Do you have connections to and experience working with communities of color in the Twin Cities? Do you live a plant-based lifestyle? Then this position may be for you!

Read on for the full details and how to apply.

Overview

CAA is currently hiring for the position of Community Organizer who will likely begin in March or April 2020. This role offers an opportunity to expand both plant-based eating and advocacy for farmed animals among communities of color in the Twin Cities metro. 

Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) is a nationally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our mission is to encourage people to cultivate empathy for animals and move toward a plant-based diet. We do this through a combination of outreach, education, and community building. The organization is thriving with ever-increasing financial resources and a growing community of dedicated staff, volunteers, and event participants.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility for the Community Organizer is to work with the Executive Director and Communications Coordinator to expand and broaden a system in which CAA is able to support community members of color in moving toward and maintaining a plant-based diet while developing their animal advocacy skills.

Other responsibilities include:

1. Organizing multiple events promoting plant-based eating, such as movies, cooking demos/classes, and grocery shopping tours throughout the metro area in order to do the following:
   • Support those moving to a plant-based diet and help them maintain the change
   • Expand participation in CAA’s Explore Veg diet change program
   • Expand compassion for farmed animals, understanding that people may take time to embrace that compassion and make make connections between diet and animal rights
   • Serve specific communities (of culture, geography, age, etc.)
     • Prioritize connections with groups under-represented in CAA’s volunteer base, especially those in Black and Latinx communities
     • Build relationships with existing advocates of color to support and expand their advocacy
2. Working with current staff and volunteers to support and expand institutional change efforts
   • Engage congregations in CAA’s Wholesome Minnesota program, and recruit, identify and develop leaders from congregations who will reach out to schools, hospitals, workplaces, and other institutions to begin serving plant-based food
   • Directly approach schools, hospitals, or other institutions about cafeteria change
   • Support the vegan cookbook club partnership with the Hennepin County Libraries and help expand it to multiple branch libraries
3. Networking to develop volunteer leaders and advocates
   • Serving as CAA’s staff representative at some events (responsibility shared with Executive Director and Communications Coordinator)
   • Organizing community-building events at Twin Cities Veg Fest
   • Attending some events organized by other animal advocacy organizations in the greater metro
   • Using social media to identify and connect to promising advocates, and/or newly vegan or interested individuals who could use support 
     • Monitor pages like “Vegan Minnesota,” “Compassionate Vegan Minnesota,” etc., and reach out to individuals
4. Supply and data management
   • Ensure that supplies are on hand for community building and advocacy events
   • Track and report volunteer participation and advocacy statistics using online systems in order to measure efficacy 
5. Fundraising
   • Review and participate in fundraising activities to help support funding of the position, such as grant reviews and individual donor meetings accompanied by other staff 
6. Administration
   • Assist with drafting of documents, data entry, database maintenance, and other office tasks related to the role
   • Create project timelines and checklists using project management software
   • Assist with organization and maintenance of supplies and office space 
   • Meet on a weekly basis with the Executive Director

Requirements

• Commitment to CAA’s mission
• Maintain a vegan or plant-based lifestyle
• Proven experience in recruiting or training volunteers 
• Proven experience in program development and community outreach
• Familiarity with online tools, including databases; ability to learn to use new systems
• Familiarity with and belief in CAA’s model of creating change
• Ability to travel on a regular basis throughout the Twin Cities metro area, at varied times of day
• Work at events on nights and weekends

Hours: 40 hours per week

This is a full-time position. We currently have funding to support the position for one year and are working to secure funding to extend it. Hours are flexible and you can work from home, as long as you have a viable internet connection. Candidates of color are encouraged to apply.

Evaluation

We will conduct a three-month check-in and a full evaluation after one year. The metrics used to conduct the evaluation may include:

• Quality of events and programs that fulfill our mission
• Ability to establish productive relationships with the board, volunteers, donors, staff, prospective partners, and other supporters

Future evaluations will be conducted on an annual basis.

Salary and Benefits

$36,000 annual salary

Benefits include four weeks of PTO (includes vacation, sick time, and holidays). We are not able to offer health insurance or other benefits at this time. Paychecks are issued once per month.

Please send an email of interest along with a resume to [email protected]. Priority will be given to applications received by March 8.