Who We Are Looking For
California Black Power Network is looking for a passionate and dedicated Organizing Director committed to social justice and improving the lives of Black people in California. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of systemic and anti-Black racism and a proven track record in community organizing within Black communities. This individual should possess strong leadership skills to inspire and manage a small team of Regional Organizers, fostering collaboration and mentorship. Applicants should have experience in community organizing, coalition building, advocacy, and electoral campaigns, as well as experience in training facilitation, coalition building, people management, and project management.
Organizational Overview
The California Black Power Network (CBPN) is dedicated to building Black political power and creating systemic change to improve the lives of Black people in California. Comprised of grassroots organizations in key Black communities, we focus on increasing the capacity of Black-led organizations and fostering collaboration to address critical issues such as homelessness, mass incarceration, educational inequities, health disparities, and economic inequality. Our work builds on previous projects to empower local and regional organizations to combat systemic and anti-Black racism. Over the past eight years, we have worked to increase the capacities and power of local and regional Black-led and/or serving grassroots organizations to address systemic and anti-Black racism.
CBPN works hard to embrace and instill a Black-centered organizational environment that rejects corporate and white supremacy work culture. We are a Black-Led, mostly remote team committed to working collectively for the betterment of Black Californians and making a measurable impact in their lives.
Position Description
Reporting to the Associate Director, the Organizing Director will serve as a critical member of the leadership team, driving the power-building and training programs with our network partners across the state. This position will be integral in shaping multi-dimensional organizing strategies that achieve the network’s power-building and campaign goals and will support the engagement and organizing of network partners to develop and implement local, regional, and statewide power-building plans. In addition, the Organizing Director will develop, implement, and support training plans that deepen and expand network partners’ capacities and develop and sharpen the skills needed to implement multi-dimensional organizing strategies successfully.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Organizing and Training (60%)
- Develop and implement strategic power-building and organizing plans in collaboration with network staff and partners based on organizing strategies, campaign plans, and individual partner needs to help achieve the network’s short- and long-term goals.
- Drive network partner engagement, organizing, and technical assistance to develop and successfully implement organizing and training program plans.
- Develop, monitor, and manage the budget for civic engagement programs, including project goals and objectives, and ensure alignment with organizational goals and funding requirements.
- Manage the Network’s Grassroots Organizer (GRO) Circle and support developing and refining network partners’ organizing strategies, capacities, and skills.
- Sustain relationships with key allies and participate in coalition spaces to inform and advance campaigns, organizing, and power-building efforts.
- Coordinate data management to support base building and civic engagement programs and support partner data management needs, training, and technical assistance.
- Manage and support civic engagement tools and technology and provide training and technical support to network partners to utilize them successfully.
- Develop reports and conduct analysis to evaluate program performance, inform program and partner needs, and support funder reporting as needed.
- Team Coordination and Administration (40%)
- Recruit, develop, and manage a multidimensional team of organizing staff and data consultants, ensuring it has the skills to consistently deliver high-quality support to CBPN staff and network partners.
- Cultivate talent in the current team and identify skills gaps and hiring/contract needs, including performance planning and review, activity planning, and coaching.
- Monitor progress on tasks and deliverables, providing guidance and support to team members as needed to ensure successful completion.
- Facilitate structured and well-organized meetings that encourage collaboration and collective input, ensuring all team members have space to contribute and participate meaningfully.
- Develop and implement project plans that integrate efforts from different components, facilitating collaboration and resource sharing.
- Represent the network in external meetings and spaces relating directly to organizing training and coalition engagement.
Qualifications and Skills
- 5-7 years of experience developing and leading voter engagement, community/labor organizing, or social justice campaigns that increase community participation and voter turnout.
- Significant experience training grassroots leaders in at least one of the following forms of power: community and electoral organizing, advocacy, lobbying, narrative, and communications
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful strategic programmatic plans.
- Proven ability to lead and manage a small, diverse team, particularly in remote work environments.
- Skilled in managing phone banking and canvass programs, outreach teams, volunteer coordination, community mobilizations, and/or community events.
- Proven ability to create, implement, and oversee budgets for civic engagement programs, ensuring effective resource allocation and alignment with organizational objectives.
- Experience developing and leading training and convenings for various audiences in person and virtually.
- Knowledge and experience working with Black communities in California.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously, such as creating timelines, delegating tasks, and ensuring accountability within a collective framework.
- Proficiency in remote project management tools and strategies to ensure efficient workflow and coordination (e.g., Monday.com, Asana, ClickUp)
- Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated expertise in digital communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom, Slack, Google Workspace) to facilitate remote teamwork and maintain effective communication.
- Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and software relevant to remote work, enhancing productivity and collaboration.
- Excellent writing, verbal communication, presentation, and analytical skills.
Remote Work & Travel
- This position is mostly remote. Working hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, with occasional weekends for special events.
- CBPN provides staff with technology, including a laptop, hotspot, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It is strongly recommended that staff have high-speed internet at home.
- Candidates should be residents of California and able to travel within California for occasional in-person meetings and events.
General Requirements
- Valid driver’s license (with personal car insurance, a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration preferred).
- Must provide acceptable documents for proof of identity and employment authorization in the United States for Form I-9 no later than the first day of employment.
How to Apply
To apply, click here to complete a short application and upload your resume. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as BIPOC, women, and members of the LGBTQI community.
