Position: Community Organizer

Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan

Hours: Full-time, exempt

Detroit Jews for Justice

Job Overview

Detroit Jews for Justice (DJJ) employs the tools of community organizing to make life in Michigan more sustainable, equitable and joyous for all, with a particular emphasis on people of color, low-income workers, the unemployed, women, LGBTQ+ folks, immigrants, and others struggling against systemic bias. We draw on the richness of Jewish traditions, history, thought and culture to deepen and sustain our work. Through education, leadership development, grassroots campaigns, community building, arts and culture, DJJ renews the Jewish ethic of working for social justice. Our goal is to build and sustain a membership base which can meaningfully participate in campaigns addressing injustice at the systemic level, and also mobilize in response to timely issues.

About the Position

DJJ seeks  a Community Organizer to grow our base, mobilize and develop our leaders.  The Organizer will report to the Executive Director and be part of a dynamic and collaborative team. The DJJ Team is made up of a full-time Executive Director, and part time Deputy Director, and two full time Community Organizers.  The two organizers have the same job responsibilities and split the work of the organization based on issue area, capacity, and individual strengths. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Key responsibilities

Leadership Development & Base Building - 30%

• Recruit, expand and maintain DJJ’s broader base of community members.

• Identify and recruit volunteer leaders to participate in and lead DJJ teams.

• Through mentoring, coaching, and training, prepare volunteer leaders to take on greater and greater responsibility and move them up DJJ’s levels of engagement.

Coalition Building and Political Evaluation- 25%

• Build new and maintain existing relationships with allies, organizational partners, synagogues and other Jewish institutions, and elected leaders.  Equip volunteer leaders to hold these relationships when possible and appropriate.

• Represent DJJ in issue campaigns and organizing work with a range of allied organizational partners and institutions, playing a leadership role in them as appropriate.

• Actively communicate with partners, tending to those relationships and relaying needs back to the DJJ staff and community, deepening DJJ’s contributions rooted in strong relationships in the Detroit organizing landscape. 

• Through coalition work, actively monitor the organizing landscape for political opportunities and campaigns that the DJJ community can participate in.

• Distill and communicate information on campaign and action opportunities back to relevant decision-making bodies. 

Campaigns, Education & Cultural Programs- 20%

• Build and support  teams of lay leaders (campaign teams, Grassroots Fundraising team,  Purim and event teams, other ad hoc committees). 

• Equip  the leadership of these teams to be thoughtful coalition partners in the Detroit organizing landscape and ambassadors of DJJ’s mission.

• Empower team chairs to co-facilitate productive, relationship-centered meetings (usually on a monthly basis) and build out team culture. 

• Support teams of volunteer leaders to create, host, and facilitate education programs related to local issues, potential and current campaigns, the intersections of anti semitism & racism, and other relevant topics  for our base and the broader metro Detroit Jewish community.

• Participate in and organize  legislative advocacy as part of our campaign work, which may include meetings with legislators, coordinating with community members to testify at hearings, lobby days, and other advocacy activities.

Admin and communications - 10%

• Track DJJ partnerships and organizational sponsorships/endorsements.

• Act as the owner of all organizational communications that pertain to your work area.  

• Utilize DJJ brand standards in all communications

• Track volunteer leader engagement.

• Manage CRM data for leadership base and potential recruits – including event/action attendance, donations and commitments – and track levels of engagement. 

Ad Hoc Projects- 15% - These projects will be shared between the two organizers based on capacity, strengths, and emergent needs of the organization.  Ad hoc projects currently include:

• Grassroots Fundraising: Co-create the organizational grassroots fundraising strategy in partnership with the Grassroots Fundraising team (see team stewardship above), including robust year end fundraising campaign and summer member drive. Assist with administrative needs such as end of year tax acknowledgements and thank you letters.

• Purim: In partnership with staff, volunteer leaders, and an event contractor, plan and implement DJJ’s Annual Purim Extravaganza. 

• Myra Wolfgang Awards: In partnership with staff, volunteer leaders, and an event contractor, plan and implement DJJ’s Myra Wolfgang Awards Gala and Fundraiser, which will be held next in 2025.

In addition to fulfilling the responsibilities above, the organizer will spend a few hours a week in staff meetings, supervision, staff learning/training sessions, and professional development.

