Full-time/Non-Exempt/Hourly (40 hrs p/wk)
INQUILINOS UNIDOS (United Tenants) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering low income tenants through community organizing, education and advocacy to fight for safe, decent, and affordable housing in Los Angeles.
Since its inception, IU has had a long and distinguished history of successfully organizing tenants to advocate for their own improved housing conditions. For over 19 years, IU has focused its tenant advocacy work in the low income, primarily Spanish-speaking, immigrant communities of Pico Union, the Garment District, Echo Park, Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles and Hollywood. IU has worked with thousands of low-income tenants on legislative efforts, using peaceful but determined group action to address slum housing and related issues, tenant rights training and strategy planning, and class action or taxpayer lawsuits to address the most egregious housing violations. IU is one of the few Spanish-speaking organizations striving to empower tenants to fight for their right to safe, decent and affordable housing.
Job Description: The Tenant Organizer works to identify, train, and unite tenant leaders to: build a sustainable group and mount organizing campaigns in slum buildings with severe habitability violations, collectively oppose unfair and exploitative rental housing practices, and advocate for the preservation and expansion of affordable housing and rent control in Los Angeles. The organizer will also network and partner with other organizations on various housing policy reform campaigns.
Position Responsibilities:
• Through presentations and trainings, tenant organizers will outreach to the community, inform and educate low-income tenants on their rights and on how to advocate for their own improved housing conditions.
• Research and map out slum housing areas and conduct tenant outreach.
• Design and implement building organizing strategies with tenants living in slum areas.
• Provide support services such as information and technical assistance, referrals, and tenant/landlord interventions.
• Recruit and train tenant leaders for Tenant Organizing Committees (TOC).
• Maintain and update a tenant database.
• Assist in the development of housing policy reform campaigns and work with policy makers.
• Train and facilitate tenant participation in policy making and mobilize them.
• Maintain an active presence in the community through community fairs and forums.
• Network and form strong partnerships with other community based-organizations, city agencies, and housing advocates.
• Assist in the development of training materials and curriculum.
• Develop plans and meet deadlines.
• Coordinate with media.
• Assist with the coordination of volunteers.
• Submit activity reports and maintain accurate records.
• Basic administrative support: filing, typing, phones, mail.
• Active participation in staff trainings and team building activities.
• Participation in some fundraising activities.
Qualifications: Candidates must be bilingual (English/Spanish) and have good oral communication and writing skills. They must possess typing skills and be computer literate with a general working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, etc. A valid driver's license, reliable transportation and auto insurance are a must. The stronger candidates will be outgoing, creative and critical thinkers who are self motivated, well organized, and detail oriented. They will display strong time management and research skills, as well as a strong desire to learn and make a positive contribution in the
community. They must demonstrate leadership and possess the ability to multi-task, problem solve, and be comfortable working in a fast paced team environment. Must be available to work some evenings and weekends and a commitment of at least 1 year is expected.
Pluses also include:
• Skills & experience in grassroots organizing and/or social justice work.
• Some knowledge of housing law and/or policy.
• Major in related field, e.g. Public Policy, Social Work, Sociology, Chicano Studies, Political Science, Urban Planning, etc.
• Experience with planning, program or curriculum development, fundraising.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Marketing and/or public relations experience.
• Web-site and/or newsletter design experience.
• Good geographic knowledge of the City of Los Angeles.
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive salary DOE + employer paid medical, vision & dental plan
To Apply: Please provide resume along with a cover letter and salary history to:
Jose A. Garcia
Executive Director
Inquilinos Unidos
660 S. Bonnie Brae St., 2nd Fl.
Los Angeles, CA 90057
Fax (213) 483-6817 Phone (213) 483-7497
Email: Jgarcia.iu@sbcglobal.net
INQUILINOS UNIDOS is an equal opportunity employer. Position to be filled immediately.
