Grassroots Organizer - Chicago

All applications should be done directly on the Planned Parenthood of Illinois website:  https://jobs.lever.co/ppil/029ea9f7-ef0e-4b25-957d-a048f1d1f799?lever-origin=applied&lever-source%5B%5D=daybook.com

Or visit ppil.org/careers

The Grassroots Organizer for Chicago is responsible for recruiting new supporters, engaging activists and developing volunteer leaders who identify with and support Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA). The Grassroots Organizer will also execute grassroots outreach plans to further the programmatic goals of the organization. The ideal candidate is a high-energy, skilled organizer who thrives in a fast-paced work environment, learns quickly, can think on their feet, has a strong commitment to racial and gender equity, and a passion for social change.  A successful candidate will be a strong team player who can also work independently and a quick learner with a can-do attitude.  

Essential Functions

1. Based out of the Planned Parenthood Administrative Offices in Chicago.  

2. Responsible for forming and supporting teams of activists in targeted geographic areas who will become informed on local, state and national reproductive health issues, educate their community and elected officials on the importance of the issues and take other actions to further the public affairs goals of PPIL/PPIA.  

3. Conduct grassroots pro-Planned Parenthood organizing in legislative districts, on campuses, at public events, etc., as directed.

4. Ensure organizational base building goals are met; establish and meet goals for the number of new prospective supporters identified and added to our database.  

5. Assist in development and lead execution of plan for generating new contacts four outreach and engagement of supporters of the organization.

6. Assist with the overseeing of constituency grant programs.

7. Supervising staff tasked with carrying out constituency grant programs.

8. Keep activists informed of all local, state, and national legislation and public policies that effect PPIL.  

9. Develop and execute grassroots strategies to further the campaigns or PPIL/PPIA.  

10. Create and participate in opportunities to expand our reach, meet new potential supporters and generate new contacts to add to our base.  

11. Create and lead events and activities turning out supporters to ensure participation from our base.

12. Coordinate member to member campaigns to tap into the networks of our supporters.  

13. Assist with electoral activities, including running canvasses and phone banks, through PPIA and PPIA PAC, as directed. 

14. Work as a member of the Public Policy Department under the department’s work plan and direction.  

15. Through these activities demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to PPIL core values of access, activism, care, confidentiality, diversity, excellence, integrity, respect, self-determination, and stewardship; practice these values in relation with internal and external customers.  

16. Act as liaison and provide leadership and active participation in community coalitions and faith-based groups to broaden support for issues of concerns to Planned Parenthood of Illinois.

17. Increase PPIL and PPIA visibility in the Chicago area.  

18. Represent PPIL and PPIA to the community in a professional manner.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate and implement Planned Parenthood sponsored lobby days, rallies and advocacy activities.

2. Provide selection, supervision, on-going training, and feedback (including evaluations) to volunteers and interns.

3. Coordinate and attend volunteer meetings and grassroots volunteer activities.  

4. Ability to handle high-stress situations and to think as well as act flexibly and creatively in a high paced environment.

5. Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including at times long and irregular hours. Must have the ability to work remotely as needed.

6. Experience working in a multi-cultural environment, including communities of color, where commitment to diversity based on race, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation and physical ability is important to the institutional values.  

7. Working knowledge of the Voter Activation Network (VAN) systems as well as community organizing and leadership development is desirable.  

8. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:

The physical demand characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, read, see, and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to type, handle, or feel and reach. The employee is regularly required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

Supervisor:  Deputy Director, Advocacy and Campaigns 

Status: Full-time, exempt from the overtime provisions of the wage and salary guidelines

Grade: 10

Qualifications:  

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum three years in grassroots organizing, legislative, political, or constituent education required. Demonstrated ability to direct campaigns in sensitive political situations; successful experience in planning and implementing strategic legislative, electoral, or community support campaigns in pursuit of organizing goals. Significant past involvement in reproductive rights and health, or women’s rights, is preferred.  Preference will also be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish and English with good written and oral language skills.  

Ability to handle high-stress situations and to think as well as act flexibly and creatively in a high-paced environment; Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including at times, long and irregular hours. Must have the ability to work remotely as needed.

Experience working in a multi-cultural environment, including communities of color, where commitment to diversity based on race, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation/identity and physical ability is important to the institutional values.  

Working knowledge of the Voter Activation Network (VAN) systems as well as community organizing and leadership development is desirable.  

This position is based out of the Administrative Office. The majority of the time will be spent working remotely and in the community. This position requires traveling statewide, therefore a personal vehicle, a valid Illinois driver’s license, and auto insurance in accordance with agency liability standards is required.

Professional Qualities: A self-starter, with the ability to organize and maintain large amounts of diverse information with attention to detail. Must possess strong project management skills with a proven ability to initiate, plan, execute, and close projects while keeping the needs of the agency as the highest priority. Outstanding interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills and ability to manage internal and external stakeholder expectations. High-energy, skilled organizer who thrives in a fast-paced work environment, learns quickly, can think on their feet, and has a strong commitment to racial and gender equity, and a passion for social change.  

A commitment to the operating goals of Planned Parenthood is essential. Ability to function independently as a representative of Planned Parenthood while meeting the strategic goals outlined. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Power Point, is a necessity. Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule that may require some evenings and weekends. Ability and willingness to travel throughout Illinois and to work remotely if needed.

DIVERSE CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY 

Planned Parenthood works affirmatively to include diversity among its workforce and does not discriminate in the selection of its staff based on factors including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, income, marital status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. Planned Parenthood is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.