Job Announcement

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR THESE JOB DESCRIPTIONS

As of 9/9/09, the deadline to apply for all of the following USSF job positions has been extended to Wednesday, 9/16/09.

--SylviaOrduno, for the USSF Coordination Team.

National Coordinator

United States Social Forum 2010

The US Social Forum is a movement-building process to build a powerful multi-racial, multi-sectoral, inter-generational, diverse, inclusive, internationalist movement that transforms this country and changes history. It will be happening June 22-26, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The USSF is a large, mostly volunteer effort with stakeholders all across the country and several moving parts. Planning for the USSF is being done by the National Planning Committee (NPC) and an Organizing Committee made up of the co-chairs of the different committees. The National Coordinator will report to the Coordination Team, made up of representatives from the National Planning Committee, in addition to participating on the Organizing Committee of the NPC.

The national scope of the US Social Forum offers exciting movement building opportunities and difficult challenges. The leadership of the planning committees are staff and directors of grassroots, local, regional, and national organizations spread across the entire continent. The National Coordinator will bring cohesion, flexibility, clarity, and smooth infrastructural operation to the functioning of the staff and the planning bodies.

The National Coordinator will work under the guidance of and have the support of the Coordination Team in conjunction with the National Planning Committee and the Organizing Committee.

Job Responsibilities include--

• Coordinate the overall function and participation of the members of the National Planning Committee, the Organizing Committee, and the Coordination Team
• Coordinate with the Detroit Co-coordinators in order to ensure clear agendas, communication, and implementation of work plans
• Serve as the point person and liaison for the fiscal sponsor
• Serve on the Finance Committee to ensure budget maintenance and fiscal health of project
• Represent the US Social Forum in event spaces, with organizations, and
• Communicate regularly with the co-chairs of the Working Groups on progress and planning for next steps, including ensuring consistent update of the website planning tools
• Support and manage staff positions in conjunction with Working Groups and planning bodies
• Willingness to travel, work flexible hours, and be responsive as necessary

Qualifications--

• A minimum of 5 years of work experience in community organizing and/or coalitions
• Strong administrative skills and financial management skills
• Strong writing skills and communication skills
• Strong facilitation skills
• Familiarity with and respect for the USSF, its goals, and process
• Ability to take initiative, develop new processes, and work alone and as part of a team
• Spanish language abilities, a plus

This is a full-time position. This is NOT an entry-level position. The National Coordinator will work from October 1, 2009 through the US Social Forum in June 2010 and several months beyond the Forum. Compensation is approximately $35,000 a year.

Please apply no later than Monday, September 4, 2009. Email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Stephanie@projectsouth.org

People of color and community members are strongly encouraged to apply.

Field Organizer

United States Social Forum 2010

The US Social Forum is a movement-building process to build a powerful multi-racial, multi-sectoral, inter-generational, diverse, inclusive, internationalist movement that transforms this country and changes history. It will be happening June 22-26, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The USSF is a large, mostly volunteer effort with stakeholders all across the country and several moving parts. Planning for the USSF is being done by the National Planning Committee (NPC) and an Organizing Committee made up of the co-chairs of the different committees. The Field Organizers (2 full-time positions) will report to the co-chairs of the Outreach Working Group and the Peoples Movement Assembly Working Group in addition to participating on the Organizing Committee of the NPC.

The USSF drew 15,000 participants from communities all across the country in 2007. Due to the success of the first Forum and more visibility, the planning committees anticipate over 25,000 participants in 2010. The Field Organizer positions will ensure that people from under-represented and marginalized communities, organized and unorganized, will participate in the Forum.

We are seeking two Field Organizers with distinct scopes of work, however both positions will be responsible for creating targeted outreach plans, developing tracking mechanisms, and mobilizing communities. The Field Organizers will work under the guidance of and have the support of the Outreach Working Group and the People’s Movement Assembly Working Group, as the PMA is an organizing vehicle to mobilize and prepare participants from localities and movement sectors. Some of this process may be coordinated with other committees as needed.

