National Program Administrator - Public Interest Network

Who: Public Interest Network

What: Attention Job Seekers: In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you that The Public Interest Network is actively hiring for this position, and we welcome your applications.

The Public Interest Network runs organizations committed to a cutting-edge vision of a better world, a set of core values, and a strategic approach to change. We work on a wide variety of important issues, from clean energy to product safety, that highlight the need for a reassessment of our economic values and a new approach to politics. Our campaigns challenge decision-makers and the rest of us to stop tolerating problems that are increasingly absurd in an age of advancing technology and growing abundance.

We’re seeking a top-notch administrator to help run the operations of The Public Interest Network’s Program Teams. Working closely with our staff on the ground in 15 issue areas, and Public Interest Network leaders across the country, the administrator plays a critical role in providing the backbone that allows our advocates to be successful. Responsibilities the administrator plays a key role in include, but are not limited to:

Community Development Organizer, Housing - Chicago, IL

Community Development Organizer – Housing

Access Living

Chicago, IL

BASIC FUNCTION:
Development and implementation of community organizing campaigns to increase access for
people with disabilities in City of Chicago housing programs; and to protect existing programs
and create new affordable, accessible, integrated housing options using local, state, and Federal
resources. Some policy support work in these areas will also be expected.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Coordinate the Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing (DRACH): Recruit, organize and support grassroots leaders with disabilities on housing issues through one-on-ones and other base-building activities; Collaborate broadly with internal and external stakeholders to support grassroots systems change advocacy on housing policies and programs at the local, state and Federal levels
• Campaign Development: Design and coordinate disability rights housing advocacy/organizing campaigns for systems change and reform at the local, state and Federal levels as needed; Support grassroots housing organizing for DRACH and other housing-related efforts
• Training and Leadership Development: Provide grassroots leaders in the disability community with leadership development and organizing training; Train people with disabilities on their fair housing rights and responsibilities, including public housing policies and regulations,
• Coalition Building: Increase DRACH political power by building and cultivating relationships with housing-related community groups, fair housing advocacy organizations, and government agencies to create broad coalitional support for disability housing issues
• Internal Collaboration: Coordinate with Access Living housing locators and housing counseling staff and fair housing/legal staff to ensure a high level of service for clients in need of those services, and to recruit members for DRACH from those clients assisted
• Policy Work: Provide support to the Manager of Organizing and Policy in monitoring affordable housing policy and legislation at local, state and Federal levels; coordinating public and written testimony and comments on proposed legislation and policy/rule changes; and promoting new policies and policy reform efforts creating affordable, accessible, integrated housing for people with disabilities
• Community Education/Outreach: Conduct public education efforts around housing policy and legislation, including through the use of media; Provide internal and external workshops and seminars on housing policy, related court cases, and legislation
• Miscellaneous Duties: Conduct written quarterly project activities reports; Ensure compliance with grant requirements through regular data entry; act as a spokesperson for Access Living on housing issues as assigned; and execute any other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Minimum educational background required

• Bachelor’s degree or applicable life/work experience. Good written and oral communication skills. A writing sample will be required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Publisher, and Outlook.

About Access Living

Established in 1980, Access Living is a change agent committed to fostering an inclusive society that enables Chicagoans with disabilities to live fully–engaged and self–directed lives. Nationally recognized as a leading force in the disability advocacy community, Access Living challenges stereotypes, protects civil rights and champions social reform. Their staff and volunteers combine knowledge and personal experience to deliver programs and services that equip people with disabilities to advocate for themselves. Access Living is at the forefront of the disability rights movement, removing barriers so people with disabilities can live the future they envision.

Interested candidates should email, mail or fax a resume and cover letter to:

Human Resources
Access Living

115 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60654
fax : 312-787-3866
rmata@accessliving.org
No phone calls please

Campaign Staff, The Fund - Chicago, IL

The Fund for the Public Interest partners with leading non-profit groups from around the country providing the kind of people power it takes to build organizations for the long-term, win hard-fought campaigns, and make change on some of the most important issues we face today.  We’ve made our mark on important issues such as healthcare reform, global climate change, solar power, LGBT discrimination, along with many others.  And we're hiring!

We're looking for smart, hard-working students that are looking to make a difference on critical issues. Students interested in applying should visit our website at:
http://www.fundforthepublicinterest.org/fundjobs2.html.

We offer full and part time positions at a rate of 10-15 dollars an hour.  These jobs look great on a resume, especially for students looking to go into the non-profit and environmental fields.

In Chicago, we are hiring campaign staff to partner with Illinois PIRG and Environment Illinois.  The campaigns we will be working on are protecting Lake Michigan and other Illinois bodies of water as well as stopping the overuse of antibiotics on factory farms.  While on staff you will learn how to effectively generate public support, build upon your understanding of the political process, and create positive social change.

Fellowship (Public Interest Lawyer or Policy Analyst), Business and Professional People for the Public Interest - Chicago, IL

THE BPI POLIKOFF–GAUTREAUX FELLOWSHIP FOR A PUBLIC INTEREST LAWYER OR POLICY ANALYST

Application Deadline: October 16, 2015

Business and Professional People for the Public Interest (BPI), a Chicago-based nonprofit law and policy center, seeks a recent law or public policy graduate to serve as the Polikoff-Gautreaux Fellow for one year, renewable for a second, beginning in Summer or Fall 2016.

The Polikoff-Gautreaux Fellowship offers the opportunity for recent law school or public policy school graduates to develop the experience, skills and network critical to a rewarding career in public interest advocacy. Fellows have gone on to become the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization that serves youth interests, to practice affordable housing law, to accept a full-time staff position with BPI and more.

Since its founding in 1969, BPI has worked to create a just society. BPI strives to resolve compelling issues of social justice and quality of life in the Chicago region by addressing the challenges of urban poverty, increasing housing and educational opportunity, building vital communities, and improving Illinois’ juvenile justice system. BPI’s staff of lawyers and policy specialists uses a variety of approaches including litigation, legal and policy research and advocacy, community organizing, and collaboration with civic, community, business, and governmental organizations. BPI is a recipient of the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.

REQUIREMENTS of the Fellowship are:
• Either a JD or MA/MS in public policy or related field (by Fellowship start)
• Demonstrated interest or experience in one of BPI’s program areas
• Accomplished oral and writing skills
• Strong academic record
• Initiative, creativity and flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations, constituent groups,

government agencies, and civic leaders.

Fellows receive an annual salary of $46,000 with medical and dental coverage. Debt service on law school or graduate school loans for the duration of the Fellowship may be available, based on need.

Send résumé, writing sample, references and a cover letter detailing interest in the position by Friday, October 16, 2015 to fellowships@bpichicago.org or via postal mail (postmarked by October 16,

2015) to:

Business and Professional People for the Public Interest Polikoff–Gautreaux Fellowship
25 East Washington Street, Suite 1515
Chicago, Illinois 60602
312-641-5570
www.bpichicago.org

BPI is an equal opportunity employer. Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.