FULL TIME with benefits

The Housing Justice Organizer will hold the Communities United seat at the table with our partners with Renters Rising, Baltimore Renters’ United and Renters United Maryland. 

Please apply if you have: 

• Organizing experience (labor, community, issue campaign or election related) preferred;
• A commitment to social, racial and economic justice and the power of grassroots community organizing to achieve it;
• Comfort and confidence working with individuals in recovery or who use drugs, ex-offenders, communities of color, those engaged in sexwork, and other low-wage workers;
• Ability to be a team player and work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment;
• Self-motivation - proven ability to work independently;
• Patience and ability to work well with diverse groups and populations;
• Desire to learn, grow and scale up the movement

Job Description
Job Title: Housing Justice Organizer
Location: Baltimore City & County
Reports To: Executive Director

Primary responsibilities (70%):

1. Through outreach and organizing build the relationships needed to develop a diverse group of impacted individuals into the housing justice campaign
2. Meet with and learn the Maryland State legislative process and current legislative landscape from research and our paid lobbyist
3. Pass practical knowledge of legislative processes to rising leaders
4. Prepare and support leaders to build out their own network of organized housing justice self-advocates to communicate effectively about legislation and initiatives to rectify the harm of a profit driven housing market: speaking publicly including to the media, on social media and in regular email correspondences.
5. Identify, pursue, track/document, follow-up and stay engaged with residents, including recruiting volunteers to help with phone banking and street outreach
6. Participate respectfully, responsibly and professionally in coalition partnerships with other organizational partners.

This organizer will need to be able to take responsibility and coordinate all logistics (location, time, food, transportation and details), lead and recruit volunteers and partners to run program activities.

Organizer Outcomes for 2023:

• Make on-going new contacts with tenants of corporate landlords
• Maintain and update 2000 existing contacts already in our database
• Build relationships and leadership among 80 persons identified as interested in housing organizing
• Build the leadership capacity of 5 current rising leaders and recruit 5 new ones.
• Attend and report on meetings with CU housing organizational partners from across the country, state and city.
• Mobilize 20 interested individuals to attend online monthly meetings
• Write and/or compile a quarterly newsletter to keep members informed and involved about actions, events and progress
• Hold 4 quarterly meetings or events that actively engage contacts and leaders.
• Follow local, state and national media and legislation relevant to organizing for housing justice.

General Organizing Responsibilities (30% of time): 

1. Recruit new members to Communities United.
2. Take leadership at Communities United and coalition partners’ meetings and other events, including participating in strategizing, planning and executing.
3. Maintain an active and interactive presence on social media.
4. Communicate campaign messages clearly, both verbally and in writing.
5. Exercise strategic judgment and problem-solving skills.
6. Organize self and materials in order to meet responsibilities.
7. Pitch in and work with a diverse team of staff, members and volunteers.
8. Work independently within a plan with deliverables while being accountable to a team.

Primary Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent organizational skills – good attention to detail and well organized;
• Dedication and ability to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends;
• Spanish/English bilingual a plus;
• Possession of valid driver's license and dependable vehicle required.

Salary & Benefits

• $18-22/hr (room for negotiation with experienced applicants) 
• Cell-phone reimbursement
• Employer Paid Health-care benefits
• Paid Time Off

​Application Process:
Communities United is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, origin,  sex, orientation, gender, or disability. Apply by sending an email of inquiry or cover letter and resume to: [email protected] with the subject line “Housing Organizer Application” or complete this online application.