Community Organizer - Latin United Community Housing Association

LATIN UNITED COMMUNITY HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Community Organizer (Full-time)

Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) develops decent and affordable housing for low income residents and provides housing services for the residents of Humboldt Park, West Town, and Logan Square. LUCHA is a community based development organization that is committed to the stabilization of these communities. This requires the active participation of local residents, local leaders, and local stakeholders in the planning, advocacy and development of the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Organize community residents and local stakeholders to advocate for affordable housing for low-income residents and other related issues;
2. Work with community leaders to advocate for resources that ensure successful community controlled and sustainable development;
3. Work with community residents to develop goals and strategies to stop community displacement as well as to build, strengthen, and improve communities;
4. Organize and facilitate community planning meetings, leadership development trainings, and presentations to empower local residents and leaders.’
5. Work with Building Development staff and Organizing team to develop work plans, research needs, and effective planning agendas that meet LUCHA’s housing development goals;
6. Develop formatted and community friendly written materials for community distribution;
7. Publish a quarterly LUCHA newsletter, write and edit articles to promote LUCHA’s work in the community; and
8. Supervise and evaluate LUCHA Organizing Program interns;

Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of word processing, publisher, spreadsheet, power point and data-base software, fluency in English and Spanish both written and oral, excellent listening, presentation, and facilitation skills needed. Candidate must be able to perform basic research and should have strong interpersonal skills.

HOURS: Must have a flexible schedule. Generally 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and some evenings and weekends.

SALARY RANGE: $30,000-35,000 per year.

BENEFITS: Life, Health and dental insurance, two week paid vacation, Holidays, and 401(K) retirement plan. LUCHA also provides extensive training to all staff and volunteers to achieve empowerment

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be self-starters, self-motivated and effective team players. Applicants should be able to participate in a team-centered process for the development of goals, strategy, tactics and evaluation implementation. Must respect and embrace diversity, and see community residents as the main advocates in the redevelopment of the community. Should have 1-3 years organizing experience and be willing to work flexible hours. Some college preferred.

OTHER CRITERIA: As a community-controlled organization, LUCHA strongly believes in affirmative action and equal opportunity employment. Therefore, residents of West Town, Humboldt Park and Logan Square, people of color, women, bilingual candidates (English and Spanish), and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Must have access to a car and valid driver’s license.

Interested applicants must submit cover letter and resume via email or mail by September 1st to:
Raul Islas, LUCHA Community Organizer
3541 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60647
rislas@lucha.org
773.276.5338 ext.242