Saint Paul Congregational Organizing Fellow
ISAIAH
Exempt (from overtime), full-time, 6-month temporary position
Pay is based on a $55,000 annual salary
POSITION AT A GLANCE- The Saint Paul Organizing Fellow relates to and organizes a wide range of people to develop leadership and shared power across race, class, and wards.
- The Congregational Base works in pursuit of a just economy and a democracy that honors the dignity and worth of people across race, faith, and class.
- Our ideal candidates can explain why they are interested in the needs of people and communities and have demonstrated “grit” when faced with challenging work or a lack of initial success.
- This position reports to a lead organizer and regularly works with a team of other organizers. The ideal starting date for this position is mid to late August.
WHY THIS POSITION IS IMPORTANT:Organizing Fellows will work with ISAIAH staff organizers to build and lead an organizing program to develop the capacity and leadership of everyday Minnesotans and develop a series of racial, economic, and climate justice campaigns with community and ISAIAH leaders.
The Saint Paul Organizing Fellow will lead people in faith communities and other communities in Saint Paul to develop leadership and build power to create an economy and a democracy that honors the dignity and worth of people across race and class.
The Saint Paul Organizing Fellow will:- Engage staff and leaders to build powerful relationships based on trust and a well-defined understanding of each other’s desires and interests.
- Work with staff and leaders to implement an organizing program that engages 250+ leaders from communities across Saint Paul.
- Lead public actions and meetings with elected leaders to advance a multi-racial democracy and an economy that honors the dignity and worth of people across race and class while advancing climate justice in shaping the Saint Paul city budget conversations and the Governor’s budget.
- Recruit and train volunteer leaders to do in-person and virtual meetings with friends, family, and members of their community with significant evening and weekend work time.
To accomplish these objectives, The Saint Paul Congregational Base Organizing Fellow will organize and expand the network of people of faith in Saint Paul through canvassing, community events, house meetings, congregational forums, and other leadership development tactics.
Additional benefitsOver 6 months, organizing fellows receive paid holidays, sick time, a floating paid holiday, and a cell phone reimbursement. A driver’s license and car is required for this position.
About ISAIAH and Faith in MinnesotaISAIAH, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is a vehicle for multi-racial, multi-faith coalitions across Minnesota to act collectively and powerfully towards racial and economic equity in MN by addressing both local and regional community issues. Faith in Minnesota is our 501(c)4 organization that gives us a platform to organize and advocate directly in our state’s elections and political process.
Together, we have more than 100 member and partner churches and mosques, more than 25 barbershops, and more than 200 childcare centers who work to promote a caring economy and a multi-racial democracy that honors every person’s dignity. We do this work through intentional, intensive leadership development, collective action, and deep partnerships with grassroots organizations and public servants.
HOW WILL YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE A GOOD CANDIDATE?You can be great for this role if you are someone who is:
- Able to act with integrity, has a strong work ethic, “grit”, and willingness to persevere until you succeed.
- A self-starter who can independently set goals and use them to guide daily actions.
- A good listener and capable of establishing rapport with people from different backgrounds.
- A quick learner eager to develop their leadership and help others do the same.
- Open to evaluation and direction from their supervisor and peers.
- Unafraid of being pushed and challenged by their peers and supervisor in order to reflect on and address personal barriers to leadership development more deeply.
- Can navigate different cultural settings to relate to people across race, class, age, and religion.
HOW WE KNOW IF YOU’RE A GOOD CANDIDATE?We are looking for candidates who:
- Can articulate how working for social justice and grassroots organizing is connected to their personal motivation or self-interest rather than a desire to “serve” or “save” others.
- Have demonstrated independent decision-making, management of multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, and sound judgment on when to seek advice and support from team members.
- Can share examples of achieving success when straightforward solutions aren’t available through problem-solving and applying flexible thinking.
- Can speak to their ability to effectively work with diverse faith communities, racial groups, and diverse stakeholders.
- Have a self-interest in the needs of people and communities.
- Is comfortable using a range of technology, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Office, WhatsApp, and other common software and apps.
- Have a valid driver’s license and regular access to a reliable car.
HOW TO APPLY- Please submit your resume and cover letter to our online application.
- This position will remain open until filled. Applications are reviewed as they’re received. Our ideal hire date is around mid-August.
Our Statement Regarding Being an Equal Opportunity EmployerISAIAH believes that a team with diverse experiences and backgrounds, working in an inclusive and safe work environment, generates richer discussions and more nuanced thinking. We are an equal-opportunity employer and actively encourage people whose identities and backgrounds reflect the rich diversity of our community and who are traditionally underrepresented in nonprofits to apply to our positions.
