Overview
Maine People’s Alliance (MPA) is a community of Maine people, from all different backgrounds, who believe that we can live in a world where everyone has what they need, everyone contributes what they can, and nobody is left behind.
We are currently accepting applications for a full time Community Organizer, based in Penobscot County. MPA community organizers are responsible for helping the organization build a multi-racial, multi-class movement by recruiting new members, developing their leadership, and building a volunteer team that works to advance the priorities of the organization. Specific responsibilities include:
Doing weekly recruitment of new MPA members;
Developing local activities, trainings, and committees (that are aligned with similar activities and committees in other regions, and with organizational campaigns) to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for MPA members;
Identifying leadership potential in MPA volunteers, and developing work plans that provide opportunities for new skills and leadership growth;
Supporting a local leadership team that helps with recruitment, running committees, and developing new leaders; and
Leveraging social media (Twitter, Facebook) to enhance on-the-ground organizing efforts.
A qualified applicant should possess:
A commitment to social justice and building the power of regular people to make change;
An understanding of the challenges that Mainers face;
Demonstrated ability to build relationships of trust and mutual respect that move people into action;
Problem-solving perspective and ability to work well in teams;
Ability to navigate obstacles, set priorities, and move forward multiple projects; and
A willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and occasional weekends, and to travel statewide.
Experience that is helpful but not necessary:
Direct, lived experience with injustice (of any kind) that anchors a desire for progressive social change;
Experience in door-to-door organizing, or with building rapport with members of the public (on the street, over the phone, at their doors, in customer service, etc.)
Conversational Spanish, French, Arabic, or Somali;
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; and
At least one year of community organizing experience or community-building work.
This position is based out of our Bangor office and will report to MPA’s Organizing Director, Genevieve Lysen.
The role is part of the MPA staff union (see union contract here) and offers a competitive benefits package and a salary range of $36,000 – $55,000, depending on experience.
MPA is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to equity and inclusion. Core to our work is an understanding of the multiple ways in which society is constructed to disadvantage and marginalize people of color, LGBTQ people, immigrants, native peoples, women, low-income people, people with disabilities, and others. We believe that underrepresented and marginalized communities must be centered in the work we do and we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or from these communities.
About Maine People's Alliance
The mission of Maine People’s Alliance is to create a world where everyone has what they need, contributes what they can, and no one is left behind.
By forming community with people from all walks of life, we build power, inspire new leaders, heal divisions—particularly across lines of race—and win campaigns that change what is politically possible.
With more than 32,000 members across Maine, MPA is the state's largest community action organization.
Over the past three decades, MPA has worked to build a powerful statewide grassroots movement for progressive social change, serving as a leader in state campaigns for expanded health care access, toxics use reduction, affordable housing, universal home care, clean elections reform, racial justice, immigrant rights, a higher minimum wage and tax fairness, among others.
MPA is dedicated to providing Maine people with the tools, knowledge, skills and opportunity to become involved in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.