Job Title: Community Organizer
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Location: New York City
Urgent Hire
Salary: $40,000 - $45,000
Summary:
The Yemeni American Merchants Association (YAMA) is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to supporting Yemeni-American merchants their families and the diverse communities across New York City. Our mission is to empower our communities through education, capacity building, advocacy, and networking. YAMA’s programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of a growing Yemeni immigrant population, providing services such as ESL classes, case management, immigration legal services, and civic engagement initiatives.
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Community Organizer to be the boots on the ground for our local small businesses. This role is crucial in building and mobilizing grassroots power to advance the rights and interests of Yemeni-American merchants , small businesses and their communities. The Community Organizer will work directly with merchants, community members, and key stakeholders to foster leadership, drive collective action, and create meaningful change in the neighborhoods we serve.
Job Description:
The Community Organizer plays a pivotal role in identifying community needs and trends, mobilizing local merchants, and driving long-term improvements in their businesses and communities through collective action. This role is responsible for recruiting and organizing members, fostering grassroots leadership, and maintaining active local efforts. The Community Organizer will design and implement effective community programs, engage in advocacy efforts, and serve as a representative of YAMA at external events and coalitions.
Key Responsibilities:
Community Organizing & Advocacy:
- Design, develop, and implement community organizing programs that support social and racial justice, leadership development, and civic engagement within Muslim, Arab, and Yemeni immigrant communities.
- Coordinate and conduct educational presentations on immigration and racial injustices.
- Collaborate with our intake team to advocate for individual clients with Congressional and Senate offices.
- Represent YAMA at stakeholder meetings, rallies, coalitions, and other external events.
- Organize and participate in town halls, candidate forums, and community events to engage and educate the community.
- Advocate for community issues by providing public testimony to city and state agencies, civic committees, and neighborhood groups.
- Cultivate and mentor existing and emerging youth leaders and organizers within the community.
Digital Organizing:
- Expand and strengthen YAMA’s supporter base through digital platforms, including social media, texting, and online advertising.
- Engage with potential supporters, guide them through a ladder of engagement, and deepen their leadership involvement.
- Create engaging social media content, manage online communities, and explore new digital tools for organizing.
- Design compelling graphics and videos for social media, online ads, and email campaigns.
- Manage data and tracking systems
Base Building & Partnerships:
- Build strategic partnerships with organizations focused on immigrant rights, racial and social justice, and community empowerment.
- Facilitate and participate in local, statewide, and national coalitions, ensuring collaboration among diverse groups.
- Educate and collaborate with public and elected officials on issue-based campaigns to amplify the voice of the immigrant community.
- Engage community members in voter registration and other civic participation efforts.
Other Responsibilities:
- Perform additional duties as required to support the overall work of YAMA.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, or a related field, with at least one year of relevant work experience.
- Strong public speaking, writing, and analytical skills.
- Deep commitment to community and social justice issues.
- Strong relational skills, with the ability to connect with, engage, and inspire community members.
- Strategic and analytical thinking skills related to issues impacting immigrant communities.
- Commitment to grassroots organizing, leadership development, and collective decision-making.
- Proficient in computer skills, with experience in internet applications, email, social networking systems, mobile platforms, and web applications.
- Experience in graphic design, video editing, and HTML/CSS
- Familiarity with CMS and CRM systems
- Strong understanding of digital media and online organizing.
- Ability to track and analyze metrics related to online actions and fundraising.
- Self-disciplined and capable of working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Experience in organizing within immigrant communities, communities of color, or related fields such as political or union organizing.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary range of $40,000 to $45,000, based on experience.