Our vision is to create a healthy future for all people and generations to come—a world where everyone has food they can trust, clean drinking water and a livable climate. Making this happen requires involving people in the pressing issues of our time at the local, state, and federal level, building on one win after another, as we develop a larger movement that has the political power to make our democratic process work. We mobilize people to reclaim their political power, hold our elected officials accountable, and resist corporate control—ensuring we all have the essential resources we need to thrive. This is a fight we must win, because this planet is the only one we get.
We all need safe food and clean water.
Job Description:
Working with a broad coalition, Food & Water Watch is campaigning to strengthen oversight of factory farms in Oregon, and we seek a talented and strategic organizer to help take this work to the next level. The new organizer will work to strengthen existing partner and coalition relationships, engage in extensive outreach and public speaking to help build our presence in the state, and cultivate and work with family farmers and rural residents to strategically move this campaign work forward.
The organizer will support and help to implement coalition campaign work on factory farming issues to build widespread support for and advance meaningful reforms in state law and regulatory oversight of the factory farm industry. The new staff person will: 1) coordinate a statewide coalition focused on winning a moratorium on mega-dairies in Oregon; 2) help the organizing effort to stop the negative impacts of factory farming on family farms, the environment, and communities; and 3) build family farmer, local government, and other support for state action and expanded local control.
This is a full-time position starting when filled, and running for at least one year. The ideal candidate will be able to work remotely from a location within Oregon; statewide travel required.
Specific Responsibilities
Work closely with Food & Water Watch organizing staff.
Build a strong base of organizations and individuals in support of our campaigns.
Participate in coalitions on campaign issues.
Implement grassroots organizing and public education campaigns.
Implement strategic campaign plans through field organizing, online, and media strategies.
Travel to target areas to motivate local organizations and individuals through public speaking, media appearances, strategic planning and training, and meetings with state and local governments.
Coordinate events such as, but not limited to, panel discussions and film screenings.
Maintain familiarity with a diverse set of issues and research products, and respond to information requests from activists, coalition members, and media.
Develop educational materials such as factsheets, action alerts, web content, and newsletter articles on various campaign issues. Maintain social media presence for the coalition. Maintain activist database and email lists to effectively communicate to members and supporters.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education: College degree or equivalent experience required.
Experience: At least two years’ experience in advocacy on public policy issues, grassroots/field organizing and experience working or living in a rural community;
Knowledge of Oregon’s agricultural community; community organizing; advocacy techniques; factory farming issues; rural issues; working with the media. Knowledge of water and other environmental issues a plus.
Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal and planning; excellent organizational skills. Knowledge of online activism and email listservs.
Capabilities: Ability to think creatively and quickly to respond to and take advantage of breaking news; demonstrated leadership capability; ability to work well with a wide variety of people, navigate coalition dynamics effectively, and coordinate diverse tasks; ability to present technical concepts to a mass audience; can-do attitude and commitment to public interest work; work well under pressure, handle multiple tasks at once, and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis; high level of independent judgment.
Conditions: Strong interest in and commitment to promoting the goals of the Coalition. Long hours and extensive travel possible. Must be able to work from home.
Applicant must be legally eligible to work in the United States and must have and maintain a valid Oregon drivers’ license and clean driving record.
Compensation: Range based on Portland labor market; will vary based on location
Please include a resume, cover letter, writing sample and three references in one document. Position open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Food & Water Watch strives for a diverse work environment and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply. Click HERE to apply.