The Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE) is the most powerful professional association for educators in our state and an affiliate of the National Education Association. We are dedicated to improving the teaching profession and strengthening Mississippi’s public schools. We are guided by the vision of providing a great public school for every child. We exist to support, protect, and strengthen those who nurture Mississippi’s children.
As the Statewide Organizing Specialist at MAE, you will be an integral part of our effort to organize educators and community members in specific districts across the state. In executing the role and responsibilities of the position, you will work closely with MAE staff and local leaders to uplift educator voice and educator-parent partnerships as part of the local associations’ strategic field initiatives, organizational and program development, and internal leadership development. In partnership with local leaders, you will organize in the areas of educator quality, school system capacity, and public, parental, and business support for public education. A successful candidate must be able to effectively execute organizing conversations focused on MAE’s vision and mission, document and track organizing data, and deliver leadership development trainings. Additionally, you will support members, potential members, and community stakeholders in using social media, websites, and other communication vehicles to reach our intended audiences.
Job Responsibilities
- Execute and track organizing one-to-one conversations with potential members, members, and public education stakeholders to increase member recruitment and engagement
- Implement strategic field initiatives, including school/work site visits, organizing committee meetings, Association Representative trainings, phonebanks, and community canvassing
- Work with association leadership to organize and facilitate workshops, meetings, rallies, actions, events, and campaigns
- Track, document, and analyze worksite-level membership, engagement, and issue data to inform the implementation of organizing strategies and tactics
- Support the use of social media, websites, and other internal and external communication mediums to reach organizing stakeholders
- Assist in drafting internal and external communications and other organizing documents
- Perform other organizing duties as assigned by the Executive Director or their designee
Job Requirements
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills
- Demonstrated skill in working both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Commitment to ongoing learning through independent study and openness to new ideas and methods
- Ability to be flexible - shifting priorities/resources with a positive attitude
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Availability to work evenings and weekends
- Experience and demonstrated effectiveness in advocacy and issue organizing
- Proven expertise in adult learning and leader/member training with an acute ability to recruit and motivate volunteers
- Ability to work well with people from varied backgrounds and positions. (i.e., members, community, administrators, superintendents, and school boards)
- Comfortable with the use and implementation of technology to engage members
- Demonstrated experience in organizing and leadership identification and development, including skills in utilizing data for targeting organizing campaigns and experience with organizing conversations, assessments, and moving people to action
- Experience as an effective trainer and organizer in membership, leadership development, professional issues, and political issues
- Experience in community relations and community coalition building
- Pre-K-12 public education experience preferred
A strong candidate will possess the following characteristics and personal strengths:
- Self-starter
- Strong work ethic
- Strong personal and professional characteristics such as flexibility, integrity, time management, assertiveness, decisiveness, and a sense of responsibility
- Ability to work effectively in an environment with limited supervision and to be an effective team player
- Proven ability to use good judgment in decision-making
- Dependable and committed advocate for all association members and their needs as public education employees
- Ability to anticipate organizing opportunities and future organizational trends
- Committed and able to drive long distances
- Proven people skills, a sense of humor, and a “can do” attitude
Additional Information:
This position will be a one-year, salaried position beginning on the hire date. A second-year contract is contingent on the successful execution of the job responsibilities and approval of additional NEA funding. The base salary range for the position is $45,000-$50,000 with the salary offer incorporating the chosen candidate’s work history and relevant professional experience. A range of fringe benefits includes retirement, dental, vision care, life insurance, 401K option, paid sick leave, and paid vacation.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter to Allice Lattimore at [email protected] under the subject “MAE Organizer Application.” This position will be open until filled.
No phone calls, please.
MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Consistent with the MAE Affirmative Action Plan, minority, female, and physically challenged applicants are encouraged to apply.
