Out For Justice Inc Membership & Advocacy Coordinator Baltimore, MD · Full time Company website

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Out for Justice, Inc. (OFJ) is a grassroots organization that received our official nonprofit status in 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded by a group of formerly incarcerated individuals who were ready and willing to work but repeatedly denied employment due to their criminal record. With the support of justice-impacted individuals, their friends, and their family members, OFJ strives to bring about policy reform that ends employment barriers and perpetual punishment that adversely affects citizens impacted by the criminal legal system. We believe that individuals impacted by the criminal legal system should be at the forefront of policy reform efforts that directly affect us, our families, and communities. Targeting unjust, counterproductive policies reduces the collateral consequences associated with a criminal record, provides a fiscally responsible method for reducing recidivism, and increases the health and safety of our communities.

About Out For Justice:

Out For Justice is dedicated to advocating for criminal justice reform and social justice. The organization works with community members to build leadership skills, engage in political advocacy, develop a strong membership base, advocate for policy changes, collaborate with ally organizations, and conduct strategic planning. The Community Engagement & Advocacy Coordinator plays a crucial role in executing the organization's mission through these key functions.

Out For Justice, Inc (OFJ) is a group of individuals directly and indirectly impacted by the criminal legal system. The organization works to reform policies and practices that hinder successful reintegration into society.

Position Summary:

The Membership and Advocacy Coordinator position is responsible for providing support and resources to Out for Justice members, focusing on development, engagement, and planning. This role involves building and maintaining partnerships with members, as well as strengthening and growing the membership base. The Coordinator will assist in strategic planning and developing initiatives, with a focus on leadership development to equip members with the skills and resources needed to be effective advocates.

Responsibilities and Duties:

The Member and Advocacy Coordinator will have the following responsibilities:

Leadership Development

- Develop and implement leadership training programs for community members.

- Provide guidance and mentorship to emerging leaders in advocacy roles.

- Organize workshops, seminars, and skill-building sessions focused on political advocacy and social justice.

- Identify community resources to help individuals and community members acquire skills and overcome barriers.

Community Engagement

- Coordinate outreach efforts to recruit new members.

- Organize community events, meetings, and forums for members to discuss social justice issues.

- Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders, activists, and local leaders.

- Develop an engagement ladder and system to organize and track member advocacy efforts.

Policy Advocacy

- Assist in developing advocacy strategies for legislative sessions.

- Collaborate with staff and community members to create advocacy strategies, Op-eds, LTEs, and public comment opportunities.

- Support community members in participating in rallies, lobbying efforts, public hearings, and other advocacy activities.

- Prepare members for advocacy efforts, including drafting testimony and facilitating submissions.

Collaboration with Allies

- Identify and reach out to potential partner organizations aligned with the mission of criminal justice reform.

- Plan and execute joint events, advocacy campaigns, and coalition-building efforts with allied organizations.

- Represent the organization at community meetings, coalition groups, and advocacy coalitions.

Strategic Planning & Development

- Assist in developing long-term organizational strategies.

- Identify grant opportunities and assist with fundraising proposals.

- Support the design of new initiatives that align with the organization's goals.

- Lead efforts in implementing a CRM system to track engagement and impact.

Continue development of programs such as the Leadership Development Academy and the Membership Engagement System.

Additional duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications:

- Strong understanding of criminal justice reform and social justice issues.

- Experience in community organizing, policy advocacy, or leadership development.

- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse community members and allied organizations.

- Strong time management skills and ability to multitask effectively.

- Experience in organizing events, campaigns, and public speaking engagements.

- Proficiency in digital tools for advocacy, organizing, and communications.

Reports To:

The Member and Advocacy Coordinator reports to Programs Manager, Nina Dow

Office Hours: 2 days of mandatory office presence and online presence when working remotely.