Marlboro Pike

Forestville, MD  20747

pgceahelpdesk@pgcea.org

ATTN:Program Specialist and Organizer