Let Us Rise is Hiring

Job Description:  Let Us Rise, Program Director

 

The Position (part time, salaried)                                                                                                                               

Let Us Rise is seeking an experienced and self-directed community organizer to run our youth organizing program, Warriors Organizing and Rising in Denver (WORD), coordinate support for other programs, and oversee Let Us Rise’s primary administrative duties.  The person in this position must be comfortable working independently, intentionally and thoughtfully supporting the leadership development of WORD organizers, and serving as the main contact person and administrator for Let Us Rise. 

 

The Organization                                                                                                                       

Let Us Rise emerged from the reflections and visions of Denver-area leaders and community members; including activists, people from the nonprofit world, and faith leaders.  The Denver-area leaders and community members asked themselves: “What do we wish to create?  What do we want our communities to look like?  What kind of world do we want to live in?”  Their answer included the formation of Let Us Rise, an organization created to engage communities in envisioning and actualizing their dreams for the world.  To support people in claiming their power and shifting from a paradigm of reacting to attacks on our communities to the possibility of holistic community wellness.

 

In the summer of 2011, Let Us Rise launched WORD, a youth organizing program in the Westwood area of Denver.  WORD organizers conduct Know Your Rights trainings designed to help undocumented Latino immigrants be as safe and informed as possible in their interactions with police.  The organizers selected this issue based upon a clear need expressed by their community, as well as the police harassment they have personally witnessed and experienced.  In 2012, Let Us Rise wants to further develop the leadership of the WORD organizers, and nurture organizing capacity in the Westwood area.  WORD represents a unique approach that facilitates youth and young adult leadership by placing them in the position of determining the nature and direction of their organizing efforts.  In addition to Know Your Rights work, youth organizers continuing into the 2012 program have expressed an interest in pursing transformative justice organizing.

 

Our Mission

Let Us Rise seeks to catalyze a movement of people to create systems and cultures rooted in love, compassion, truthfulness, personal responsibility and democratic participation.

 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

§       Responsible for the leadership development of Let Us Rise Youth Organizers.  This includes leading ongoing trainings and skill development work with WORD organizers, as well as identifying and utilizing outside trainers toward this end. 

§       Coordinate all aspects of WORD including planning, logistics, curriculum, time tracking, accountability, implementation, administrative duties, etc.  Lead by example by being punctual, accountable, reliable, and proactive.  Implement new processes and systems related to WORD.

§       Work with WORD Organizers to continue developing their organizing plan and assist with carrying out organizing activities.  Inspire WORD Organizers to address issues in their own community while supporting them to be accountable and focused.

§       Maintain internal records and documentation for Let Us Rise, and serve as the primary coordinator and contact person for the organization.  Respond to phone calls and emails.

§       Communicate regularly with Let Us Rise leadership about activities and provide report backs of program activities.  Coordinate volunteer and leadership support for the Community Visioning and Transformative Education programs.

§       Grantwriting and grassroots fundraising responsibilities can be included depending on candidate.

§       Coordinate board members, leadership, and volunteers.

 

Required Qualifications

§       Demonstrated commitment to social justice work.  Reliable and consistent with strong leadership skills.

§       Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks effectively.

§       Experience working with and supporting the leadership of young people and young adults, ages 16-22.

§       Grassroots community organizing experience.

§       Bi-Lingual in English and Spanish

§       Must be able to work evenings and maintain a flexible work schedule

 

Desired Qualifications

§       Excellent communication skills including excellent verbal and written skills.

  §       First hand understanding of how communities of color and immigrant communities respond to police presence and police brutality.  Experience with Know Your Rights work. 

  §       Comes from or has worked closely with communities in Southwest Denver.

§       Excellent interpersonal skills.

§       Excellent anti-oppression analysis.

 

Salary and compensation:

$12,000-$18,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

 

Please submit the following application packet by January 6th, 2012:

1.      Cover letter

2.      Resume

3.      Three references

4.      Brief answers to the following questions (no more than two pages total)

a. Why are you interested in this position?

b. How have you demonstrated a commitment to social justice/anti-oppression values?

c. How would you define grassroots community organizing?

d. Given the job description, in what areas will you need the most support?

 

All application materials should be sent to Jes Ward at jes@letusrise.org.  

 

Let Us Rise is an Equal Employment Opportunity workplace.  People of color, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) people, women, people with disabilities, and people of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.