State Community Organizer, Mississippi State Office

The SPLC is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.

The State Community Organizer will work closely with colleagues in the SPLC state team/ Impact Strategy Group to engage community members in advancing the Center’s mission, vision, and impact goals. The Organizer will collaborate with ally organizations and activists, working to build the power of community members and to support their priorities. Working at both the local and state level, the Organizer will lead outreach and campaign activities, particularly volunteer activities, mobilization efforts, and advocacy campaigns. The Organizer recruits and manages interns and volunteers, develops tools and educational materials, and facilitates and plans events.

SPLC Impact Areas:

1. Decriminalizing Black and Brown people
2. Expanding voting rights and civic engagement amongst communities of color
3. Eradicating poverty and building the wealth of communities of color
4. Dismantling white nationalism and protecting democracy  

This is an entry level position.

• Learn and embrace the SPLC Organizing Model and approach to leadership development;
• Under the direction of the State Office Director, develop a clear power analysis of the state/ city, an organizing plan, and goals for recruiting and maintaining supporters, volunteers, and volunteer leaders;
• Identify supporter recruitment and visibility opportunities in the community, and represent the SPLC in those events;
• Contribute to the development and strengthening of community coalitions and This includes but is not limited to developing relationships with local and state organizations and leaders; coordination of regular meetings, trainings, strategy sessions, and actions; and engaging allies in campaigns and advocacy efforts;
• Conduct education events and civic engagement actions; facilitate issue-based public education and community workshops;
• Work with Communications team to create educational materials and advocacy alerts for supporter and volunteer activities and events;
• Mobilize supporters and lead community outreach including days of action, legislative lobbying, letter writing and phone banking campaigns, events, and other activities;
• Build relationships with local and state government agencies and elected officials for program and campaign work;
• Provide regular reporting and tracking of deliverables and progress;
• Recruit and manage volunteers;
• Participate in strategy development and planning to grow the organizing program and advance campaigns;
• Prepare regular reports for supervisor/ management/ the Board of Directors; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Related Work Experience:

• At least one year of experience with community organizing and/or community engagement;
• At least one year of experience working on campaigns and/ or advocacy efforts (grassroots, political organizing, or campaign experience); and
• High school diploma or GED.

• Strong listening, persuasion, and facilitation skills;
• Excellent organization and time management
• Ability to build and maintain relationships of trust work with diverse groups of people;
• A deep and demonstrated commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the daily systemic barriers faced by BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQ community members and people with disabilities;
• Ability to work independently, navigate obstacles, discern priorities, meet competing deadlines and handle multiple projects;
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including frequent evenings and weekends, and occasionally holidays;
• Must have reliable transportation, ability to drive, maintain a valid driver’s license, and travel as needed on a regular basis;
• Although speaking a foreign language is not required, candidates that have intermediate proficiency in a foreign language such as Spanish, Creole, French, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and/or other languages are highly encouraged to apply;
• Commitment to the ideals of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
• Commitment to fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

Compensation:

Non-Exempt:  This is a non-exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $52,621.00 annually ($25.30 per hour). Salary is based on years of experience.

Work Designation:

This role has the following work designation options:

• Local Remote:  Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework:  Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.