Program Coordinator - Urban Habitat, Oakland

SEC Program Coordinator - Urban Habitat
Organizational Background and Mission
Founded in 1989, Urban Habitat (UH) builds power in low-income communities and communities of color by combining policy, advocacy, research and coalition building to advance environmental, economic and social justice in the Bay Area. UH’s research, policy, education, and organizing efforts focus primarily on transportation justice, land use and planning, and equitable development. UH coordinates the Bay Area Social Equity Caucus (SEC), a coalition of more than 75 organizations committed to building a regional equity agenda.

Bay Area Social Equity Caucus
Members of the Bay Area Social Equity Caucus (SEC) represent economic, social, and environmental justice community-based groups as well as labor, faith, and youth organizations. This diverse coalition brings a wealth of ideas, energy, talent, and leadership to the region. By connecting local jobs, housing, land use, & transportation priorities to a broader regional equity agenda, Urban Habitat and the SEC work in strategic partnerships to build power within the Bay Area’s low-income communities and communities of color. The SEC’s priority regional programs include: 1) State of the Region: an annual event that draws hundreds of leaders from around the region to examine the major political, economic, social, and environmental forces impacting low-income communities and communities of color; 2) Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute: a training, placement, and mentorship program that explicitly supports individuals from underrepresented communities interested in serving on local and regional boards and commissions; and 3) Speakers and Writers Bureau: a program that provides support and opportunities to SEC members working to educate and engage the larger media and public on issues of equity.

Position Description
Urban Habitat’s Social Equity Caucus (SEC) Coordinator leads and coordinates all aspects of the Bay Area Social Equity Caucus. He/she works with a diverse group of organizations (community-based organizations, intermediaries, policy groups, government, labor, and youth groups) to promote the development and implementation of a regional vision for social equity. The SEC Coordinator organizes and facilitates quarterly meetings to advance the goals of the SEC. He/she is also responsible for increasing and retaining participation in the SEC throughout the nine (9) Bay Area counties and coordinating relevant trainings for all SEC members. As a result, a thorough understanding of a variety of environmental justice issues, including workforce and economic development, housing, transportation, and land use, and their impacts on historically disenfranchised communities is necessary. Finally, the SEC Coordinator facilitates the SEC Steering Committee and must be able to work collaboratively with UH staff in a team environment to ensure that programs and/or priority campaigns are integrated and aligned with UH’s mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:
1. Program Management and Implementation: Work with SEC members to continue the development and implementation of a long-term vision and workplan for the SEC that advances economic, social and environmental justice in the Bay Area. Specifically: 1) organize and facilitate full membership and Steering Committee meetings that provide movement-building, educational and training opportunities; 2) play a lead role in the implementation core SEC programs, including the State of the Region and the Speakers and Writers Bureau; 3) address capacity-building needs of the SEC; and 4) develop the infrastructure and systems (i.e. technology, communications, etc) to support the ongoing growth of the SEC.

2. Research and Policy Advocacy: Support the efforts of the SEC to influence relevant local, regional, state and national policy; provide research and written analysis on a variety of regional equity issues and their relevance to the work of the SEC and Urban Habitat.

3. Outreach and Education: Work with SEC Program Associate to conduct outreach and education throughout the nine Bay Area counties to increase participation in the SEC, recruit new members, and retain existing members. Help identify and support the technical assistance needs of SEC members. Help to build the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute through supporting recruitment of potential cohort members and managing nominations and cohort selection. Work with the Director of Education and Coalition-Building to ensure cohesion between the BCLI and SEC. Work with other UH staff to design SEC programming that supports UH’s broader organizational goals.

4. Media/Communications: Collaborate with program staff, communications staff, and contractors to advance UH media, communications, and programs to support the organization’s media, communication, and outreach efforts. Oversee production of quarterly newsletter and promote content to allied outlets. Ensure regular SEC updates are posted to UH’s website. Work with Director of Education and RPE Editor to develop and assign story topics, interviews, and profiles for the SEC online resource guide and events (i.e. State of the Region convening). Track and share media coverage and other SEC highlights with communications and development team. Represent UH and the SEC at local and national conferences, meetings, radio programs, and other events, when necessary.

5. Fundraising: Provide program updates, talking points, and/or other information to support UH fundraising efforts. Attend funders’ briefings and funders’ site visits, if needed. Support individual donor efforts such as house parties and other fundraising events.

6. Coalitions: Represent UH and the SEC on related coalitions such as ONWRD (Oakland Network for Responsible Development) and Oakland Rising. Identify other strategic coalitions for the SEC to play a leadership role on in support of UH’s organizational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Master's degree or equivalent experience in Urban Planning, Community Development, or related field with at least three (3) years of experience coordinating activities for multi-issue, multi-sector coalitions or membership based organizations.
• Excellent written and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with grassroots organizations, elected officials, and decision-makers as well as an ability to build partnerships and relationships with key campaign players.
• Demonstrated experience working with low-income communities of color, preferably in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Capacity to establish goals and priorities along with the ability to manage multiple projects to achieve deadlines. A team player who works well with others as well as independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with graphics applications experience as well as familiarity with online publishing systems and software.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.
Status: Full-time position with full benefits. Reports directly to the Director of Education and Coalition-Building.
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled.

Urban Habitat is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please email your cover letter and resume, AS ATTACHMENTS, to: SECCoordinator@urbanhabitat.org.