Job Responsibilities include

• Develop and oversee national organizing infrastructure, including overall plan, development of materials, contact spreadsheets, benchmarks, etc.

• Develop familiarity and connection with participating organizations so as to assist mobilization and coordination of participation from existing bases

• Attend events, convergences, and meetings to mobilize communities to the Forum

• Communicate regularly with the Outreach Working Group on progress and planning for next steps, including via the website planning tools

• Support and coordinate participation in the People’s Movement Assembly, based on schedule and targeted outreach plan developed by Working Group

• Identify, coordinate, and support, the organizing needs of marginalized groups, particularly with resource mobilization networks, transportation/caravans to Detroit, connection to housing options in Detroit

• Support and coordinate with regional gatherings and forums to mobilize

• Hold regular outreach and orientation conference calls to introduce the Forum

• Willingness to travel, work flexible hours, and be responsive as necessary

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of work experience in community and/or regional/national organizing

• Experience in creating the infrastructure needed for a broad-based, multi-sector organizing plan

• Strong writing skills and communication skills

• Strong facilitation skills

• Connected to networks people of color-led organizations, coalitions, and networks

• Familiarity with and respect for the USSF, its goals, and process

• Ability to take initiative, develop new processes, and work alone and as part of a team

• Spanish language abilities, a plus

This is a full-time position. This is NOT an entry-level position. The Field Organizers will work from October 1, 2009 through the US Social Forum in June 2010. Compensation is approximately $35,000 a year.

Please apply no later than Monday, September 4, 2009. Email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Stephanie@projectsouth.org

People of color and community members are strongly encouraged to apply.

Leave public questions or comments here

Technology Coordinator

United States Social Forum 2010

The US Social Forum is a movement-building process to build a powerful multi-racial, multi-sectoral, inter-generational, diverse, inclusive, internationalist movement that transforms this country and changes history. It will be happening June 22-26, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The USSF is a large, mostly volunteer effort with stakeholders all across the country and several moving parts. Planning for the USSF is being done by the National Planning Committee (NPC) and an Organizing Committee made up of the co-chairs of the different committees. The National Coordinator will report to the Coordination Team, made up of representatives from the National Planning Committee, in addition to participating on the Organizing Committee of the NPC.

The Technology Coordinator position is envisioned as an organizing position and one of its prime responsibilities is supporting local and national Social Forum organizers' ability to use technology and to train others in its use. While some "technical support" work will be necessary, especially at first, this job is about making as many people as possible capable of providing technical support.

Job Responsibilities include

• This staff-member will prioritize local "set-up" work (computer acquisition, set up of wifi areas, etc), local use and development of tech capability (particularly Internet capability), and constant communication with and support of local tech workgroups and teams.

• The staff member will facilitate smooth communications between national and local tech organizers and between them and Social Forum organizers in general.

• Assure inclusion of Local Organizing Committee (LOC) members and Anchor Organizations in all major discussions and decisions on Social Forum technology.

• Create and maintain websites for USSF and all USSF information

• Provide training on how to use relevant technology tools and information sites to LOC

• Manage and produce all internal technology communication tools in order to promote and encourage dialogue and information flow between LOC and NPC, including but not limited to: Regular updates and other announcements through email, blogs, chats, webcasts, webinars, etc.

• Work with the ICT Working Group to develop monthly technology reports.

• Assist the ICT WG with carrying out its duties and responsibilities.

• Provide technological assistance and troubleshooting, as needed, to keep USSF websites, wikis, listservs, and other tools functioning well.

• Articulate a progressive Internet vision for the USSF.

• Recruit and organize a diverse team of tech activists to make up the Internet and Communications Technology working group.

• Coordinate with other committees to build web sites, programming, blogging, media sharing, and registration for all events and workshops.

• Coordinate ICT WG liaison communication to other USSF working groups and committees.

