Education and Economic Focus -- Deadline to apply is July 1.

The Panel is seeking a community organizer to help rural Arkansas communities improve their schools, create more economic opportunities locally, and impact policies on the state level. 

The Panel organizes community groups across Arkansas, supports them to improve their local communities and links them with one another in coalitions and networks.  The Panel supports The Arkansas Citizens First Congress, a statewide, multi-issue and non-partisan coalition of over 40 community organizations who work together to win progressive changes in state policy. 

This position will report to the Lead Education Organizer and has the following objectives:

Develop sustainable infrastructure:                        

·      Organize new and assist existing grassroots groups with local, regional and state planning committees focused on education reform and economic development in key communities statewide

·      Work with the Education Organizer and Organizing Team to develop strategies that build and strengthen education and economic committees within the existing network of Panel community groups

·      Assist committees in developing strategic plans and provide necessary support for implementing plans

·      Assist community members in learning more about education and economic issues they are concerned about

·      Build group and leader skills and capacity

Outreach:           

·      Reach out to residents in communities, learn more about their concerns and encourage them to define and advocate for education and economic goals at the local, regional and statewide levels

·      Inform grassroots communities about education and economic issues

·      Maintain regular contact with local groups and provide appropriate support for group activities

·      Assist with meeting preparations, scheduling, coordinating activities and events, travel arrangements and general coordination of the outreach work plan.

·      Building Networks and Coalitions:

·      Build participation in the statewide coalition Arkansas Citizens First Congress

·      Strengthen communication and collaboration among existing community groups in the Panel network

·      Strengthen education and economic caucuses of Arkansas Citizens First Congress

Other:

·      Assist with fundraising for projects as required

·      Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Required experience and skills:

·      Some experience in community organizing is helpful, team building and group dynamics

·      Openness to learning new strategies

·      Strong written and verbal communication

·      Work well with people in various community, institutional and governmental organizations

·      Cultural competency to work with residents from diverse backgrounds across boundaries of class, race and issue

·      Able to work 50+ hours / week and flexible schedule that includes nights and weekends

·      Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

·      Work well in a team-oriented environment and maintain harmonious relationships

·      Some knowledge of the Arkansas political and policy process

·      Education and economic policy experience

·      Strong computer skills

·      Reliable transportation and willingness to travel statewide

·      English and Spanish proficiency a plus

Personal Qualifications:

·      Commitment to developing leaders and community group strength

·      Strong commitment to social change through community empowerment

Compensation and benefits:

·      Competitive salary + excellent benefits including health insurance, vacation and retirement

Send a resume and cover letter to:

Ana Phakhin, Education and Economic Organizer, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

About the Arkansas Public Policy Panel:

·    Our Values: Social and economic justice is our highest value. This value is advanced through respect for human dignity; embracing diversity and inclusiveness; empowerment; and a political process that is inclusive, fair and transparent.

·    Our Mission: Arkansas Public Policy Panel is a statewide organization organizing citizen groups around the state, educating and supporting them to be more effective and powerful, and linking them with one another in coalitions and networks.  The Panel seeks to bring balance to the public policy process in Arkansas.

·    Our Operating Principals: High performance; collaboration and teamwork; recognition and reward; mutual respect; confronting oppression through alternative models; supportive of professional and personal development; personal responsibility and mutual accountability; creating a learning organization; fostering personal and organizational health; and creativity.

Download VISTA Community Organizer Job Description»