Advocate, StreetopiaUWS, New York City
Job Description
Open Plans is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to transforming the streets of New York City to be truly livable for the residents of this city. We are the home of Streetfilms, Streetsblog and StreetopiaUWS. We are a growing, mission-based organization with experience, enthusiasm, and an eagerness to change New York City and beyond.
We are seeking a mission-driven professional to lead and grow our UWS campaigns, focusing on issues that affect the streets, sidewalks, plazas and other public spaces of the Upper West Side. Our mission is informed by the worldwide movement to reclaim public spaces for the public good and the belief that human connection, creativity, and climate are strongest when the needs of people take precedence over the storage and movement of vehicles.
The UWS Advocate will report directly to Lisa Orman, Chief of Strategy at Open Plans, and will be a collaborative, integral part of the team at Open Plans. This role has potential for growth and independence over time.
Salary is commensurate with experience. Preference will be given for candidates who live, work or go to school on the Upper West Side.
Key Responsibilities:
- Stay current on our UWS issues and identify activities to support and grow our campaigns. Your work will go beyond our established list of contacts and activities and be expanded by your outreach and initiative.
- Lead and manage multiple campaigns on the Upper West Side, including campaigns related to pedestrian safety, the buildout of the protected bike lane network and various Parks campaigns.
- Assist with our Schools Campaign, as it relates to Upper West Side schools. Connect with schools, parents and students to empower them with the tools to make changes around and near their schools.
- Attend, speak at, and recruit other advocates to join Community Board meetings; grow our network of UWS advocates; manage MailChimp account and send bi-weekly updates.
- Post and otherwise engage with our social media accounts. Maintain the StreetopiaUWS website, ensuring it is accurate, engaging and up-to-date.
- Conduct outreach to local businesses, churches, synagogues, schools, block associations and other stakeholders.
- Communicate by email, letter, phone with elected officials, Community Board members, city agencies, media.
- Collaborate with other team members on citywide campaigns.
The Ideal Candidate has:
- The discipline to meet deadlines and follow established procedures and the creativity and flexibility to find new opportunities to enable StreetopiaUWS to effectively and comprehensively fulfill its mission.
- Persuasive oral and written communication skills.
- An eagerness to work with and grow relationships with city elected officials, city agencies, coalition partners and the public.
- A strong interest and an affinity for livable streets, quality of life issues, and alternate forms of transportation.
- Strong workflow, time-management, and organizational skills.
- The ability to comfortably manage and lead groups of people with big personalities and loads of ideas.
- A demonstrated ability to rally a group around a set of objectives or goals, working in a positive and collaborative way.
- Flexible, creative and critical thinking skills that enable you to think of many ways to reach goals.
- A team player mentality.
Start Date: As soon as possible
How to Apply:
Send your resume and cover letter to Lisa Orman by clicking here. Please list two references who can speak to your previous work and ability to work with others. In addition, please provide a writing sample on transportation, neighborhoods, local democracy or something else that feeds your passions.
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