Organization:

The Direct Action and Research Training Center, Inc. (DART) is a national network of 20 justice ministry organizations that unite congregations across racial, religious, and socioeconomic lines to pursue justice. DART-related organizations seek long-term, sustainable improvements at a systemic level. DART organizations engage in direct action assemblies in which thousands of people from a cross-section of faith traditions publicly hold decision-makers accountable on solutions to serious local community problems. DART organizations’ recent victories include: multi-million dollar investments in affordable housing, increased access to primary health and dental care, statewide legislation to rein in the payday loan industry, implementation of restorative justice practices in public schools, decreasing the high number of juvenile arrests for non-serious offenses, and expanding opportunities for people released from jail/prison.

Responsibilities:

DART is currently accepting applications for full-time organizers in several cities. In order to build power for justice, organizers:

-Build relationships of trust among clergy and lay leaders from diverse backgrounds, and deepen their participation in the work of their congregation's justice ministry and the organization

-Train clergy and lay leaders in basic organizing skills and engage them in setting realistic yet challenging goals to build their justice ministry

-Engage leaders in the research of viable solutions to community problems and ensure implementation by appropriate decision makers

-Build turnout for public meetings where 1,000+ people from assigned congregations are organized to demonstrate support for the identified solutions to community problems

-Build financial sustainability by ensuring timely dues collection among member congregations, and annually coordinating a major 6-8 week investment drive

-Assist in the annual recruitment of at least two new congregations

Intensive training is provided through the DART Organizers Institute, the four month field orientation for new DART organizers. This includes an initial on-site orientation followed by field training and a weekly reading/discussion curriculum covering basic organizing principles. Initial skill development focuses on articulating the mission of the organization, intentionally developing relationships through one-on-one conversations, engaging leaders based on personal motivations, managing time effectively, running great meetings, building grassroots networks, long-term planning, working with clergy, and issue selection. Vocational development continues through annual training and planning retreats, summer staff retreats, and joint regional staff trainings.

Locations:

These DART affiliate organizations are hiring organizers for positions starting August 15, 2016:

Qualifications:

Positions with DART are highly selective. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Qualities we look for:

• Core passion for justice and equality
• Exceptionally strong work ethic
• Comfort working with religious institutions
• Excellent relationship building skills
• Ambition for a long-term career with DART (minimum 3 years)
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• Fluency in Spanish or Creole a plus (not mandatory)
• Does this sound like you? Start your application today.

Salary & Benefits:

Starting salary is $34,000/year plus health benefits, with regular cost of living increases and performance-based raises. For candidates relocating more than 50 miles, $250 is paid to help cover relocation costs. Retirement benefits begin after a prescribed period (usually one full year of employment.)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The DART Center and The DART Organizers Institute are fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

Those considering a career in community organizing within the DART network are encouraged to learn more by watching this job preview video: