Community Organizer
Boston, MA
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Company Description:

Massachusetts 2020 has pioneered the first-in-the-nation, statewide effort to expand and redesign the conventional public school day by adding at least 25% more time for all students in a sub set of schools as a strategy to increase student achievement and the acquisition of 21st-century skills. The Expanded Learning Time Initiative (ELT) launched in ten schools enrolling nearly 5,000 students in five districts in 2006-2007, and grew to a total of eighteen schools in eight districts with 9,000 students in 2007-2008. It is expected to expand to include 40 schools and 20,000 students over the next few years. In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Education, Massachusetts 2020 has provided technical assistance to districts and schools throughout the planning and implementation process, while also leading the public policy, research and evaluation, and communications efforts to build broad support and public financing for ELT schools.

Job Description: As the ELT Initiative grows, one important component will be to broaden and deepen support for the initiative in communities that are planning and implementing for Expanded Learning Time. The community organizer’s overall responsibility will be to organize and mobilize efforts in those communities to support the ongoing planning/implementation efforts and to lobby the elected leaders of that community as needed.

Specific job responsibilities include:

• Develop strategies for targeted recruitment and retention of activists consistent with ELT advocacy, lobbying and legislative goals;

• Organize and implement focused grassroots activities through an ELT alert network and constituency groups as well as utilizing other relevant resources and contacts to identify, engage and maintain relationships with supporters and activists among parent networks, business, school and civic leaders;

• Build sustainable networks in communities that will support the expanded learning time effort over the course of many years;

• Represent Massachusetts 2020 at various community events, and work collaboratively with other community agencies on joint efforts; and

• Work with Massachusetts 2020 team to coordinate messaging and overall community effort.

 
Qualifications:   Qualifications

• Must be a self-starter with strong time-management skills;

• Excellent computer skills, including ability to develop and send email newsletters and knowledge of spreadsheets and databases; and

• Must have own car and be willing to travel around Massachusetts.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of experience with community organizing and/or political/issue campaigns;

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in political studies/public policy or related area

 
Salary and Benefits:

 

This is a full-time position for a six-month campaign with potential for a long-term salaried position. Compensation is commensurate with experience.
 
How to Apply:

 

Deadline is February 1, 2008. Interested and qualified applicants should send a cover letter and resume to George Mastoras at george@mass2020.org.