Are you CU's newest Housing Organizer?

The Housing Justice campaign of Communities United is guided by the needs of Baltimore residents and is also part of a national campaign in collaboration with other grassroots organizations across the country.

Job Title: Housing Justice Organizer

Location: Baltimore City

Reports To: Executive Director

Primary responsibilities (70%):

1. Meet with and learn the Maryland State legislative process and current legislative landscape from research and our paid lobbyist

2. Through and relationship-building develop a diverse group of impacted individuals into the housing justice campaign

3. Pass practical knowledge of legislative processes to rising leaders

4. Prepare and support leaders to build out their own network of organized housing justice self-advocates to communicate effectively about legislation and initiatives to rectify the harm of a profit driven housing market: speaking publicly including to the media, on social media and in regular email correspondences.

5. Identify, pursue, track/document, follow-up and stay engaged with residents, including recruiting volunteers to help with phone banking and street outreach

6. Participate respectfully, responsibly and professionally in coalition partnerships with other organizational partners.

This organizer will need to be able to take responsibility and coordinate all logistics (location, time, food, transportation and details), lead and recruit volunteers and partners to run program activities.

Organizer Outcomes for 2023:

• Make at least 200 new contacts, maintain and update contact with 2000 existing contacts from our database

• Build relationships with 80 persons identified as interested in housing organizing

• Build the leadership capacity of 5 rising leaders

• Attend and report on meetings with CU housing organizational partners from across the country, state and city.

• Mobilize 20 interested individuals to attend online monthly meetings

• Write and/or compile a quarterly newsletter to keep members informed and involved

• Hold 4 quarterly meetings or events that actively engage contacts and leaders.

• Follow local, state and national media and legislation relevant to organizing for housing justice.

General Organizing Responsibilities (30% of time): 

1. Recruit new members to Communities United.

2. Take leadership at Communities United and coalition partners' meetings and other events, including participating in strategizing, planning and executing.

3. Maintain an active and interactive presence on social media.

4. Communicate campaign messages clearly, both verbally and in writing.

5. Exercise strategic judgment and problem-solving skills.

6. Organize self and materials in order to meet responsibilities.

7. Pitch in and work with a diverse team of staff, members and volunteers.

8. Work independently within a plan with deliverables while being accountable to a team.

Primary Qualifications:

• Organizing experience (labor, community, issue campaign or election related) preferred;

• A commitment to social, racial and economic justice and the power of grassroots community organizing to achieve it;

• Understanding of issues related to housing, tenants' rights and the homelessness churn

• Comfort and confidence working with individuals in recovery or who use drugs, ex-offenders, communities of color, those engaged in sexwork, and other low-wage workers;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Excellent organizational skills – good attention to detail and well organized;

• Self-motivated - proven ability to work independently;

• Patience and ability to work well with diverse groups and populations;

• Dedication and ability to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends;

• Spanish/English bilingual a plus;

• Ability to be a team player and work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment;

• Possession of valid driver's license is preferred but not required.

Salary & Benefits

• Base: $42,500-$45,000 annually (room for negotiation with experienced applicants.) 

• Cell-phone reimbursement

• Employer Paid Health-care benefits

• Paid Time Off

Application Process:

Communities United is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, origin,  sex, orientation, gender, or disability. Apply by sending an email of inquiry or cover letter and resume to: executivedirector@communitiesunite.org with the subject line “Housing Organizer Application” or complete the application below.