Equal Justice USA (EJUSA) is a national organization working to transform our justice system into one that works. We are best known as a national leader in the movement to end the death penalty, and have been expanding our work over the last eight years to include advocacy for crime survivors, particularly in expanding access to services for those who historically have been left out. We have a long track record as a bridge-builder that works across the political spectrum to bring together diverse constituencies to achieve meaningful criminal justice reform.
We seek a National Organizer with expertise in outreach to communities of color. The position will involve local, state, and national organizing to mobilize opposition to the death penalty, with an initial focus on Florida. This work will continue EJUSA’s efforts to draw attention to the racial disparities in the state’s death penalty through raising the voices of the African American community and other people of color. To support the Florida campaign and EJUSA’s broader work, the National Organizer will build and expand relationships with national racial justice organizations and media outlets.
The ideal candidate will have a commitment to ending the death penalty and racial justice, as well as an organizer’s instincts. The position will be based in the Jacksonville area and involve some in-state and out-of-state travel. We are open to candidates who are willing to relocate to the Jacksonville area.
EJUSA’s staff are passionate about their work and place a high priority on creating a supportive environment for everyone in the organization. This is a wonderful opportunity for an energetic self-starter to further important national work against the death penalty.
Duties
Acts as primary point person for campaign to limit the use of the death penalty in Florida through developing strategy, goals, plans, and a budget for this work.
Develops relationships and partnerships with local and national organizations doing criminal justice work in Florida, and Jacksonville in particular.
Identifies needs in the field for the Florida campaign and provides assistance and support in addressing those needs.
Builds and expands relationships with national racial justice organizations and media outlets through outreach, presentations, attendance at national/regional conferences and events, and mobilization around specific cases, campaigns, and other movement-wide actions
Designs and leads strategic planning sessions and trainings that help local and national organizations develop and implement their strategies.
Stays abreast of political opportunities and threats both at the local and national level, and helps Florida and other campaigns consider the political climate and position themselves accordingly.
Helps develop written materials for Florida and other campaigns, including briefing documents, fact sheets, etc.
Collaborates with other EJUSA staff to get additional funding, resources, and experts from the broader movement to the Florida and other campaigns at key times.
Works on other EJUSA projects as appropriate.
Qualifications
Minimum 1-3 years experience organizing on issue-based advocacy campaigns.
Direct experience and comfort working with communities of color and/or organizations that represent people of color.
Excellent interpersonal communication, networking, and social skills; ability to connect authentically with diverse groups of people, especially across political and religious ideologies; comfort and excitement about reaching out to and building relationships with new people.
Strong writing and oral communication skills.
Strong organizational ability, including ability to juggle multiple projects, meet deadlines, work hard, keep things moving, and maintain attention to detail.
Experience with facilitation, training/leading workshops, and/or developing strategy.
Experience and comfort working with people harmed by crime, violence, and the criminal justice system.
Knowledge of Florida and the Jacksonville area a strong plus.
Experience and comfort speaking with the media a plus.
Familiarity with office and web-based computer applications; comfort working with a Mac or willingness to learn.
Ability to manage confidential information.
A positive attitude and friendly personality; ability to get along with many types of people.
Strategic thinker; flexible and tenacious; creative and entrepreneurial.
Passion and commitment to repealing the death penalty, racial justice, and EJUSA’s broader mission and values.
Compensation
Competitive, with excellent benefits including health and dental insurance, retirement plan, vacation/sick days/paid holidays, and professional development allowance.
How to apply
Email cover letter, resume, and a concise writing sample to jobs@ejusa.org with the subject “National Organizer.”