Qualifications

• Experience with and knowledge of relevant technology tools, including the ability to troubleshoot problems with USSF websites and wikis. Applicants should specify any experience/expertise they have with computer programming tools.

• An understanding of low-tech solutions to address gaps in digital access and skill sets.

• Organizing experience

• Grasp of major political struggles on the internet (free software/intellectual property, privacy and security, etc.)

• Ability to translate technology politics to a non-tech audience and articulate a vision for a progressive Internet

• Diverse ties with communities and organizations around the Great Lakes

• Experience with collective team-building work

• Commitment to building a progressive movement for social justice

• A willingness to spend considerable time in Detroit, as needed, to help identify technology needs and opportunities and assist with projects and the use of technology. Please specify to what extent you're willing to live in Detroit and/or spend several weeks or months in Detroit, and specify any special housing needs.

This is a full-time position. This is NOT an entry-level position. The National Coordinator will work from October 1, 2009 through the US Social Forum in June 2010 and several months beyond the Forum. Compensation is approximately $3,500 a month. People interested in this position are asked to review the full version of this job description at http://ict.ussf2010.org/wiki/Tech_Staff_Person_Job

Please apply no later than Friday, September 11, 2009. Email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to ICT Chair alfredo@mayfirst.org

People of color and community members are strongly encouraged to apply.

Leave public questions or comments here

Development Coordinator

United States Social Forum 2010

The US Social Forum is a movement-building process to build a powerful multi-racial, multi-sectoral, inter-generational, diverse, inclusive, internationalist movement that transforms this country and changes history. It will be happening June 22-26, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The USSF is a large, mostly volunteer effort with stakeholders all across the country and several moving parts. Planning for the USSF is being done by the National Planning Committee and an Organizing Committee made up of the co-chairs of the different committees. The Development Coordinator will report to the co-chairs of the Resource Working Group.

The USSF is funded by foundation grants, individual monetary and in-kind donations, organizational monetary and in-kind donations, registration fees, and product sales. As a movement-building process, it is one of our key values that the fundraising also follows movement-building principles. This includes building a broad base of donors from all income levels and mobilizing a broad team to engage in fundraising.

We are seeking a temporary, contract Development Coordinator to set up the systems and processes needed for a robust grassroots fundraising program including building an individual donor base, online fundraising and materials sales. The Development Coordinator will work under the guidance of and have the support of the Resource Working Group. Some of this process may be coordinated with other committees as needed.

Job Responsibilities include

• Develop and oversee fundraising infrastructure, including a donor database, donor tracking, acknowledgements, online and print materials, working with our fiscal sponsor, and the creation of reports

• Communicate regularly with the Resource Working Group on progress and planning for next steps, including how to proceed when the contract is over

• Coordinate multiple fundraising efforts and strategies with different volunteers

• Monitor the allocation of resources according to the program budget and assist in preparing a timeline of when income goals need to be reached

• Willingness to travel, work flexible hours, and be responsive as necessary

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of work experience in fundraising, especially individual donor and grassroots fundraising

• Experience in creating the infrastructure needed for a strong development program

• Strong writing skills and communication skills

• Familiarity with and respect for the USSF, its goals, and process

• Connected to networks of progressive fundraisers, organizations, and movements

• Ability to meet deadlines, be organized, be flexible, pay attention to detail, and work from home

• Ability to take initiative, develop new processes, and work alone and as part of a team

This is a temporary, contract position. The candidate will work full-time for 3 months, roughly September-November 2009. The candidate will work from home, any location is fine. Compensation is $20/hour.

Please apply no later than Monday, August 31st, 2009. Email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to michael@ggjalliance.org

People of color and community members are strongly encouraged to apply.

Leave public questions or comments here

Logistics Coordinator

United States Social Forum 2010

The US Social Forum is a movement-building process to build a powerful multi-racial, multi-sectoral, inter-generational, diverse, inclusive, internationalist movement that transforms this country and changes history. It will be happening June 22-26, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The USSF is a large, mostly volunteer effort with stakeholders all across the country and several moving parts. Planning for the USSF is being done by the National Planning Committee (NPC) and an Organizing Committee made up of the co-chairs of the different committees. The National Coordinator will report to the Coordination Team, made up of representatives from the National Planning Committee, in addition to participating on the Organizing Committee of the NPC.

The logistics coordinator will be housed at the USSF offices and will work with the local and national USSF logistics Planning Committees. This position is responsible for the critical role of securing space and documents needed for the USSF and orchestrating the events and organizations that will create a meaningful process and national social movement.

Job Responsibilities include

• Plan and coordinate conference space and additional training/ workshop space

• Plan, coordinate and secure housing, food and food vendors locally

• Plan and coordinate transportation locally (buses, shuttles)

• Plan and coordinate the opening march (permits, routing and spot location for over 10,000 people in the streets of Detroit)

• Coordinate and facilitate proper documentation and documentation process for national and international participants

• Develop strategy (with lead organizers) to sustain effective communication with speakers, facilitators and participants

• Plan and coordinate for solidarity fund for free and low cost places to stay and eat

• Prepare logistics packet including maps of layout of Detroit, USSF and where they can find key elements such as housing and places to eat

• Work with lead staff organizers to develop the USSF program or events

• Assist with fundraising

Qualifications

• Events coordination and logistics experience

• Community organizing and organizational leadership experience

• Experience planning large local, regional or national events

• Diverse ties with communities and organizations around the Great Lakes

• Willingness to live in Detroit

• Experience with collective team-building work

• Grassroots fundraising experience

• Commitment to building a progressive movement for social justice

This is a full-time position. This is NOT an entry-level position. The National Coordinator will work from October 1, 2009 through the US Social Forum in June 2010 and several months beyond the Forum. Compensation is approximately $3,500 a month.

Please apply no later than Friday, September 11, 2009. Email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Logistics Co-Chairs Shirleytbs@hotmail.com and leburnett@gmail.com

People of color and community members are strongly encouraged to apply.

Leave public questions or comments here

Communications Coordinator

United States Social Forum 2010

The US Social Forum is a movement-building process to build a powerful multi-racial, multi-sectoral, inter-generational, diverse, inclusive, internationalist movement that transforms this country and changes history. It will be happening June 22-26, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The USSF is a large, mostly volunteer effort with stakeholders all across the country and several moving parts. Planning for the USSF is being done by the National Planning Committee (NPC) and an Organizing Committee made up of the co-chairs of the different committees. The National Coordinator will report to the Coordination Team, made up of representatives from the National Planning Committee, in addition to participating on the Organizing Committee of the NPC.

The Communications Working Group (CWG) is charged with the development and implementation of the media outreach for the US Social Forum. The CWG is comprised of individual and organizational members, and is accountable to the National Planning Committee of the USSF. The CWG coordinator will lead the work of the CWG, which is responsible for the critical role of developing specific communications, and leading communications outreach efforts for the USSF to the broad media, as well as local, national and international individuals and organizations interested in media outreach to build the USSF, and events leading up to the USSF.

Job Responsibilities include

• Promote the USSF to broad likely “audiences” to dramatically increase the numbers of people aware of Social Forum process and movement

• Implement visible, innovative and synergized online/social networking/content strategy and presence

• Establish good working relationships with reporters, writers and editors to facilitate the outreach and coverage of USSF events

• Position USSF spokespeople as experts on social movements inside the US

• Assure that all materials used in outreach activities are translated into many languages, and assist in efforts to conduct the USSF 2010 in many languages

• Implement a visible and accessible low-technology communications strategy

• With the assistance, collaboration and guidance of the CWG, the Communications Coordinator will be responsible for developing a simple yet sophisticated media plan, easily replicated from a regional to national strategy.

• Develop strategy (with CWG and lead organizers) to sustain effective communication with speakers, facilitators and participants using various forms of media

• Research, develop and implement a USSF brand and communications strategy

• Development of key messages for all audiences to communicate the objective and values of USSF

• Involve Anchor and D-LOC team members, where appropriate, in executing communication activities and public relations (marketing materials, advertising, organizational communications, direct mail, marketing campaigns, press releases, content for forum publications, etc.)

• Coordinate the writing of press releases, copy for marketing materials, reports, advertisements, programs and other related material.

• Work closely with the Web Manager/ITC WG to ensure content is consistent with overall marketing and communication objectives

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external key stakeholders, especially other Working Groups to ensure proper messaging of forum beliefs and event offerings

• Provide monthly reporting to the Coordination Team

• Develop and manage the communications budget

• Perform related work as required

• Work with lead staff organizers to develop the USSF program or events

• Assist with fundraising

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of professional services in marketing and communications leadership

• Proven experience in the creation of a variety of media information and news releases, and the development and management of media events, including press conferences

• Familiarity and working knowledge of branding principles and tactics through multimedia including the Web and a variety of social media

• Proven ability to design, develop and implement both strategic programs and supporting tactics

• Superior written and verbal communications skills, coupled with highly developed interpersonal skills

• Years of experience in the creation and distribution of news releases and the creation of media events such as media conferences

• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to multi-task and set priorities within tight timelines and high client expectations.

• Ability to quickly grasp complex technical and business concepts and express them in clear language

• Flexible and open to changing priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously within compressed timeframes

• High familiarity with the history of mass and organizational struggle in Detroit and the Midwest region

• Diverse ties with communities and social movement organizations, and working knowledge of the current crisis’ facing Detroit and the Midwest region

• Willingness to live and work in Detroit from the point of hire through the USSF 2010

• Experience with collective team-building work

• Grassroots fundraising experience

• Established commitment to building a progressive movement for social justice

• Proven ability to communicate well with diverse groups of people (i.e. racial, ethnic, economic, gender, etc.)

This is a full-time position. This is NOT an entry-level position. The National Coordinator will work from October 1, 2009 through the US Social Forum in June 2010 and several months beyond the Forum. Compensation is approximately $3,500 a month.

Please apply no later than Friday, September 11, 2009. Email a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Communications Co-Chairs williamabryce@att.net and camila@umich.edu

People of color and community members are strongly encouraged to apply.

Leave public questions or comments here

NOTE--THIS POSITION BELOW IS THE SAME AS THE ONE ABOVE

National Communications Coordinator

United States Social Forum – 2010

Job Description: Communications Working Group Coordinator

Position Timeframe: 12 months from September 2009

Location: Regional/ National

SUMMARY

The World Social Forum (WSF) model is spreading around the world. A wide range of grassroots organizations and networks have announced that Detroit, Michigan will be the location of the second U.S. Social Forum (USSF) next summer, June 22-26, 2010. The USSF is more than a conference, more than a networking bonanza, more than a reaction to war, repression and poverty. The USSF will provide spaces to build relationships, learn from other's experiences, share our analysis of the problems our communities face and begin to vision and strategize how to reclaim our world.

The Communications Working Group (CWG) is charged with the development and implementation of the media outreach for the US Social Forum. The CWG is comprised of individual and organizational members, and is accountable to the National Planning Committee of the USSF. The CWG coordinator will lead the work of the CWG, which is responsible for the critical role of developing specific communications, and leading communications outreach efforts for the USSF to the broad media, as well as local, national and international individuals and organizations interested in media outreach to build the USSF, and events leading up to the USSF.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary role of the Communications Coordinator is to ensure that the major goals of the CWG are met. Those goals are as follows:

