Job Opening at District 1

JOB OPENING for Community Organizer (Youth Focus)

The District 1 Community Council is the officially recognized neighborhood planning organization for the Eastview, Conway, Battle Creek and Highwood Hills neighborhoods of southeast Saint Paul. Our mission is to build a more vibrant and welcoming community by working with those who live and work in our four neighborhoods, and to do so in partnership with government and other nonprofit organizations.

Location and Setting: Our office is in the Sun Ray Shopping Center in planning district #1 for the City of Saint Paul. We are located at 2105 ½ Old Hudson Road, Saint Paul, MN 55119. We share space with the Saint Paul Police Storefront at the shopping center. The district is undergoing rapid demographic change with increasing populations of African American, African immigrant, Hmong and Latino residents, and a white population that is 45% of the total (and declining). We have proportionately greater numbers of youth and elders than the city as a whole. We have a geographically restricted business community dominated by franchises, and we have many large parks.

Description: This job is a part-time position at 35 hours/week for one year, with potential for extension. The work week runs Tuesday through Saturday with evening hours on Wednesday and Thursday, and morning/afternoon hours on Saturday. Our staff consists of two people, both working part-time. The job involves community building through work with youth and their families, and includes organizing an annual community-wide event. The position also involves work with the Youth Task Force of the District 1 Board, the Young Mentors’ Group and with the Youth Council, as well as with partner organizations and community groups. This is an organizing, not an advocacy position. General office coverage and shared office tasks are also involved. The job provides holidays, paid time off, and FICA but no overtime, health or retirement benefits. The rate of pay is $15.00/hour.

Required Job Skills:

At least one year experience with community organizing (in a paid or volunteer position), preferably with youth

Ability to work both independently and on collaborative teams

Ability to work with youth and families from a variety of cultures and backgrounds

Strong communication skills, both written and oral

Strong time management skills

Attention to detail

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to think creatively and make adjustments to work “on the fly”

Willingness to coordinate large events

Understanding of the non-profit setting

Strong sense of ethics

Commitment to principles of equity, openness and collaboration

Willingness to pitch in where help is needed.

Desired but not required Job Skills:

Some college background

Fluency in more than one language

Experience working with and managing volunteers

Experience with event planning

Application Process:

Send a letter of interest highlighting how you meet the job requirements, along with a resume and two references, to:

            Personnel Committee

            District 1 Community Council

            2105 ½ Old Hudson Rd.

            Saint Paul, MN 55119

Deadline for Applications: November 21, 2014

Expected Start Date: January 2, 2015

Applications will be reviewed by the Personnel Committee followed by interviews in mid- December.

For more information or questions about the process contact Betsy Leach, Executive Director, at 651-578-7600