The Philly Transit Riders Union (Philly TRU) is a democratic, grassroots organization of transit riders, workers, and residents who are organizing together to defend and expand public transit. We believe that public transit is a public good and should be equitable, affordable, and sustainable.
The Philly TRU Coordinating Committee is seeking candidates for a full-time community organizer position to lead efforts in grassroots transit rider organizing campaigns. The primary responsibilities will be to mobilize grassroots action for more equitable, affordable and sustainable transit service across the state of Pennsylvania. The organizer will directly engage riders, bus operators and residents in community campaigns for improved access to transit equitable development that puts people first. You would be working with an experienced organizer and individuals looking to build their organizing skills are encouraged to apply. This is a full-time, paid position, for a term of 3 months. Compensation is $10,000.
The organizer will report to members the TRU Coordinating Committee and staff at Pittsburghers for Public Transit, our sibling organization. (Pittsburghers for Public Transit, a project of The Thomas Merton Center, is a grassroots organization of public transit riders, workers, and residents who defend and expand public transit.)
This would be a work-from-home position, paid through PPT and the Thomas Merton Center. The position will require travel throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Travel stipend will be provided.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Perform community organizing tasks
- Build leadership among members of community campaigns
- Recruit, train, and support new members
- Mobilize members to take action
- Help facilitate and lead canvassing days, phone banks, community meetings, events, and demonstrations
- Develop and conduct member outreach plan
- Identify, develop, and work with allied partners
Assist with research and policy positions
- Research transit needs in communities
- Conduct research on transportation and land use projects and policies that affect public transit riders and workers
- Generate position papers and infographics based on our research
Help manage organizational communications
- Manage and update the database of contacts and action history for each campaign
- Help update website, mass emails, social media, etc.
- Create and distribute fliers and other outreach material
- Communicate with members of the media
Provide admin, board, and director support
- Represent TRU at meetings and events
- Support fundraising activity and events
- Assist with strategic planning
- Assist with coalition building
Qualifications
- Organized, responsible, and independent self-starter with the ability to identify new opportunities, while effectively using existing resources
- Proven ability to work as part of a team and to handle fast paced situations
- Strong and effective communication skills (public speaking, writing, etc.)
- Values self-improvement, open to giving and receiving feedback
- Passionate about public transit, labor, environmental justice, and equity.
- Believes in the power of collective action to bring about systemic change
- Experience working in an environment where commitment to diversity based on race, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation and physical ability is an important institutional value
- Willingness to work flexible schedule, including nights and weekends
- Willingness to travel throughout Pennsylvania
- Computer proficiency in Google Docs and Google Drive, and a willingness to develop additional skills as needed.
Although TRU and PPT are public transit advocacy organizations, we often work in neighborhoods and with residents who have limited or no access to public transit, and so it is important for applicants to have a reliable means of transportation.
The Thomas Merton Center is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, and members of other under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.
If you have any questions please email org@phillytru.org or call 267-313-6060.
To apply please email a resume and statement of interest to org@phillytru.org.