Leadership Development Organizer

Purpose

Out for Justice, Inc. is actively seeking a Leadership Development Organizer to play a pivotal role within our grassroots, member-led organization. We prioritize the voices of our members, who are predominantly formerly and currently incarcerated individuals or those directly impacted by the criminal legal system. The Leadership Development Organizer will be instrumental in empowering these members to ascend as key decision-makers and leaders advocating around the issues that impact them.

Working under the guidance of the Programs Manager and Executive Leadership, this role involves leading our leadership development programs, managing membership strategies, and ensuring the successful execution of project deliverables. We strongly encourage applications from those who are formerly incarcerated and possess firsthand experience pertinent to these advocacy efforts. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter, personable, and capable of thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

The Leadership Development Organizer performs a wide range of duties, including the following:

• Identifying, recruiting, and cultivating the admission of new members to the organization throughout the week.
• Providing follow-up to members in the form of one-to-one meetings
• Communicating, visiting, and building relationships, to include one to one meetings, with other public and private organizations in order to exchange and develop resources and partnerships
• Co-leading the outreach & organizing committee of members and volunteers in collaboration with the voting counterparts.

Member/Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build a membership and partnership ladder of engagement.
• Develop and implement strategies for member recruitment, retention, and engagement, ensuring alignment with OFJ’s goals and community needs.
• Conduct and facilitate regular meetings, training sessions, and one-on-one engagements with members to promote cohesion, leadership, and active participation.
• Cultivate and enhance donor relationships to increase financial support and community engagement, ensuring ongoing investment in our mission.

Program Management:

• Manage the Leadership Development Program, ensuring the achievement of program deliverables, including member service hours and recruitment.
• Organize and oversee community service projects, annual leadership retreats, and member events, enhancing the organization’s outreach and impact.
• Lead the design and implementation of the membership portal, policies, and procedures, ensuring they support member development and organizational goals.

Community Engagement:

• Actively participate in community meetings and events to represent OFJ, build relationships with community members, and gather insights to inform our strategies.

• Represent OFJ in community events, meetings, and resource fairs, building and nurturing relationships with community members and stakeholders.

Event Planning:

•  Organize and execute members' retreats, community service projects, and annual leadership training events, enhancing the collaborative and educational experience of our members.

Training and Development:

• Develop and deliver training programs tailored to the needs of our members. Supervise and mentor Leadership Training Program fellows, facilitating their growth as community leaders and advocates, guiding them in their roles and responsibilities; contributing to the program's continuous improvement.

Administrative Oversight:

• Maintain accurate and organized records, compile data for reports, and ensure compliance with grant requirements and organizational policies.

• In collaboration with the Programs Manager, prepare and maintain accurate records, compile data and data analysis for reports, grant compliance and organizational audits.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in community organizing, preferably with a focus on leadership development and advocacy within the criminal justice system.

• Demonstrated ability to manage programs, lead teams, and develop strategic partnerships.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse groups and build community relationships.

• Proficient in digital organizing, data management, and reporting.

• Familiarity with the challenges faced by system-impacted individuals and a commitment to advancing racial and economic justice.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with nonprofits, community partners, and stakeholders.

Location:

Based in Baltimore, MD, this role requires active engagement in local community initiatives and events, with occasional travel for networking and training purposes.

Commitment to Change:

Joining OFJ as a Leadership Development Organizer means becoming part of a dynamic team committed to breaking down barriers and leading transformative change in the criminal and carceral landscape. You will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our organization and the communities we serve.

Position Requirements

• Educational & Experience Background: High school diploma or equivalent, plus at least two years of experience in community organizing focused on leadership development and advocacy within the criminal justice system.
• Management & Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage programs, lead teams, and develop strategic partnerships.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, strong interpersonal skills to engage diverse groups, and build community relationships.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in digital organizing, data management, reporting, Microsoft Word, and Google Suites.
• Social Awareness: Understanding of the challenges faced by system-impacted individuals, with a dedication to advancing racial and economic justice.
• Commitment to Mission: Strong alignment with Out for Justice’s mission, self-managing, and initiative-taking.
• Organizational Skills: High level of organization, ability to implement processes, manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively and professionally.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work outside of regular business hours, including weekends.
• Community Engagement: Excellent interpersonal skills, patience in challenging situations, ability to build rapport within the community.
• Resource Knowledge: Familiarity with local and state resources relevant to OFJ’s reentry resource connection work.

Ideal Candidates

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate a vehicle
• Formerly incarcerated or directly impacted persons are encouraged to apply
• Committed to racial and economic equity through legal system reform and helping people who have served time in jail or prison
• Detail-oriented, organized, and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Proactive, self-starter who uses good judgment when engaging with others in professional settings
• Comfortable using technology to connect with others and excels in an autonomous environment
• Basic understanding of challenges facing individuals and families impacted by poverty and the criminal legal system