Tenant Organizer for Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation

Tenant Organizer
Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation

2550 West North Avenue / Chicago, Illinois 60647
773 278-5669 phone / 773 278-5673 fax
www.bickerdike.org

Position Description

Tenant Organizer

PAY RANGE/GRADE: Commensurate with experience /Grade 6

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Tenant Organizer identifies and develops resident leaders, staffs resident activities, site meetings, resident committees and other efforts to increase engagement of tenants at the sites, on committees, and around community issues. The Tenant Organizer reports to and works closely with the Organizing Director. In all instances the Tenant Organizer must perform in accordance with and be committed to the Bickerdike mission.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, climb and lift or move up to 35 pounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Identify and recruit potential tenant volunteers and leaders (adults and youth) to engage in resident and community efforts.
2. Work with resident leaders to build relationships, grow participation, and engage in trainings, to increase skills and effectiveness on issues and committee work and to positively impact personal growth.
3. Implement leadership development strategies with identified residents to identify priority issues, increase involvement, and take ownership in issues and activities relevant to BRC work in coordination with the Organizing Director.
4. Maintain regular communication with tenants at identified sites to provide information, engage in issues, and develop relationships with tenants (e.g. regularly canvass sites, phone calls, one-on-one meetings, and mailings).
5. Staff and provide support to tenant committees and their efforts building resident involvement and developing leaders (e.g. Residents Council, Tenant Initiatives, Public Safety Work, and Garden Committee). Work closely with committee members to identify issues, plan, strategize, budget, set goals and achieve results on an ongoing basis.
6. Plan, coordinate and carry out all components of resident events in conjunction with resident leaders and committees to include but not limited to: utilizing teamwork, building Bickerdike’s active tenant base, setting goals, developing work plans and budgets, etc. (e.g. Dance Fundraiser, Holiday Dinner, Family Day, etc.).
7. Plan, coordinate and carry out the organizing and facilitation of tenant building and site meetings in conjunction with committee as appropriate to problem-solve, educate residents, and strategize around identified issues.
8. Educate and reinforce utilization of proper policies and procedures for residents to work with property management to remedy problems with physical units or situations; facilitate communication and problem-solving strategies when necessary.
9. Work closely with residents to educate and implement identified goals around specific developments as appropriate (e.g. co-op membership, green technology, etc.).
10. Facilitate, coordinate as appropriate, and ensure tenant participation in relevant community issues and projects in coordination with the Organizing Director (e.g. public safety efforts, affordable housing campaign work, civic engagement, CAPS meetings, block clubs, etc.).
11. Monitor budgets and expense tracking relevant to tenant organizing committee work, events and activities, ensure spending is kept within budget.
12. Attract additional resources and opportunities to organizing efforts as appropriate (e.g., in-kind and financial donations, fundraising in conjunction with committee events).
13. Build Bickerdike’s member base by recruiting new individuals and organizations, renewing memberships, to further build the organization.
14. Act as a liaison with and provide accurate information about Bickerdike's mission and work to tenants, community organizations and the community at large.
15. Maintain a record keeping system and documentation of all tenant activities, leader involvement, and budgets as necessary.
16. Perform other relevant tasks as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of 2 years organizing or comparable work experience. High school diploma or equivalent required. Must have good listening, organizational, communication, writing and interpersonal skills. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Publisher, and Excel. Must also be flexible and able to work in a team effectively with persons of various ethnic and economic backgrounds and be willing to work flexible hours (evenings and weekends). Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. Must have access to a car on a daily basis, valid drivers license and proof of insurance for fieldwork. West Town, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Hermosa and Avondale residents preferred.

REPORTING RELATIONS: Under the direct supervision of the Organizing Director. In the absence of this supervisor, shall report to the Executive Director.

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt



Bickerdike is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Drug Free Workplace



March 11