Job: APEN Lead Organizer

The Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN)/ Laotian
Organizing Project(LOP)is looking for a dynamic Lead Organizer.

APEN believes that all people have a right to live, work, learn, play and thrive in a clean, healthy environment. Towards this vision, APEN brings together a collective voice to develop an alternative agenda for environmental, social and economic justice. APEN's strategies include: building grassroots power, strengthening organizing capacity in API communities, forging strategic alliances, and waging campaigns to advance systemic change. LOP is a membership-based, intergenerational organizing project based in the Laotian Community in West Contra Costa County. LOP has worked to develop innovative models for organizing in API refugee communities, and has engaged in environmental justice campaigns including campaigns for a multi-lingual warning system for refinery accidents, school guidance programs, tenant rights and affordable housing.

POSITION SUMMARY
The primary goal of the Lead Organizer is to build an effective base-building program to organize and develop the leadership or community members in West Contra Costa, CA to make positive changes in the community through issue and electoral campaigns
The Lead Organizer will also participate in APEN's work to support organizing capacity building in API communities in the state and beyond. The Lead Organizer will report to the Program Director and will supervise a team of 1-2 organizing staff based out of Richmond, CA.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Leads the creation and implementation of local organizing goals, strategies and campaigns:
*Recruitment program to expand our grassroots membership base;
*Strong and vibrant leadership development program for grassroots leaders and members;
*Issue and electoral campaigns aligned with the organization's long term change goals;
*Fundraising activities involving grassroots leaders and members;
*Local alliance building work to shift the long-term power equation in West County;
*Help create success indicators and systems to track and document progress;
*Maintain a working knowledge on West County political landscape and API immigrant and refugee issues.

2. Supervise, manage and develop LOP staff and manage the operations of the LOP office. Staff evaluation, training and development; monitoring personnel policies; and creating a learning environment that supports staff in doing their best work. Oversee and coordinate the maintenance of our Richmond office with support from our Oakland central office.

3. Organizational Development. Help develop and monitor annual budgets for the LOP and participate in overall APEN fundraising strategies. Support APEN's overall organizational development and ability to respond to opportunities and challenges.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Deep commitment to APEN's mission, environmental, social, and economic justice;
2. Familiarity with the Laotian community and/or Southeast Asian community;
3. Successful track record of at least 3 years in: community or labor organizing (particularly in low income and/or immigrant and refugee communities). Strong experience with facilitation, supervision, campaigns, and program management;
4. Self-confidence and the capacity to create and independently move forward a complex agenda;
5. Ability to identify and set priorities in line with our goals and strategic direction;
6. Leadership and communication skills (both written and verbal) with ability to connect across multiple audiences;
7. Strong teamwork skills, ability to develop a team-oriented environment, and commitment to democratic participation;
8. Good sense of humor and grace under pressure;
9. Language capacity in Laotian languages, such as Khmu, Mien, Hmong, and
Lao, is preferred but not required.

SALARY RANGE:High thirties to mid forties, depending on experience. Full benefits package includes health, dental, paid vacations and sick leave.

APPLICATIONS: Please submit resume with cover letter and references, by mail, fax, or email:
LOP Lead Organizer
Attn:Timmy Lu, Operations Coordinator
310 8th Street Suite 309, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510 834-8920 x301 / Fax: (510) 834-8926
Email: timmy@apen4ej.org
Web: www.apen4ej.org

Position open until filled. Start date: immediate

APEN is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, gay, lesbian, and trans-gendered persons encouraged to apply.