Eastern Kentucky Community Organizer

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC) is hiring! We are seeking Community Organizer(s) to strengthen KFTC’s membership and chapters in eastern Kentucky. Successful applicant(s) will implement outreach strategies to engage people around key issues, voting, and opportunities to take action. The preferred location is Prestonsburg, Kentucky. We also welcome applicants from the London area, and will consider applicants in other eastern Kentucky locations.

To apply, please fill out a short application at https://forms.gle/AY1tJPRodhxDHQ1E8 and then email your resume, cover letter, and contact info for 3 references to [email protected].

Who We Are

KFTC is a grassroots organization with more than 12,000 members across Kentucky. We have 14 local chapters across the state, including five in eastern Kentucky. Chapters are the building blocks of KFTC’s power, and the primary place where members join and get involved in improving their communities.

KFTC believes in the power of community organizing – people working together to achieve common goals. Organizing empowers us to help shape decisions affecting our lives and the larger community. It is a long-term approach that focuses on building and exercising power, especially among people affected by injustice, to improve the quality of life for all. KFTC members and staff use a range of important strategies to achieve our organizing goals, including leadership development, strategic communications, integrated voter engagement, non-violent direct action, chapter building, grassroots fundraising, and alliance building.

What You’ll Do

Your job will be to support KFTC members and chapters in a wide range of outreach strategies, including tabling, presentations and workshops, one-to-one conversations, public meetings and cultural events, phone banking, and door-knocking and canvassing. You will help register, inform, and engage thousands of potential new KFTC members and voters in Kentucky, and provide opportunities for people to learn about and take action on key issues and KFTC’s broader vision for social change. You will also work with KFTC members and allies to hold elected leaders accountable and shape the public conversation about our vision for social change.

Your work with KFTC will include:

Developing a broad, diverse base of skilled, active and politically conscious leaders within specific KFTC chapters.
Contributing to effective, successful local and statewide campaigns.
Using voter engagement strategies to build grassroots power, advance issue campaigns, and change Kentucky’s political landscape.
Supporting strategic communications about KFTC’s goals, issues, and activities.
Conducting and inspiring effective, consistent grassroots fundraising.
Contributing constructively and positively to the KFTC organizing and staff teams.
Efficiently fulfilling administrative tasks.
Traveling locally and within the state and accommodating a work schedule that includes some evenings and weekends.
Contributing to a positive, diverse, and high performing staff culture and team.

You will report to a KFTC Deputy Organizing Director.

Who You Are

Prior experience as a community organizer is not a requirement, but highly recommended. Strong candidates must be able to relate to Kentuckians from all walks of life and move them to action. We value people with experience developing others as leaders. Candidates need strong communication and listening skills, and a commitment to the vision and values of KFTC. You should be organized, strategic, able to cope with changing and uncertain circumstances, collaborative, and compassionate. You should demonstrate a commitment to shared leadership and the ability to work well in teams and independently.

In addition, you should excel in three areas:

Critical thinking skills: You will need to quickly analyze situations to see beyond the surface of challenges and effectively guide and support members in moving through those obstacles to make progress.
Self-Direction and Commitment: You will be in situations where community leaders are looking to you for guidance and strategy. You must be able to know what steps are needed to make progress, meet commitments, and take those steps on your own. You must be highly organized, focused, and have a strong work ethic.
Interpersonal ability and a strong lens on issues of equity: You must be able to build trust and goodwill with people in the community and demonstrate respect for the leaders you work with. You’re the kind of person who thrives on developing others. And because our members and communities come from a wide range of backgrounds, you can thoughtfully navigate issues related to diversity, equity, power, and inclusion and bring a deep commitment to advancing these values.

Candidates who do not have demonstrated community organizing experience may instead be offered a 12-month Organizing Apprentice position in eastern Kentucky. If relevant, that option will be discussed with applicants during the interview process.

What Else You Should Know

The position(s) are full-time (40 hours per week) and based in southeastern Kentucky. The preferred location is Prestonsburg, Kentucky. We also welcome applicants from the London area, and will consider applicants in other eastern Kentucky locations.

This role requires moderate travel within Kentucky and a flexible schedule. You can expect to make day trips to locations in eastern and central Kentucky 4-8 times each month, and to work 4-6 weeknights per month and some weekend days.

KFTC is an equal opportunity employer, and we strongly encourage people of color and women to apply.

KFTC’s starting salary in 2020 is $35,568, with increases available based on years of relevant experience. The organization offers full family health coverage, including vision and dental insurance. Annual paid time off includes 3 weeks of vacation, ten holidays, nine sick days, and three personal days. KFTC also has a compensation time policy and offers one month of paid maternity/paternity/family leave. All staff members are eligible for a month of paid sabbatical leave after five years. KFTC contributes to a pension plan after three years of employment.

What Now?

To apply, please fill out a short application at https://forms.gle/AY1tJPRodhxDHQ1E8

and email your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to [email protected].