Working Partnerships USA

Organizing Director

Based in San Jose, CA

 

WORKING PARTNERSHIPS USA 
Working Partnerships USA is a community organization bringing together the power of grassroots organizing and public policy innovation to drive the movement for a just economy. We build the capacity of workers, low-income neighborhoods, and communities of color to lead and govern. Based in Silicon Valley, we tackle the root causes of inequality and poverty by leading collaborative campaigns for quality jobs, healthy communities, equitable growth, and a democracy that works for all. We are co-founders of Silicon Valley Rising which is fighting to inspire the tech industry to build an inclusive, middle class. 

For 30 years, Working Partnerships USA has been at the forefront of the national movement for a just economy driven by the power of working people.

POSITION SUMMARY 
The Organizing Director will be responsible for the development and implementation of our power and base-building strategies to advance Working Partnerships USA's long-term agenda. The Organizing Director must embrace and champion WPUSA’s values, believing in the importance of worker power, AI guardrails, vibrant democracy, free and fair elections, and housing justice. The Organizing Director will drive issue and advocacy campaigns; develop, align, and execute our grassroots organizing; and design the progression and development of an emerging leadership pipeline. This role reports to the Executive Director, works in close partnership with the Deputy Director and Chief of Staff, and manages a team of direct reports. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Development and Implementation of Organizing Model 

• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive grassroots Organizing Model that grows our base and cultivates, empowers, and develops an emergent leadership pipeline to carry out our agenda.
• Devise and execute strategies to actively grow our membership base and deepen our long term power in the region. 
• Align existing programs and campaigns with the organization's overarching model and strategic goals.
• Organize and facilitate internal program and staff meetings, and monthly membership meetings.
• Manage the content and efficacy of training sessions for organizers and community leaders.
• Identify and leverage synergies between Working Partnerships USA's program initiatives and organizing efforts to harness and maximize the support of volunteers and supporters. 
• Experiment with new creative strategies and tactics, while sharpening and adapting existing strategies to meet the emergent needs of the moment.

Drive Campaigns to Shift Power 

• Set the strategic direction for our campaign work on housing justice, good jobs, corporate accountability, and the responsible use of public dollars — translating a long-term agenda into winnable, sequenced campaigns. 
• Drive internal process and procedural improvements that make our campaign work sharper, faster, and more effective. 
• Build alliances with external organizations, unions, and coalition partners to expand our collective power and influence.
• Develop and execute short and long-term organizing and campaign strategies and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Use data to inform the stages of campaign planning - from identifying targets to measuring the base we are building. 
• Lead community meetings, public events, demonstrations, and mobilizations that turn civic engagement into real accountability for those who hold power.

Organizational and Team Leadership 

• Actively participate in the organizational leadership, working closely with the Deputy Director, Chief of Staff, Managing Director and other directors to shape and advance the organization's goals and initiatives.
• Hire, coach, and develop a high-performing organizing team, overseeing performance management and supporting staff in building strong individual and collective work plans.
• Partner with the Communications Team to build a digital organizing strategy that extends our organizing model’s reach. 
• Maintain high team morale and nurture a sense of team agency, support the leadership of the lead organizer, and encourage the growth of the base building team through stretch goals, consistent feedback, group deliberation and debriefing, and long term goal-setting based on shared values. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS 
Knowledge (areas of specialty or expertise):

• Demonstrated background in strategic campaign management.
• Previous experience in gig worker advocacy, housing advocacy, or other equity initiatives is a significant plus. 
• Experience with digital organizing is a plus but not required. 

Skills (abilities needed to execute the job duties):

• Strong project management and organization skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Evidence of successful project management and people management. 
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive work experience managing, strategizing, and organizing union, labor, and/or community grassroots campaigns.
• 5+ years of management experience, including a demonstrated track record of adopting people-centered approach to supervising full-time, direct reports.
• Proven ability to transform ideas into actionable plans, translating vision into concrete strategies and steps.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on collaboration and relationship-building.
• Spanish fluency is preferred but not required. 
• Some travel is required, primarily within the greater Bay Area region, but sometimes beyond. 
• Demonstrated commitment to racial and social justice, showcasing a deep understanding of and passion for advancing equity.
• A strong connection to and network within San Jose is highly desirable, but not required. 
• Strong work ethic, project management skills, and personal commitment to excellence.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements listed are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit, bend, and reach with hands and arms.
• Lift approximately 20-25 lbs. on occasion.
• Stand and move throughout the office.
• Have consistent and reliable attendance.
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Work under pressure with changing, ambiguous priorities.
• Communicate effectively and promptly to clients or employees of the organization.
• Climb stairs and steps.
• High level of manual dexterity to adeptly type and use computer equipment.
• Auditory and visual skills 
• Follow written and oral instructions and procedures.

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION 
This position is based in San Jose, California. This role has a hybrid work schedule, with in-person work estimated at least 2 to 3 days per week, primarily in the field. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, which may include required work some evenings and Saturdays. 

The estimated annual salary for this position is between $120,000 – $150,000, with commensurate qualifications and experience. Working Partnerships USA also offers robust benefits including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance, including access to acupuncture and chiropractic services via Kaiser/Sutter Health, Delta, VSP, and Landmark respectively
• 10 days of annual paid vacation, which increases with tenure, and 15 paid holidays 
• 12 days of annual sick leave
• 401(k) with 7% employer contributions after your first 6 months of employment

How to Apply
To apply, please click on the link which will direct you to our company website where you can submit your application The position will be open until filled and starts immediately.

Working Partnerships USA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Partnerships USA is also an affirmative action employer. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and all qualified candidates to apply. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and make special efforts to recruit individuals from groups that have been historically underrepresented in professional environments or have experienced broader societal discrimination.