Organizing Specialist
Providence, Rhode Island
Public Policy Advocacy & Organizing (PPAO) /
Full Time /
Hybrid
We are Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, the largest and most trusted providers of reproductive health care. We are recognized for the wide array of services we provide, the outstanding sexual health education we deliver, and our strong commitment to social justice. Working for Planned Parenthood is more than a job; it’s being a part of a powerful movement. Together, we’ll take pride in shaping the future of sexual health and reproductive rights for all people. Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island (PPV!RI) is the advocacy and political arm of PPSNE in Rhode Island; PPV!RI engages in educational, advocacy and electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education. As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPV!RI supports legislation and policies that ensure all people have access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care and education.
POSITION SUMMARY:
In support of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England’s mission, the Organizing Specialist is the point person for building a powerful movement, supporting and expanding volunteer programs, and executing local, statewide, and national reproductive rights campaigns in Rhode Island. They are responsible for coordinating efforts by PPSNE to develop and maintain grassroots support networks throughout the state. They implement new and innovative ways to inform the publica bout political issues affecting reproductive health, rights and access in our state and nationally, and coordinates efforts by which the public can actively participate in the advocacy of these issues.
Under the supervision of the Director, Organizing and Campaigns, the Organizing Specialist will also provide key support to Planned Parenthood Votes! RI, the 501-c-4 advocacy arm of PPSNE, including oversee the Planned Parenthood Generation Action youth organizing program, public policy and electoral goals through volunteer activities in targeted electoral and issue-based campaigns. They will develop, implement, and manage a network of advocates responsible for implementing organizing and engagement plans developed in collaboration with the Public Policy, Advocacy and Organizing (PPAO) team to support local, state, and national Youth Organizing initiatives. Duties may include organizing volunteers for local voter engagement, door-to-door canvassing, phone and text banks and other activities relating to issue-based campaigns and the election cycle. The Organizing Specialist will work with the PPAO team to create and execute events to recruit new activists including storytellers and patient advocates and support leadership development and training for them.
The ideal candidate for this position will be results-driven self-starter who is familiar with Rhode Island and understands the major community players working on the ground.
Essential Functions
- In collaboration with the Director, Organizing and Campaigns they will provide on-the-ground support for existing volunteers, cooperation and collaboration with community organizations and leaders, and active participation in community events to build our supporter base and grow the movement necessary to achieve our mission; all while understanding the multiple priorities Planned Parenthood faces.
- The Organizing Specialist will:
- Develop leadership among young people, through Planned Parenthood Generation Action program, and maintain allied student organizations at local colleges/universities.
- Build organizing and leadership capacity through a strong volunteer base and cultivate volunteer community leaders through direct community outreach, grassroots field work, voter contact, and leadership development programs.
- Recruit, train, support, and mobilize activists in a range of communities, including youth, Black, Latine, AANHPI, and LGBTQ+ communities, on local, state and national reproductive health issues.
- In collaboration with the Director, Organizing and Campaigns support local, statewide, and national reproductive rights campaigns in Rhode Island
- Supports the Healthy Neighborhood Canvassing, including recruiting and training volunteers to talk to neighbors to educate them about the services at Planned Parenthood
- Supports engagement and training of volunteers including but not limited to Health Center Advocacy Program and monthly volunteer nights.
- Supports campaigns to advance state and federal policy initiatives and state candidates.
- Cultivate relationships with Planned Parenthood supporters, community organizations, and additional stakeholders to ensure effective long-term engagement and power building.
- Create a metrics-driven reporting system to ensure organizing goals are met and reflected in the data reports pulled by both affiliate and national staff.
- In collaboration with the Director, Organizing and Campaigns support and integrate digital organizing activities in all campaigns including Every Action email alerts, and Hustle campaigns and collaborate with Communications and Brand Marketing team for appropriate messages.
- Collaborate with PPSNE health centers, Education and Training team, and Development team for interdepartmental knowledge sharing and development of best practices.
- Contribute to elevating Planned Parenthood’s organizing work in the media through earned media and social media.
- Perform administrative duties, including data entry and completion and submittal of paperwork, including organizing reports, in a timely fashion.
Key Requirements
- Passionate commitment to the mission, vision and values of PPSNE and demonstrated commitment to social justice and reproductive health, rights and justice.
- Depth of understanding of organizational culture and leadership development
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- Strong organizational skills required. Project management experience preferred.
- Must possess the ability to work with changing priorities and simultaneously handle multiple projects
- Requires at least one (1) to two (2) years of related and/or applicable organizing experience on political or social issues and a proven ability to motivate, train, and develop other leaders, especially volunteers.
- Demonstrates well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with diverse groups and gain trust and spark interest among community residents, and the ability to successfully relate to and motivate volunteers.
- Relevant experience working with diverse communities, including youth, Black, Latino/a/e or LGBTQ+ communities, around issue, policy and/or electoral organizing, campaigns and initiatives and an extensive knowledge of diversity and inclusion preferred.
- Interested in and Committed to Equity: you are interested in expanding your analysis and knowledge about the role that inequity plays in our society, and are committed to building and/or deepening your commitment to equity in your work.
- Self-awareness as it relates to racial and other identities: Is aware of multiple group identities and their dynamics, and brings a high level of self-awareness, empathy, and humility to interpersonal interactions.
- Authentic relationship building: Interacts effectively and builds trust with a diversity of people and has demonstrated an ability to effectively work across difference. Communicates clearly and directly, continually able to hear, reflect, and act on feedback related identity and equity with the aim to learn.
- Bilingual fluency (Spanish /English) is preferred
$43,322 - $72,204 a year
Salary Range; Min $43,322 Mid $57,763 Max $72,204 and is based on full years of experience.
*Due to our commitment to pay equity, PPSNE does not negotiate salaries
PPSNE is committed to equal opportunity in all areas of its operations, including patient care and employment. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetics, veteran status, or any other protected category. Discrimination and retaliation are strictly prohibited.
PPSNE offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes; Health, dental and vision insurance, paid parental leave, retirement savings, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off, a flexible spending account, wellness program and more.