1. Promote the USSF to broad likely “audiences” to dramatically increase the numbers of people aware of Social Forum process and movement; build on successes, victories and outcomes of USSF 2007 to increase further participation; Impact public narrative on USSF themes and issues; introduce the USSF process and goals to broader audiences
2. Implement visible, innovative and synergized online/social networking/content strategy and presence
3. Establish good working relationships with reporters, writers and editors to facilitate the outreach and coverage of USSF events, to supply background information on the 2010 USSF, and to facilitate placement of USSF news stories in the electronic, print and social media.
4. Position USSF spokespeople as experts on social movements inside the US; position USSF spokespeople as “ahead of the curve” on grassroots issues (what’s the next big thing/issue?), especially in the Detroit region and the midwest
5. Effectively frame International Social Forum Movement and USSF as democratic process for building long-term power for disenfranchised communities and marginalized perspectives, voices and groups, and addressing the solutions necessary to realize the theme that “another US/world is possible”
6. Centralize media justice as an issue/theme in Social Forum Movement/USSF as a strategy to engage “allied” and alternative and ethnic media, and to centralize media coverage and space at USSF
7. Assure that all materials used in outreach activities are translated into many languages, and assist in efforts to conduct the USSF 2010 in many languages
8. Implement a visible and accessible low-technology communications strategy, especially in Detroit, that includes non-internet communications tools and materials (posters, leaflets, bus posters, etc.)

With the assistance, collaboration and guidance of the CWG, the Communications Coordinator will be responsible for developing a simple yet sophisticated media plan, easily replicated from a regional to national strategy.

o Develop strategy (with CWG and lead organizers) to sustain effective communication with speakers, facilitators and participants using various forms of media

o Research, develop and implement a USSF Brand and Communication strategy

o Development of key messages for all audiences to communicate the objective and values of USSF

o Involve Anchor and D-LOC team members, where appropriate, in executing communication activities and public relations (marketing materials, advertising, organizational communications, direct mail, marketing campaigns, press releases, content for forum publications, etc.)

o Coordinate the writing of press releases, copy for marketing materials, reports, advertisements, programs and other related material. When necessary, the Coordinator shall directly draft needed materials

o Manage media relations, research editorial opportunities and build relationships with key industry media

o Work closely with the Web Manager/ITC WG to ensure content is consistent with overall marketing and communication objectives

o Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external key stakeholders, especially other Working Groups to ensure proper messaging of forum beliefs and event offerings

o Provide monthly reporting to the Coordination Team Will include but not be limited to reporting on the status of prioritized marketing and communication activities. Reporting will be both historical and forward looking

o Develop and manage the communications budget

o Contributes to the total effectiveness of the USSF, communicating openly, solving problems proactively, offering creative ideas and working as a positive, engaged team member

o Performs related work as required

o Work with lead staff organizers to develop the USSF program or events

o Assist with fundraising

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience

o A minimum of five years of professional services in marketing and communications leadership role

o Proven experience in the creation of a variety of media information and news releases, and the development and management of media events, including press conferences

o Familiarity and working knowledge of branding principles and tactics through multimedia including the Web and a variety of social media

o Proven ability to design, develop and implement both strategic programs and supporting tactics

o Superior written and verbal communications skills, coupled with highly developed interpersonal skills

o Years of experience in the creation and distribution of news releases and the creation of media events such as media conferences

o Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to multi-task and set priorities within tight timelines and high client expectations.

o Ability to quickly grasp complex technical and business concepts and express them in clear language

o Flexible and open to changing priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously within compressed timeframes

o High familiarity with the history of mass and organizational struggle in Detroit and the Midwest region

o Diverse ties with communities and social movement organizations, and working knowledge of the current crisis’ facing Detroit and the Midwest region

o Willingness to live and work in Detroit from the point of hire through the USSF 2010

o Experience with collective team-building work

o Grassroots fundraising experience

o Established commitment to building a progressive movement for social justice

o Proven ability to communicate well with diverse groups of people (i.e. racial, ethnic, economic, gender, etc.)

To apply for this historic opportunity, interested candidates should submit a resume and a letter of interest to the Communications Working Group, USSF 2010 c/o Michigan Welfare Rights Organization. Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity or physical ability. Multi-lingual a plus.

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