Qualifications and experience:

Demonstrated commitment to / alignment with DJJ’s mission, Core Principles, and organizing model:

• Readiness to lead multi-issue organizing, interested in learning about everchanging Michigan political landscape; able to gather and synthesize information about various campaigns and partners
• Sees the Metro Detroit Jewish community as a strategic base for organizing 
• Committed to building accountable relationships with community partners 
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice through ongoing development of personal and professional analysis, practice and action-taking  

Prior experience in executing tools of community organizing (such as: base building, leadership development, storytelling, campaign development etc.) as demonstrated through professional or volunteer roles:

• Proven success developing relationships with community members and partners, and building support for a cause
• Experience overseeing and managing volunteer leaders while supporting them to take ownership over their piece of the work
• Experience with facilitating meetings, crafting agendas, note-taking and time-keeping 

General skills and competencies:

• Strong follow through, organization, and prioritization under changing conditions, including time-sensitive emergent needs, with a diverse set of responsibilities
• Strong team player and communicator; able to collaborate with and respond in a timely manner while prioritizing and fulfilling key daily outcomes from multiple stakeholders
• Has commitment and patience to engage in transparent, intentional and collaborative decision making processes with multiple stakeholders to evaluate strategic political decisions 
• Excellent writing skills and ability to produce persuasive writing. 
• Strong listening, verbal communication, and conflict management skills.
• Has experience working with technology and has an appetite and aptitude to learn more about Google Suite, Canva, social media platforms, Asana, and our CRM, Nationbuilder.
• Able to practice resilience, principled thinking and mindfulness when facing a challenge 

Logistics

Compensation: 0-5 years of experience: $40,000 – $52,000 per year commensurate with experience.

Benefits: DJJ offers a benefits package including a Qualified Small Employer Health Savings Arrangement (QSEHRA),  4 weeks paid time off,  and paid short-term leave.  DJJ also offers paid holiday time off on 13 Jewish holidays and 10 other holidays. Employees are eligible for 3% employer retirement contributions from DJJ’s SIMPLE IRA plan after one year of employment.

Location: This is a full-time position based out of DJJ’s office in Detroit.  DJJ has a hybrid work environment with some in-person meetings required and flexibility for staff to conduct other work remotely as they wish. Candidates must also be able and willing to travel to regular meetings and events around the Metro Detroit area as well as the State Capitol in Lansing.

Schedule: DJJ offers a 36-hour work week, generally Mon-Thurs plus a Friday half day.  However, the responsibilities of this position may cause the Organizer’s schedule to vary week-by-week to accommodate meetings, events, and actions with volunteers and partners outside of normal work hours. The Organizer must be available and willing to regularly work some evenings and some weekends (schedule varies). On occasion the Organizer may also be asked to attend conferences and training out-of-state.

How to Apply

We know that applying for a job can be intimidating. Many skills and backgrounds will contribute to success in this role.  If you are not sure you have all the listed skills and experience, but you are excited about the role and responsibilities, please apply.  Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Community Organizer” in the subject line. The final deadline to apply is Friday, January 12th.

DJJ values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture because we recognize that diversity within our staff helps us organize and work well with diverse Jewish and progressive constituencies. Candidates should be well equipped to work within the Jewish community, but may be of any (or no) faith or background. DJJ does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual  orientation, gender identification or expression, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or other protected  status under federal, state, or local law. Candidates from historically marginalized and oppressed groups are especially encouraged to apply. DJJ is an equal opportunity employer.

For questions regarding this announcement please email [email protected].

DJJ leaders are developing a social media campaign that will tie the story of Hanukkah to our struggle for water justice.

Subscribe below to receive daily emails throughout Hanukkah, with educational content on local water issues and clear 

actions you can take to advocate for clean and affordable water. Or, keep checking this page and our Facebook page for daily updates!

Learn more about our work in partnership with People's Water Board Coalition at detroitjewsforjustice.org/water

Day #1: GET YOUR MACCABEES!

Click the picture above or this link to access Day #1's video, hosted on our Facebook page.

You can find a transcript of this video here.

ACTION ITEM: GET YOUR MACCABEES!

• Like and share this post on Facebook & Instagram -- tag your friends in it with you. (Make sure to “tag friends” instead of just @-ing them, so it appears on their timelines!)
• Not on social media? We’ve got you covered. Visit detroitjewsforjustice.org/water and click on the “8 Days of Water Justice” tab to subscribe and receive daily emails that you can easily forward to your network.
• CAN YOU RECRUIT 5 MACCABEES OF YOUR OWN, like the 5 sons of Mattathias to do this work with you? Share it with your folks, your family, your congregation, your bubbie… let’s get started!

