Basic Job Description: The community organizer will work in the CAB program to engage customers at food pantries and soup kitchens, otherwise known as Emergency Food Programs (EFPs), in advocacy initiatives and collective action. The organizer will also work with the IVAH/FTS coordinator to initiate a city-wide advocacy campaign to better engage low-income communities in anti-poverty policy debates aimed at achieving very specific policy goals that will reduce poverty, hunger, and obesity.

The commitment is part time for 1 year, with the possibility of extending the position. The continuation of the position after 1 year is contingent both upon the availability of funding and upon an evaluation of the effectiveness of the work.

Duties and Responsibilities: The organizer will be responsible for leading weekly meetings with customers of food pantries and soup kitchens at 2 sites, working to expand the Community Action Board program, and evaluating the on-going evolution of the CAB program. The Community Organizer will meet with the IVAH/FTS Coordinator on a bi-weekly basis, or more often if necessary.

Skills and Qualifications Sought: The Coalition is seeking a self-starter with strong organization-building, communications, problem solving, organizing, inter-personal skills, a very positive “can do” attitude, and a demonstrated commitment to social change and improvement. Fluency in Spanish and English is highly desirable. People from low-income communities who are or were customers of emergency food programs are strongly encouraged to apply. Previous experience in political organizing or community outreach, particularly in low-income neighborhoods, is a plus. The person should be comfortable working in diverse neighborhoods and with diverse people.

The Coalition is an equal opportunity employer. People of all races, sexual orientations, ages, faiths, economic and social backgrounds, genders, physical abilities, and national origins are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation and Benefits: Please include your salary requirements in your cover letter. The organizer will work as a consultant at a competitive per hour rate but will receive no other benefits.

Term of Service: September 5, 2008 through September 4, 2009 (including Pre Service Orientation)

Financial Compensation: $11,388 per year ($438 paid bi-weekly) living stipend; complete health care coverage and childcare payments (if you have a dependent child); free unlimited monthly MetroCard; relocation expenses of up to $550 (if you move to New York City for the position). Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive their choice of an educational award worth $4,725 or an end of service cash award of $1,200.

Duration: Twelve months
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
Number of Slots: None

The Coalition's AmeriCorps*VISTA Program places year-long volunteers at emergency food providers, anti-hunger organizations, and within the Coalition's office to help them provide more and higher quality food to low-income New Yorkers throughout all five boroughs of New York City. Whether it is managing volunteers, building community support, grantwriting, or providing kitchen and pantries with technical assistance, the VISTA experience is never dull, and serves as the perfect training ground for aspiring community leaders. This job offers a rich and varied work experience that many entry-level jobs in the non-profit sector can not provide. The VISTA Program does not entail direct-service work. If you are interested in that, we recommend you see our AmeriCorps*STATE Program listing below.

To be part of the VISTA Team, you must:

• Have a BA degree or significant work experience.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
• Be a self-starter at ease working both independently and in teams.
• Be comfortable working with low-income, homeless and hungry people.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language (other than English) is a plus.

VISTAs will experience working alongside people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as business, political and civic leaders. This is the perfect opportunity for recent college graduates and those looking to change careers to get into the non-profit world and gain a wide range of skills.

To apply: There are no VISTA positions available right now. Thank you for your interest.