07 Sep Political Organizer – Job Description

Farmworkers and Latinx Working Families United

Job Opportunity: Political Organizer

About PCUN

PCUN is based in the heart of the Oregon Latinx community, in one of the most vibrant agricultural areas in the state. Our mission is to empower farmworkers and working Latinx families in Oregon by building community, increasing Latinx representation in elections, and policy advocacy on both the national and state levels. We continue to build an agenda that strengthens workers’ rights by creating safer workplaces, advocating for fair wages, and pushing for enough economic security to care for our families.

Position Overview

PCUN is seeking an experienced and energetic organizer to join our team. The political organizer will work to advocate for progressive and bold climate, economic, and racial justice policies that center farmworkers at the Oregon legislature, through rulemaking, and in local government. The political organizer will implement advocacy campaigns that involve base-building, organizing, and public education strategies. They must be able to organize and effectively communicate at all levels – with grassroots communities as well as established community leaders and elected leaders. Must be highly organized, an effective communicator, self-motivated, and passionate about PCUN’s mission.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Reports to the PCUN lead organizer and works closely with the political department team to create base-building and political organizing strategies to reach political/policy outcomes in specific issue areas.
• Operates as a team member on building legislative campaign goals, strategies, and budgets to reach political/policy outcomes in specific issue areas. Provide analysis and track progress.
• Develop relationships and regular communication with allies, coalition partners, and other organizations to meet advocacy goals. 
• Works with organizational partners to win priority advocacy campaigns. This may include joint strategy meetings, joint actions or other events, relationship building, etc.
• Builds and maintains relationships with state, and local level elected officials. 
• Leadership development, and recruitment of community advocates, and leaders for legislative activities such as lobby days, hearings, press statements, and visibility actions. 
• Developing new members from our base of activists, and advocates. 
• Spends considerable time in the field building relationships with the community and documenting stories and testimonies around key policy areas.
• Develops political education materials and supports the leadership of farmworkers and Latinx working families to understand systemic inequities and collectively define solutions in their communities.
• Engages and mobilizes our base on advocacy issues through grassroots fieldwork including tabling, house visits, canvassing, community outreach, phone banking, presentations, event canvassing, one-on-ones, and text banking.
• Works with the existing database (EveryAction) to track members, participation and maintain progress towards achieving political organizing goals.
• Develops regular reports on progress towards Political Department objectives. 
• Speaking engagements, presentations, and interviews about PCUN and our campaigns. 
• Represents PCUN at conferences and state coalitions.

Experience and Qualifications 

• Demonstrated commitment to farmworker and immigrant rights, environmental justice, social justice, and gender justice.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts
• Strong bilingual communication in Spanish and English (written and oral). 
• Bicultural/multicultural, with a strong understanding of Oregon’s Latinx community.
• At least two years of experience in community organizing. 
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and willing to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends and late evenings.  
• Self-motivated and resourceful. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build trust and maintain genuine relationships.

HOW TO APPLY: Please send a resume (1-page max) detailing relevant experience, work history, education, references, and accomplishments, and a cover letter to iracuello@pcun.org. 

HOURS: 1.0 Full-Time Equivalent (40 hours/week), some nights, weekends, and some travel required

LOCATION: Due to COVID-19, our staff will continue to work virtually through zoom and phone, until further notice. Vaccinations required to attend required office meetings, and for job-related travel. 

SALARY & BENEFITS: $36,000-$45,000 annual salary; Full benefits – healthcare, dental, vision, chiropractor, 401K with employer match, paid vacations, paid sick days, paid family medical leave.

REPORTS TO: Lead organizer

APPLICATION OPEN UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED.