Organization:

The Direct Action and Research Training Center, Inc. (DART) is a national network of 20 justice ministry organizations that unite congregations across racial, religious, and socioeconomic lines to pursue justice. DART-related organizations seek long-term, sustainable improvements at a systemic level. DART organizations engage in direct action assemblies in which thousands of people from a cross-section of faith traditions publicly hold decision-makers accountable on solutions to serious local community problems. DART organizations’ recent victories include

Winning statewide legislation to rein in the payday loan industry
Decreasing the high number of juvenile arrests for non-serious offenses
Plugging the school-to-prison pipeline by implementing restorative justice practices in public schools
Securing multi-million dollar investments in affordable housing
Increasing access to primary health and dental care

Responsibilities and Training:

In order to build power for justice in Richmond, the community organizer will:

Build relationships of trust among clergy and lay leaders from diverse backgrounds, and deepen their participation in the work of their congregation’s justice ministry and the organization
Train clergy and lay leaders in basic organizing skills, engage them in setting realistic yet challenging goals to build their justice ministry
Engage leaders in the research of viable solutions to community problems and ensure implementation by appropriate decision makers
Build turnout for public meetings where 1,000+ people from assigned congregations are organized to demonstrate support for the identified solutions to community problems
Build financial sustainability by ensuring timely dues collection among member congregations, and annually coordinating a major 6-8 week investment drive
Assist in the annual recruitment of at least two new congregations

Intensive training is provided through the DART Organizers Institute, the five month field orientation program for new DART organizers. This includes an initial on-site orientation followed by field training and a weekly reading/discussion curriculum covering basic organizing principles. Initial skill development focuses on articulating the mission of the organization, intentionally developing relationships through one-on-one conversations, engaging leaders based on personal motivations, managing time effectively, running great meetings, building grassroots networks, long-term planning, working with clergy, and issue selection. Vocational development continues through annual training and planning retreats, summer staff retreats, and joint regional staff trainings.

Location:

This position is with Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Community in Richmond, VA. Most of the work will occur in the community throughout Richmond, but the central RISC office is located at 1627 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA.

Salary & Benefits:

Starting salary is $34,000/year plus health benefits, with regular cost of living increases and performance-based raises. For candidates relocating more than 50 miles, $250 is paid to help cover relocation costs. Retirement benefits begin after a prescribed period (usually one full year of employment.)

Eligibility and Qualifications:

Community organizing positions within the DART Network are competitive. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Qualities we look for include:

Core passion for justice and equality
Excellent relationship-building skills
Exceptional work ethic
Ambition for a long-term career organizing with DART
Comfort working with religious institutions
Fluency in Spanish or Creole preferred (not mandatory)

Applicants should also have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience and access to a car.

How to apply

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an upcoming informational webinar on February 24 at 8pm EST. Sign up at www.thedartcenter.org/events

To learn more about DART and access the application, visit www.thedartcenter.org

You may also contact our Recruitment Director, Hannah Wittmer, with questions at: hannah@thedartcenter.org