Day #2: SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE SHUT-OFFS!

Click the picture above or follow this link to access today's video, hosted on our Facebook page.

You can find a transcript of this video here.

ACTION ITEM: CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES! STOP THE SHUT-OFFS!

• Implore your representatives to co-sponsor and push forward House Bills 4393 and 4389/4390!
• If your representatives are on the House Local Government Committee, you are in a position to make these bills go through! Demand that they recognize the sanctity of water as a human right, and push them support legislation to decriminalize shut-offs and implement a water affordability plan. 
  • Chair: State Rep. James Lower, 70^th District (R) - Montcalm County and Gratiot County
  • Julie Alexander, 64^th District (R) - Jackson County
  • Roger Hauck, 99^th District (R) - Isabella County and Midland County.
  • Ben Frederick, 85^th District (R) - Shiawassee County and Saginaw County.
  • Gary Howell, 82th District (R) - Lapeer County
  • Jim Runestad, 44^th District (R) - Highland, White Lake, Springfield, Milford, Waterford
  • Kathy Crawford, 38^th District (R) - Lyon, Northville, Novi, South Lyon, Walled Lake
  • Sara Cambensy, 109th District (D) - Alger, Luce, Schoolcraft, Marquette (Upper Peninsula)
  • Jim Ellison, 26^th District (D) - Royal Oak and Madison Heights
  • Patrick Green, 28^th District (D) - Center Line and city of Warren
  • Jeremy Moss, 35^th District (D) - Southfield, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Franklin
• Like and share this post on Facebook & Instagram -- tag your friends in it with you. (Make sure to “tag friends” instead of just @-ing them, so it appears on their timelines!)
• For more information, talking points and resources, visit https://www.detroitjewsforjustice.org/water

Day #3: OIL FOR LATKES, NOT THE STRAITS OF MACKINAC!

Click the picture above or follow this link to access today's video, hosted on our Facebook page.

You can find a transcript of this video here.

ACTION ITEM: HOLD OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE! #SHUTDOWNLINE5!

• Governor-Elect Whitmer and Attorney General Elect-Nessel campaigned on a promise to #shutdownline5. It's time to make some phone calls and emails to demand that they stick to their promises and do everything in their power to beat back the regressive actions of this lame duck legislature. It's never a bad time to voice your frustration to your elected reps, including the incumbent governor and attorney general.  
  • Gretchen Whitmer Campaign Office #: (517) 763-2955
  • Governor's Office #: (517) 373-3400
  • Attorney General's Office #: (517) 373-1110
• Like and share this post on Facebook & Instagram -- tag your friends in it with you. (Make sure to “tag friends” instead of just @-ing them, so it appears on their timelines!)
• For more information, talking points and resources, visit https://www.detroitjewsforjustice.org/water and https://www.oilandwaterdontmix.org/

Day #4: REDEDICATING OUR SANCTUARY!

Click the picture above or follow this link to access today's video, hosted on our Facebook page.

You can find a transcript of this video here.

ACTION ITEM: DONATE TO WE THE PEOPLE OF DETROIT'S YOUTH-LED WATER TESTING

• We The People of Detroit is stepping up to do the direct work of water testing in places that the government has overlooked. Click HERE to give directly to the We the People of Detroit!
• Like and share this post on Facebook & Instagram -- tag your friends in it with you. (Make sure to “tag friends” instead of just @-ing them, so it appears on their timelines!)
• For more information, talking points and resources, visit https://www.detroitjewsforjustice.org/water and https://wethepeopleofdetroit.com/

Day #5: SCARCITY, ABUNDANCE & WATER PRIVATIZATION!

Click the picture above or follow this link to access today's video, hosted on our Facebook page.

You can find a transcript of this video here.

ACTION ITEM: INTERROGATE YOUR OWN SENSE OF SCARCITY AND ABUNDANCE! 

