Community Organizer

About JPNDC: Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC) is a community development corporation anchored in 49 years of community organizing and resident leadership. We seek to transform the lives and amplify the voices of MA residents who have been excluded from prosperity by racial and economic inequities. We build affordable housing that allows people to thrive, provide economic prosperity services that help people build on their strengths, and organize people to pursue the changes they desire. Based in Jamaica Plain, we dare to envision an equitable and inclusive Massachusetts in which all people have access to secure affordable homes, economic prosperity for their families, strong small businesses, high-quality childcare, healthy and environmentally responsible neighborhoods, political power, and opportunities to fulfill their potential.

What We Offer: JPNDC offers an extensive benefits package! Up to 90% of individual insurance premiums are paid for health, vision, and dental insurance. We offer 2 weeks of vacation plus one paid week at the end of the year to start. There are 14 paid holidays recognized per year, employer-paid life & disability insurance, a vested 403b retirement plan, and much more! Employees have options to explore professional development and seek college credits or comparable training certifications using our robust tuition assistance benefit.

The Role: The Community Organizer reports to the Director of Community Organizing and is part of the Resource Development & Impact (RDI) team. The Community Organizer will provide organizing support, working with JPNDC residents and public housing residents to help organize campaigns to improve their quality of life and build power for JPNDC constituents in the neighborhood. The Community Organizer will support work related to resident satisfaction, leadership development, advocacy, community engagement, participation in upcoming development engagement processes, and help to integrate organizing into all aspects of JPNDC alongside the RDI team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide community-organizing support to residents at JPNDC Pitts Apartments in Roxbury and Dorchester and JPNDC residential housing in Jamaica Plain
• Support the Director of Community Organizing in developing infrastructure, relationship building, and resident engagement for the creation and maintenance of a neighborhood association in Jackson Square
• Promote leadership development and resident engagement at JPNDC properties through participatory techniques such one-on-one's, strategy meetings, leadership trainings, and community building activities
• In coordination with other departments at JPNDC, help build partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders to provide services, organize community activities and bring new opportunities for residents at JPNDC properties
• Support community planning and advocacy efforts for the creation of new affordable housing in the city and preservation of existing affordable housing
• Conduct outreach to the community to inform residents about housing and economic development projects; connect them to jobs, education, and other opportunities offered by JPNDC and other organizations
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers to support the Organizing Department activities and the JPNDC Board Organizing Committee
• Support public policy advocacy related to JPNDC's priorities; support organizational partnership collaboration and events such as Legislative Breakfasts, MACDC Lobby Day, and the Annual Meeting
• Support other activities for the department and JPNDC-wide activities
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Community Development, Social Work, Public Policy, Public Health, Urban Planning plus one year of experience, or a related field or 2-4 years of experience in community organizing, human services, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in community organizing, advocacy, or related work, preferably with low-income or public housing communities.
• Experience in leadership development, community engagement, and participatory organizing methods or willing to learn.
• Strong understanding of housing, economic development, violence prevention, and social equity issues in urban communities.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including residents, nonprofit organizations, and local government agencies.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; ability to build trust and inspire engagement.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to JPNDC's mission of racial and economic equity and resident empowerment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Adobe, and basic data tracking/reporting tools.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate community events and meetings.

Skills

• Community engagement and relationship-building with diverse populations
• Campaign planning, advocacy, and public policy coordination
• Facilitation of workshops, meetings, and training sessions
• Event planning and coordination for community and organizational activities
• Data collection, reporting, and tracking for program evaluation
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution
• Cultural humility and commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racism

This is a full-time, salaried position with an annual salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 and a full benefits package.

JPNDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer