Mahoning Valley Organizer

What We’re Looking For: Position Overview

IMPACT STATEMENT | How does this position advance our vision and mission?

Equality Ohio is looking for our next dynamic, passionate Field Team member who will expand our organizing footprint into the Mahoning Valley.

The Equality Ohio Field team currently maintains staff in the 3 C’s of Ohio: Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. We recognize that while these are logical locations to begin our work, there is a need for additional capacity to reach other regions of Ohio. At this time, the organizer in Cleveland manages relationships in the Mahoning Valley and has recognized the need for a dedicated organizer in that region to deepen and expand our work. 

The Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley has generously funded this position to foster deep regional collaboration to support a community needs assessment. The upcoming work of our partners at the Lake to River LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment makes this the perfect time to bring our work more fully into the Mahoning Valley. By collaborating with the Assessment and their efforts in the Mahoning Valley, we will leverage the relationships and data they will garner, allowing us to serve this region best. By bringing on a full-time organizer, the relationships cultivated during the execution of the assessment will be sustained and grown as opposed to being briefly utilized for a one-time project. In addition to the needs described in this application, the Mahoning Valley organizer would be able to grow relationships with other key regional stakeholders and partner organizations.

Position Details

SUPERVISOR | Executive Director

SALARY RANGE | $46,000-51,000

CLASSIFICATION | Non-Exempt / Bargaining Unit Position

LOCATION | Mahoning Valley (Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Portage, Stark, Geauga, or Ashtabula counties, or western PA bordering the region)

START DATE | November 2024

Bargaining Unit

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Chicago & Midwest Regional Joint Board of Workers United. Specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to negotiations for a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

DUTIES | What are this position's activities, responsibilities, and deliverables?

At Equality Ohio, a Field Organizer is responsible for grassroots organizing in their region, while also working closely with the entire Field Team to maximize the opportunities for collaboration across regions. A successful Mahoning Valley Organizer will:

• Build deeper relationships with regional organizations Equality Ohio is currently working with (e.g., Full Spectrum Community Outreach) and begin to build relationships with new individuals and organizations interested in LGBTQ+ equality (e.g., Student groups at Youngstown State). 
• Provide active educational opportunities for the region, create opportunities for a coalition, and be ready to respond to crises impacting the community.
• Hold relationships with local LGBTQ+ groups and individuals interested in equality and influential businesses, other community groups, and faith communities in their region. 
• Provide best practice information and statewide resources to local LGBTQ+ organizations and individuals.
• Educate about and engage local businesses, community groups, faith communities, and the general public in advancing LGBTQ+ equality in in the region and the state. 
• Help local organizers affect policy in their communities by teaching about local policy options, such as non-discrimination ordinances and other pro-LGBTQ+ policies.
• Identify, recruit volunteer participation for, and represent Equality Ohio in Pride celebrations and events in the region.
• Participate in and attend annual Equality Ohio organizing and fundraising events, such as our annual Advocates & Allies event. 
• Lead Equality Ohio’s partnership with the Lake to River LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment, including:
• Building a relationship with staff and partners engaged in the needs assessment.
• Assist in the assessment by identifying 50 key community partnerships in working groups across the 7 domains of health as identified by the assessment.
• Serve as Equality Ohio’s connection point for the assessment on an ongoing basis. 
• Curate anecdotal information in addition to the hard data from the assessment to inform Equality Ohio’s organizing strategies and priorities. 

• Shared Organization Responsibilities
• Upholding and advancing Equality Ohio’s vision, mission, and values. 
• Participation in internal staff meetings, including weekly TouchPoints, monthly staff meetings, equity trainings, and period retreats and strategic planning sessions
• Adapting to and utilizing internal communications and document retention protocols and platforms 
• Providing content and expertise to inform grant proposals and reports and funder communications as needed

Requirements

Who We’re Looking For: Qualifications, Skills, Profile, & Work Environment

QUALIFICATIONS | What backgrounds, skills, and experiences are we looking for?

Candidates are required to be/have:

• Unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ Ohioans
• Awareness of the issue priorities, policy battles, and experiences of LGBTQ+ Ohioans
• Based in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Portage, Stark, Geauga, or Ashtabula counties, or western PA bordering the region
• Experience and connections in the Mahoning Valley region
• 2+ years of professional or volunteer work in community organizing, volunteer recruitment, or electoral work
• Experience representing organizations, issues, or candidates in public spaces
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Be willing to travel and have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle with insurance
• Experience building relationships with individuals and organizations

We prefer but do not require the following qualifications and skills:

• Direct experience working at an LGBTQ+ or trans-focused movement organization
• An understanding that the process of changing hearts and minds is not overnight or immediate, which is a core element of our theory of change
• Familiarity with a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system and experience with Every Action in particular
• Spanish speaker

PROFILE | What are the characteristics of a successful candidate for this position?

