Local Organizer, Part-Time (DC)

Position: Part-time Organizer (20 hrs/week)

Location: Washington, D.C.
Salary: $20,888 with annual cost of living increase; additional stipends available for parents and caregivers. Benefits include full healthcare and dental coverage, paid parental leave, two weeks paid vacation in the first year and four weeks paid vacation thereafter.

Organizational Background:
The Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES) is a US-based organization dedicated to transnational solidarity and grassroots mobilization. Since 1980, CISPES has accompanied the Salvadoran popular movement and the FMLN (Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front) to promote a just alternative to the oppressive, US-backed policies of the Salvadoran right-wing.

Our current campaigns focus on:

  • Cutting U.S. military and police aid to El Salvador and throughout Central America
  • Accompanying social movement struggles in El Salvador in the struggle against state repression and in defense of popular democracy and natural and communal resources 
  • Challenging the corporate-led U.S. “development” agenda in Central America

Job Description:
The CISPES Education is looking for a qualified and committed individual interested in building out a local chapter and helping them participate in our national campaigns and program. This is a part-time position with lots of opportunities for leadership development and to gain valuable training and organizing experience.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Organize a local chapter by providing hands-on organizing, leadership development and logistical support to current chapter members and local contacts
  • Help the chapter recruit volunteers, plan educational events (workshops, panels, etc.) and organize fundraisers to support grassroots organizing in El Salvador
  • Build and maintain relationships with local organizational allies
  • Participate in CISPES’ national organizing team by helping to develop campaign, political education and outreach materials for chapters
  • Use local organizing experiences to inform CISPES’ national campaigns, program and organizational development strategies

Qualifications:

Required

  • Experience with student, community or grassroots organizing
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and be self-organized and self-motivated
  • Ability to communicate in Spanish and English
  • Strong interpersonal skills for working in small teams
  • Strong understanding of U.S. policy in Latin America, especially the impacts of neoliberal globalization and militarization
  • Agreement with CISPES’ mission statement, commitment to dismantling oppression, organizing model, including democratic decision-making processes

Preferred

  • Experience supporting volunteers
  • Experience developing and/or leading member or volunteer training or workshops (organizing skills, political analysis, etc.)
  • Experience with international solidarity organizing
  • Previous experience working with CISPES, including as an activist or chapter volunteer/organizer
  • Spanish/English interpretation and written translation skills

To Apply:
Email a cover letter and resume to Alexis Stoumbelis, Executive Director, [email protected]. Your cover letter should be 1-2 pages and address the following: why you believe this position would be a good fit for you, including your experiences with community or grassroots organizing; your knowledge of the current context in El Salvador and of the history and/or current context of US policy in Latin America; and why you believe international solidarity is important.

CISPES is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. BIPOC, women, queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender non-conforming people and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Meet some of the sustainers who power our work!

"I am a CISPES supporter because continuing to fight for social justice and a more people-centered country means continuing the dream and sacrifice of thousands of my fellow Salvadorans who died for that vision.” - Padre Carlos, New York City

Join Padre Carlos by becoming a sustaining donor to CISPES today!