• Instead of advocacy or donations, today's action item involves self-reflection - an essential part of engaging in activist work that is grounded in empathy and solidarity. 
• Take a look at your own water bill. Calculate how much of your monthly income goes to paying for water. Is it within the EPA-recommended 4.5% guideline? Is it upwards of 10%, the average water bill for low-income residents as reported by researchers at the University of Michigan?  What trade-offs would you make if you had to pay such high rates? What trade-offs do you make?
• Consider: Do you see scarcity where there is actually abundance, or vice versa? Why? How might corporate interests affect this perception?
• Like and share this post on Facebook & Instagram -- tag your friends in it with you. (Make sure to “tag friends” instead of just @-ing them, so it appears on their timelines!)
• For more information, talking points and resources, visit https://www.detroitjewsforjustice.org/water 

Day #6: PUBLICIZING THE MIRACLE!

Click the picture above or follow this link to access today's video, hosted on our Facebook page.

You can find a transcript of this video here.

ACTION ITEM: PUBLICIZE THE MIRACLES & THE INJUSTICES! CALL AND TAG @MAYORMIKEDUGGAN WITH YOUR MESSAGE! BUILD THE NARRATIVE THAT METRO DETROIT JEWS STAND FOR WATER JUSTICE!

• STUDY "America's Secret Water Crisis," the groundbreaking report from Food & Water Watch that shows the depth and breadth of the water crisis across the country. 
• PUBLICIZE the media from Sunday night's Illuminating Water Justice action, available on our Facebook page, the Detroit Jewish News, and more. We need to build the awareness that Metro Detroit Jews stand up for water justice!
• CALL & TAG  Mayor Duggan (@MayorMikeDuggan) with the following message, or a heartfelt message of your own:
  • "Mayor Duggan, 70 Metro Detroit Jews gathered on Hanukkah to voice our support for ending water shut-offs, implementing a water affordability plan, and restoring water to shut-off households. We know these solutions are critical to protect the health of our neighbors and the moral conscience of our region and we ask for your commitment to these policies in 2019.”
• Like and share this post on Facebook & Instagram -- tag your friends in it with you. (Make sure to “tag friends” instead of just @-ing them, so it appears on their timelines!)
• For more information, talking points and resources, visit https://www.detroitjewsforjustice.org/water 

Day #7: REBELLING AGAINST IDOLATRY

Click the picture above or follow this link to access today's video, hosted on our Facebook page.

You can find a transcript of this video here.

ACTION ITEM: LINK UP WITH THE POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN! SUPPORT THE #GILBERT7!

• STUDY the demands and principles of the Poor People's Campaign. What in your community demands a "moral revival"? What constitutes idolatry in your worldview?
• READ testimony from Rev. Bill Wylie-Kellermann and Tommy Tackett, who are currently serving a 12-day jail sentence for different Poor People's Campaign direct action!
• PLEDGE TO SUPPORT the #Gilbert7 and other Poor People's Campaign arrestees by attending press conferences and other actions, including this press conference Wednesday morning!
• SAVE THE DATE: the #Gilbert7 activists are going to trial on JANUARY 22nd. Be there to show your support, and help bring publicity to this action!
• Like and share this post on Facebook & Instagram -- tag your friends in it with you. (Make sure to “tag friends” instead of just @-ing them, so it appears on their timelines!)
• For more information, talking points and resources, visit https://www.detroitjewsforjustice.org/water and https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/

Day #8: INCREASING THE LIGHT!

Click the picture above or follow this link to access today's video, hosted on our Facebook page.

You can find a transcript of this video here.

ACTION ITEM: RSVP FOR DECEMBER'S DJJ ORIENTATION & GENERAL MEETING! GIVE A DONATION TO DJJ!

• Keep increasing the light by staying involved with DJJ: RSVP for the upcoming orientation or general meeting!
• Become a monthly sustaining donor to DJJ to sustain our efforts to mobilize the Metro Detroit Jewish community to work for racial and economic justice, or give a one-time donation before the end-of-the-year!
• Like and share this post on Facebook & Instagram -- tag your friends in it with you. (Make sure to “tag friends” instead of just @-ing them, so it appears on their timelines!)
• For more information, talking points and resources, visit https://www.detroitjewsforjustice.org/water 

Mary Ellen Gurewitz, DJJ co-founder and Steering Committee member, recently won a historic case for voting rights in Michigan's straight-ticket voting issue.

DJJ leaders Jake Ehrlich and Zak Rosen developed a Passover Torah supplement inspired by the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Detroit Rebellion, with art by Julia Loman.

Sign up below to receive an email download of the supplement to use at your seder.

Click here to learn more about DJJ's event series exploring the legacy of '67.