Boston Southwest Community Development Corporation Serving the communities of Hyde Park and Roslindale JOB OPPORTUNITY
Bilingual Community Organizer (Part-time)
Organizational Background Incorporated in 2001, the Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation (SWBCDC) is a nonprofit organization led by and for the residents of Hyde Park and Roslindale. Serving the more than 66,000 residents in these two neighborhoods SWBCDC aims to prevent displacement of neighborhood residents, particularly elders and those of limited means by developing and preserving affordable housing; strengthen the commercial base of the neighborhoods; and create vibrant and stable communities through programs and activities that bring long-time residents and newcomers of all ages and diverse backgrounds together. Community Organizing Projects SWBCDC seeks a bilingual community organizer (Spanish or Haitian Creole) to work 20 hours per week. The organizer may work on any of the following campaigns along with other staff and community leaders: Campaign to Preservation Affordable Housing to protect 1,700 affordable rental units with expiring use restrictions and project-based Section 8 contracts. The campaign includes tenant organizing in expiring use properties to negotiate for extension of affordability contracts, property acquisition by tenants or purchase by owners committed to maintaining affordability; legislative advocacy to extend affordability through owner incentives and/or restrictions on property sale; outreach to the broader community to enlist support for tenant organizing and legislative advocacy efforts. Fairmount Greenway Task Force, a coalition of community development corporations and community groups in Hyde Park, Mattapan and Dorchester, engaged in green space planning along the Fairmount/Indigo commuter rail line. The Task Force is part of a larger effort to increase service and create mixed use, green development along the line. The organizer will work with the Southwest Boston CDC and Hyde Parks 02136 neighborhood committee to engage residents in green space planning along the Fairmount/Indigo line in Hyde Park. Hyde Park Community Resources, a coalition of over 20 human service providers led by Southwest Boston CDC, which is focused on improving and increasing social and recreational services in Hyde Park. The organizer may assist with outreach to inform residents of existing services and engage them in planning for service improvement. Foreclosure Prevention The organizer may conduct outreach to residents who are at risk of foreclosure to inform them prevention of workshops and other resources. Responsibilities Depending on which projects the organizer is assigned, he or she may: Conduct outreach in neighborhoods and housing developments to recruit residents to join committees, and attend community meetings and events related to above-mentioned projects Assist residents to form action committees
11 Fairmount Ave Room 101 Hyde Park, MA 02136 phone [phone] fax [phone]
-1-
Provide leadership training to residents in meeting facilitation, public speaking, and strategy development Assist residents to build and maintain relationships with media to promote their efforts Work with resident committees and other tenant advocates to develop specific affordable housing preservation campaigns as described above Work with neighborhood organizations and consultants to identify opportunities for planning and creating green space along the Fairmount/Indigo Line Conduct outreach to residents to inform them of existing services and engage them in service planning Conduct outreach to residents to inform them of foreclosure prevention workshops and counseling resources Prepare reports as required to funders, Board of Directors and staff Attend Board and Staff meetings
Qualifications Preferred candidates are expected to have experience in the following areas: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in Spanish or Haitian Creole as well as English Work in diverse communities Neighborhood-based community organizing including: o Door to door outreach to determine interests and needs, provide information, and recruit residents to attend meetings and join committees o Training residents in meeting facilitation, public speaking, strategy development o Planning and conducting community meetings and events o Working with community leaders, public officials and the media o Campaign strategy development Strong verbal and written skills Ability to work independently, and as a team member Some knowledge of Hyde Park and Roslindale Basic understanding of affordable housing development Access to a car Compensation Salary will be based on qualifications and experience. SWBCDC offers a competitive benefits package including health benefits. How to Apply Please send resume and cover letter by August 15, 2008 to: Lauren Nadler, Southwest Boston CDC, 11 Fairmont Avenue, Suite 101; Hyde Park, MA 02136, or email to [e-mail]. For questions please call 617-364-7300. SWBCDC is an equal opportunity employer.
11 Fairmount Ave Room 101 Hyde Park, MA 02136 phone [phone] fax [phone]
-2-