Community Engagement Coordinator

About YAFFED:

YAFFED is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the educational rights of Hasidic and ultra-Orthodox youth in New York State. Our mission is to ensure that all children in these communities receive a quality secular education that prepares them for success in the modern world. By raising awareness, engaging with policymakers, and empowering community members, YAFFED works to bring about systemic change and foster educational equity.

Position Overview:

YAFFED is seeking a passionate and dedicated Community Organizer to join our team. The Community Organizer will play a pivotal role in building and mobilizing support for our advocacy efforts, engaging with community members, organizing events, and collaborating with stakeholders to advance our mission of educational equity. 

The candidate must be able to work independently and have access to a reliable internet connection.  We will provide training in community organizing.

This is a remote position within the NYC area with occasional travel. The role has flexible hours and will require some evenings and weekends.

Key Responsibilities:

• Community Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with individuals and families, within the Hasidic, Haredi, and formerly Hasidic communities to raise awareness about educational rights and the mission of YAFFED and identify individuals willing to advocate alongside YAFFED for systemic reform.
• Event Planning and Coordination: Organize and facilitate community events, workshops, and informational sessions to educate community members about educational rights and YAFFED’s work.
• Advocacy and Campaigning: Support YAFFED advocacy activities and work with YAFFED advocacy leads to organize the involvement of community members and YAFFED supporters in advocacy efforts.
• Outreach and Communication: Develop outreach materials, social media content, and advocacy resources to effectively communicate YAFFED’s message in ways that promote the goal of community organizing and recruit new individuals into YAFFED’s work.  
• Movement building:  Identify individuals to participate in affinity activist groups such as a “mother’s network” and manage group advocacy activities.
• Reporting:  Provide YAFFED with regular updates and data reports on organizing activities.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in community organizing, advocacy, or grassroots campaigning, helpful but not required.
• Familiarity with Hasidic and ultra-Orthodox communities and cultural sensitivity.
• Proficiency in written and verbal communication in English and Yiddish required.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community members, leaders, policymakers, and partner organizations.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to social justice, educational equity, and the mission of YAFFED.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Available to start as soon as possible.

Location: Flexible, remote work with occasional travel within the metropolitan NYC area for meetings and events.

Hours:  this position is funded as a part time position at approximately sixteen hours per week.

Compensation:  $25/hr ($2,000 per month)

Application Process 

To apply please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@yaffed.org. We expect the process to go as follows: 

• Interview Screening with manager on zoom
• Second interview with manager + stakeholder in person
• Reference review

We are looking to hire an organizer as soon as possible with a start date at the end of November or beginning of December.