Successful candidates should be/have:

• Committee to Equality Ohio’s vision, mission, and values, with a particular focus on racial justice.
• Passionate about LGBTQ+ equality broadly and grassroots organizing and community engagement work specifically.
• Collaborative team player with an appreciation for diverse approaches to the work.
• The flexibility, humor, and humility to thrive in a fast-paced hybrid remote and in-person environment.
• Interest in establishing a new position and building out programming in collaboration with myraid partners, organizations, and community stakeholders.
• An effective, healthy, and consistent communicator who shares Equality Ohio’s values of transparency, trust, accountability, and authenticity

Work Environment

Schedule

Equality Ohio’s regular business hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Non-exempt employees shall be permitted a 30-minute paid lunch each day. All employees shall be entitled to a fifteen (15) minute break for each four (4) hour period worked. The default regular work week shall consist of forty (40) hours per week.

Due to the nature of the work of Equality Ohio - and this position in particular -  employees may have to work weeknights and weekends. Employees may be permitted to balance time to equalize their workload and account for the flexibility needed to accomplish the abovementioned work. To provide opportunities for internal meetings, employees are generally expected to establish a schedule such that they are typically available for work meetings during the hours between 9:00am and 4:00pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, recognizing that circumstances may at times require a meeting to take place outside of this timeframe. As an organization, we expressly strive to limit the number of meetings on Fridays after 12:30 noon.

Travel

Candidates should be able to travel independently within their region, across the state, or into parts of Pennsylvania, sometimes overnight. Intra-region travel will be frequent, estimated at 3-5 events or meetings.  In-state travel outside of the region is estimated at approximately 2-3 per year for organizational events, staff retreats, etc. Out-of-state travel may occur up to three (3) times per year. 

Travel will be reimbursed or paid for directly per EO’s internal policies. Mileage is reimbursed at the standard IRS rate. Per diems are provided and vary based on in-state or out-of-state travel.  

Physical Demands

The nature of this position requires a mixture of physical activity and sedentary environments. Individuals must be able to lift physically and move equipment and materials, such as tables, tents, and boxes up to 50 lbs, set up, and be present at tables and/or booths to represent the organization at a wide array of community events. The tabling may be done seated, standing, or in combination. As this position requires attendance at indoor and outdoor events, there will likely be instances where the person encounters weather and outdoor elements, temperature fluctuations, enclosed spaces, and noisy environments.

Benefits

Salary & Benefits

•  $46,000-51,000
• Benefit Package
• Generous time off package, including paid vacation after six months of employment, 10 paid holidays, 15 days of paid organizational shutdown breaks, 2 weeks of paid sick leave per year, paid family and medical leave, and more.
• Health and vision insurance with minimal employee contribution ($100 per month + $100 per month for optional family coverage)
• Employee-paid dental insurance
• Paid Family Leave and sabbatical opportunities based on length of service 
• FSA with employer $25 per month contribution
• Employer-paid life insurance 
• Access to optional employee-paid insurance coverage, including long-term disability coverage.
• 403-B plan with employer matching
• Digital security services. 
• Multiple stipend opportunities, including Bring Your Own Device, cell phone, internet, and professional development stipends. 
• Access to a Bodily Autonomy Assistance Fund 

Equity Commitment

Studies have shown that women, non-binary folks, and People of Color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

People of color, LGBTQ+ people, and those with gender-expansive identities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Equality Ohio does not discriminate on any basis, including sex, age, class, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, ancestry, military status, genetic information, marital status, physical or mental ability or disability, race, religion, sexual orientation; access to public benefits and/or housing voucher assistance; other sources of income that do not conflict with the fundamental values or needs of the organization; veteran status; criminal record provided the past convictions do not impact funding, the organization’s values and mission, the employee’s ability to perform their core job duties, and licensing requirements; or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply

The deadline for Equality Ohio’s Mahoning Valley Organizer position applications is FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4TH at MIDNIGHT. 

Qualified candidates should apply this our online application process ONLY. All candidates must upload a resume, provide a cover letter, and answer screening questions related to their alignment with our vision, mission, values, and basic qualifications for the position. Applications that do not provide the required information will not be considered. No calls, please.