Jobs
MIDWEST/SOUTHEAST ORGANIZER
Position Title: Midwest/Southeast Organizer
Location: Chicago
Program: Campus Program
Reports To: Director of the Campus Program
Position Available: Immediately
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION
J Street is the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans. The organization gives political voice to mainstream American Jews and other supporters of Israel who, informed by their progressive and Jewish values, believe that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential to Israel’s survival as the national home of the Jewish people and as a vibrant democracy. J Street’s mission is two-fold: first, to advocate for urgent American diplomatic leadership to achieve a two-state solution and a broader regional, comprehensive peace and, second, to ensure a broad debate on Israel and the Middle East in national politics and the American Jewish community.
J Street Education Fund, Inc.(JSEF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It aims to educate targeted communities about the need for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raise the visibility of a mainstream pro-Israel, pro-peace presence within the American Jewish community, and promote open, dynamic and spirited conversation about how to best advance the interests and future of a democratic, Jewish Israel. J Street Local, J Street’s national field program and J Street U, J Street’s on campus movement are programs of the J Street Education Fund.
J Street U, a project of JSEF, is a student-driven network of activists organizing on campuses across North America for peace, security and social justice in Israel, the future state of Palestine and across the Middle East.
As supporters of Israel, we are firmly committed to protecting the future of the State of Israel as a Jewish democratic homeland. We believe the fates of a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state are intertwined. The peace and security of both peoples is achievable only through a negotiated, two-state solution.
J Street U is committed to creating an alternate approach to Israel advocacy that embraces open dialogue and constructive activism, and that warrants critical analysis of policies – be they Israeli, Palestinian, American or other.
J Street U presents students with an opportunity to engage voices from both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian divide on campus. Polarizing voices claiming exclusively “pro-Israel” or “pro-Palestinian” positions have come to dominate the discourse on many campuses across North America, obscuring the complexity of the conflict and subsequently alienating significant numbers of students.
J Street U provides guidance, education and resources to students who seek to impart a progressive voice into the debate about Israel. We seek to empower student activists to advocate on campus, in their communities and on Capitol Hill for vigorous and sustained US leadership in facilitating a negotiated, two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Midwest/Southeast Organizer will be responsible for the following tasks for all campuses in the Midwest and Southeast regions.
The Midwest/Southeast Organizer will work with the Director to:
-Develop relationships with student liaisons on campuses through phone, e-mail and campus visits;
-Strategize with student leaders to identify the best actions for their own particular campus environments;
-Coordinate and help run trainings and strategy sessions for students;
-Coordinate campaigns and actions;
-Facilitate conference calls in collaboration with national student leadership;
-Recruit students;
-Build connections between students from similar regions;
-Work with Director of Programs to engage relevant organizational partners and leaders and implement campus programming;
-Administrative and other tasks as necessary
QUALIFICATIONS
-At least 2 years of campus or community organizing experience, either as a student or professional;
-Excellent written and oral skills; public speaking abilities;
-Good leadership skills; passion for grassroots organizing and political activism;
-Some knowledge of history and politics as it relates to the Middle East, Israel, and the Arab-Israeli conflict;
-Ability to communicate well with others and be a team player;
-Ability to work independently, multitask and manage multiple time-critical projects;
-Computer proficiency: MS Word and Excel; generic database programs;
-At least a two year commitment to this position;
-A strong understanding of and commitment to J Street U mission
Strong candidates will have:
-Experience campus organizing, ideally within a framework of a national student network;
-Training and leadership development skills;
-Experience strategizing and developing campaigns;
-Some knowledge of the Jewish community and/or Jewish organizations;
-Familiarity with broader progressive causes and movements
CONTACT INFORMATION
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three references to resumes@jstreetu.org with Midwest organizer in the subject.
SALARY & BENEFITS
Salary will be commensurate with experience. J Street Education Fund provides generous vacation and leave policies and ensures that all have health insurance.
