Community Organizer

Billings, MT

 “You can’t fight these big fights on your own. You need to work with others, and you need others if you’re going to take care of the places that you love.” 
-Jeanie Alderson, Northern Plains Chair’19-‘21

Northern Plains seeks a Community Organizer who will develop the leadership of Montana residents and help them build collective power around the issues that matter most to their communities. This Organizer works with our local groups (mostly in small, rural communities) to recruit and train leaders, build relationships, develop power analyses, and support grassroots campaigns driven by members. 

Our ideal candidate is good at building relationships, is motivated by people and community, determined to make change, and has demonstrated grit in the face of challenges or setbacks. 

This is a highly relational role that spends a lot of time in the field. You’ll spend most of your time meeting new people, developing leaders, strategizing with community members, and helping turn the concerns of regular people into organized action. 

WHO WE ARE
Northern Plains is a grassroots organization of people from the plains and mountains, cities and towns. We are everyday Montanans who love where we live. We stand up, shoulder-to-shoulder, to protect this place we all call home.

We believe that true prosperity begins with healthy land, water, and air. We believe that our families, farms, ranches, schools, businesses, governments, and communities thrive when we are good stewards of these resources. We believe that if we look beyond our fences, listen to one another, and keep our minds open, we will find creative solutions to secure a clean, healthful environment for all.

We are working toward a future where we live in harmony with nature, where our economy serves the people rather than the people serving the economy, where neighbors work side-by-side to build a world that lives up to our ideals of fairness, inclusion, and justice.

LOCATION
This is an in-person position located in Billings, Montana. Northern Plains is a team of hard-working, dedicated people who value both excellence and a healthy work-life balanced. Our LEED Platinum-certified office in Billings is full of natural light, frequent laughter, and the occasional visit by our furry, four-legged friends.   

The Community Organizer reports to a Lead Organizer and works closely with members, leaders, and staff from across Montana. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Build powerful relationships with members, staff, and community members based on trust and a well-defined understanding of each other’s desires and interests;
  • Develop the organizing skills, leadership, and commitment of members and leaders across our membership base;
  • Work with members and leaders to build and execute strategic campaigns (often includes finding policy solutions);
  • Organize public actions and meetings with elected leaders to advance local campaigns and grow the power of everyday people;
  • Build and maintain your understanding of the power landscape in Montana and any issues relevant to local campaigns; 
  • Participate in grassroots fundraising efforts;
  • Plan effective meetings and events;
  • Communicate clearly, orally and in writing;
  • Recruit new members to Northern Plains;
  • Uphold our member-led model of grassroots and democratic decision-making.

WHO YOU ARE

  • You are committed to building the power of regular people through member-led, grassroots community organizing; 
  • You embrace Northern Plains’ mission, issues, and values;
  • You are a good listener and are capable of establishing rapport with people from different backgrounds;
  • You have strong communication and interpersonal skills;
  • You are a quick learner, eager to develop your own leadership and help others do the same;
  • You have a highly motivated, proactive work style with excellent organizational skills and follow through;
  • You’re capable of working collaboratively with teams of both staff and member leaders;
  • You are open to evaluation and direction from your supervisor and peers; and
  • You have the flexibility to travel and be away overnight.

    Also helpful: 
  • Familiarity with environmental and agricultural issues;
  • Familiarity with broader movements for social, economic, and environmental justice;
  • Familiarity with Montana’s past and present political landscape.

We understand that the right candidate may have experience in different areas. If you don’t meet all the requirements above but have an interest in learning, we still encourage you to apply.



SALARY AND BENEFITS
Our compensation philosophy and transparent salary structure flows from our belief that our people are the most important part of our organization. We offer thriving wages, ample benefits, and opportunities for growth and development.

The salary for this position starts at $51,000 per year depending on experience. Employees earn 20 paid vacation days, 13 paid holidays, and 12 days of paid sick and personal leave.  The Northern Plains office is closed for the week between Christmas Eve through New Years Day. In addition, we offer health insurance, a retirement plan, an employer paid cell phone plan, paid parental leave, and a sabbatical program.  

This is a full-time, permanent position and is represented by Teamsters Local 190 and its terms and conditions are subject to negotiation between Northern Plains and the Union.

TO APPLY
This position is open until filled, but we encourage applications as soon as possible.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity in all forms and in all aspects of our work. Applicants from all walks of life and identities, including persons of color, LGBTQ+, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Email the following to Maggie Gordon at hiring@northernplainsaction.org in either Word or PDF format:

• Cover letter: Tell us why you want the job, where you heard about it, your most relevant experience, areas you may need to grow into.

• Resume

• Contact information for three professional references

Call (406) 248-1154 with any questions, or email us at hiring@northernplainsaction.org.

This position will remain open until filled.