Community Organizer- Hybrid Schedule

Position Summary: The Community Organizer will lead Puente’s local initiatives in grassroots leadership development and community-led campaigns that will benefit and empower the lives of farmworkers and other essential workers residing in La Honda, Loma Mar, Pescadero and San Gregorio, under the supervision of the Community Engagement and Rural Public Policy Director. The Community Organizer identifies community concerns and priorities and provides advocacy assistance to develop community participants’ organizing and leadership skills. The Community Organizer will conduct outreach activities and coordinate listening sessions with community members, have daily contact with participants and spend significant time in the field as the bridge between Puente and farmworkers on the South Coast. This position requires occasional evenings and weekend availability.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

· Conduct comprehensive outreach activities for all of Community Engagement programs, including Housing Advocacy. This includes regularly visiting all farms, nurseries, and other shared housing units.

· Create outreach materials, such as flyers and pamphlets, and provide report and improvement plans for the Community Engagement programs.

· Coordinate leadership development trainings and educational presentations to increase leadership abilities and skills among local farmworkers.

· Organize and facilitate listening sessions and focus groups with community members to identify their concerns and priorities and solicit their feedback on a regular basis.

· Coordinate community organizing campaigns related to housing, immigration, public safety/criminal justice, voter engagement and other issues as identified by community members.

· Build internal and external collaborative partnerships and alliances with appropriate local farm and nursery owners and local, state-wide, and national community organizations whose missions are in aligned with Puente’s priorities.

· Work closely and collaboratively with staff in the Community Engagement and Rural Public Policy team to identify local policy issues affecting community members and strategize for concrete and effective action plans to address.

· Create and update a local farmworker count and housing maps within service area.

· Document, collect, and enter data in an accurate and timely manner, including all outreach efforts, meetings, activities and events with community participants and partner agencies.

· Travel in the South Coast, the county, and occasionally other parts of the state.

· Attend weekly team and all staff meetings as well as Puente-sponsored and other collaborative or relevant community events and meetings.

Qualifications:

· Commitment to Puente’s vision: The South Coast region is an inclusive and thriving community where people embrace diversity and equity.

· Bachelor’s degree in related field or relevant combination of education and experience.

· Experience in community organizing, public speaking, group facilitation and grassroots leadership development.

· Strong bilingual verbal and written communication skills in Spanish and English.

· Work collaboratively with other Puente colleagues in different programs and community members and partners.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

· Knowledge of the South Coast or experience working in a rural community is preferred.

Employment Conditions:

· Must possess current California Driver’s License and ability to drive to work-related functions in and around Southern San Mateo County.

· Must have the capacity to work extended hours as necessary for position, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Location and Covid-19 Remote Work Policy:

· This position is based out of Puente’s office in Pescadero.

· This position is hybrid model. Some weeks may require daily in-person work.

Job Type and Salary:

· This position is 32-40 hours full-time, non-exempt position.

· Pay range: $35.00 - $38.50 per hour.

About Puente (Since 1998, Pescadero, CA)

All individuals, families and communities have dreams for the future. At Puente, we believe that self-sufficiency is essential to turning those dreams into reality. Every day, we walk side-by-side with our South Coast neighbors to elevate our communities to build confidence for themselves. Because when people have equitable access to the local resources that support their dreams, they’re one step closer to realizing them.

Our Mission

Puente fosters wellness and prosperity in the San Mateo County South Coast communities of Pescadero, La Honda, Loma Mar, and San Gregorio by promoting and advocating for equitable access to education, health, and economic security.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35.00 - $38.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
All staff are required to follow Puente's COVID-19 vaccine policy. Staff is currently still following an indoor mask requirement.

Application Question(s):

• Have you submitted a cover letter? If not, please submit to be considered for this position.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish and English (Required)

Work Location: One location