THE ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1996 as the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, Equality Pennsylvania is the only organization in the Commonwealth advocating in Harrisburg and across the state, exclusively for the rights of LGBT Pennsylvanians.
Our central goal is to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pennsylvanians through education, policy and legislation. More than a decade ago, Equality Pennsylvania was a volunteer-based 501(c)3 organization. Today, we have full-time and part-time staff that stretches across the state, including robust field and communications departments. Staff are spread throughout affiliated 501(c)3, 501(c)4, and PAC organizations. Our board comes from across the Commonwealth—we are LGBT and straight, business people and government workers, attorneys, non-profit leaders and professors who are singularly focused on changing the landscape for all LGBT Pennsylvanians.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Equality PA is working to support a stronger LGBT movement in Pennsylvania and better serve LGBT issues and activists throughout Equality PA’s work for LGBT equality in the Commonwealth. The Youth & Student Organizer will work to engage LGBT youth across Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities in support of ongoing grassroots organizing efforts.
Responsibility Breakdown: 70% Field Work/20% Administrative/10% Fundraising
THE POSITION
Specifically, the Youth & Student Organizer will:
Work collaboratively with new and existing youth activists, organizations, schools, campuses, support groups and networks throughout the state to advocate and educate on the range of issues affecting LGBT Pennsylvanians
Manage Equality Pennsylvania’s youth voter registration drive across campuses in Philadelphia, the suburbs, and Pittsburgh
Facilitate activities and identify opportunities that build the capacity of LGBT youth and allies to engage in organizing and policy advocacy on behalf of LGBT rights
Work with partner organizations interested in advancing the needs of LGBT youth
Identify stories relevant to LGBT equality
Generate media stories from a student and/or youth perspective
Plan and hold press events/vigils/rallies connected with Days of Action consistent with issue campaigns
Help identify/create best LGBT educational materials with particular focus on gender identity and expression
Develop and support statewide LGBT student/youth action teams, with support and cooperation from other staff and organizational partners
CANDIDATE PROFILE
We seek a highly motivated candidate with an understanding of organizing a geographically and culturally diverse community, and a knowledge of and commitment to social justice. This person must be flexible, adaptable, resourceful, and creative.
This person will be capable of taking responsibility for specific goals and measurable outcomes within designated time frames and will be able to coordinate multi-task initiatives to successful conclusion. Self-motivation is key, as this position will involve program implementation and may be managed remotely.
The successful candidate will have field experience around issues or candidates, including experience working with student groups, university bureaucracies, and partner organizations.
Qualified individuals will ideally bring one cycle or equivalent of progressively responsible experience in grassroots organizing.
Candidates will also have the ability to maintain flexible work hours including weekends and evening hours. The position will require frequent travel within the state of Pennsylvania for both organizing and professional development purposes.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Cultural competency in working in and with LGBT youth and allies
Community organizing, education and/or policy advocacy experience (in a paid or volunteer position)
Basic understanding of bullying, health, economic disparity, housing, homelessness and other areas which are relevant to LGBT youth
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write clearly, speak in public, and facilitate large and small meetings
Ability to work without close supervision on both assigned and self-initiated tasks
Demonstrated ability to achieve set organizing goals and metrics
Experience using standard office technology
PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Experience working with a group to plan and implement social change strategies to address a pressing problem of systemic discrimination, isolation, and/or oppression.
Education or work experience in public policy, community organizing, community health, or related field.
Experience with the Voter Activation Network (NGPVAN) is an advantage.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equality Pennsylvania follows an equal opportunity employment policy, and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, and marital status. This policy also applies to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, relationships with outside vendors and customers, use of contractors and consultants, and in dealing with the general public. Women, people of color, and trans* identified candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
COMPENSATION
Salary based on experience. Benefit package available. This position is currently budgeted for 12 months, with opportunity for continuation if the program is deemed successful.
LOCATIO
Based in Pennsylvannia, with travel around the state.
How to apply
Email cover letter and resume via PDF, Word, or Pages to jdungee@equalitypa.org
Please, no phone calls. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The position will be filled as soon as the appropriate candidate is found. It is recommended that you submit your materials as promptly as possible.