Job Details

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Central Upper Peninsula Organizer

About We The People: We The People Action Fund (WTPAF) (501c4), along with and through its sister organization, We The People Michigan (WTPMI) (501c3), works to builda multi-racial, working-class constituency across the state that is engaged in community organizing, the development of leaders, and the building of a unified, proactive agenda rooted in economic, racial, and social justice for all Michiganders. In 2018, people from all corners of Michigan came together to outline The People's Agenda , a vision for a Michigan in which all people have dignity, that is safe and sustainable, and that protects our democracy and acknowledges our history. Since then, We The People Action Fund and We The People Michigan have been organizing across the state in support of this living, evolving vision.

About the Position: WTPAF seeks a full-time organizer that will develop a base of community members and leaders in the Central UP to work on We The People's statewide goals. The central UP area includes L'Anse, Marquette, Grand Marias and south to Norway. The organizer will work to build a leadership team with local leaders and drive campaigns that center residents of the central UP.

Primary responsibilities:

• Invest in and develop a core team of leaders that are committed to working issues important to the Central UP
• Build a large base of local leaders Central UP that are working to build power in their community and statewide.
• Develop the leadership of the core team and base through political education, power mapping, storytelling, training, and campaign building.
• Engage their base through house meetings, town halls, political education sessions, and holding elected leaders accountable.
• Achieve goals and metrics as determined by the WTPAF team.
• Other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate would have these knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• A strong commitment to the values and vision of WTPAF
• A strong sense of curiosity about people and the ability to relate to them.
• Experience initiating conversations with community members about their stories, hopes, fears, and challenges; and a willingness to be bold in conversations with strangers and volunteers to grow the base.
• Experience facilitating meetings, trainings, and/or group gatherings that move people to action.
• Attention to the details, be vigilant about tracking goal progress, and meeting deadlines.
• Computer literacy and experience with Google Suite.
• Experience speaking up, suggesting new ideas, receiving feedback then adjusting plans to ensure completion of goals, while being part of the solution.
• Excellent communications skills through a variety of channels, including written and verbal.
• A relational leader and good team player, able to work with a broad team of staff and grassroots leaders, work well with others in a coalition setting, and motivate diverse groups of people.
• History of showing up for co-workers with consistent follow-through and good communication.
• Existing relationships with Central UP community members and the ability to build new relationships.

WTPAF is a diverse team of people, and we believe that our diversity makes us stronger. As we work to build a multi-racial, working-class constituency across the state, we believe that representation from diverse communities is crucial to our shared success. We also recognize that people who identify as women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet all qualifications. We believe in leadership potential and development and encourage people from these groups to apply if you meet some but not all of these qualifications.

Position Location: Employee must be based in the Central UP.

Work Schedule and Conditions: Work schedule is 40 hours a week, with flexibility to account for evening work. Frequent evenings and weekends are required, especially during periods of heavy work. This role requires occasional travel around the State of Michigan. Travel is reimbursed for long distances.

Compensation: This is a full-time permanent position with a salary of about $52,850, annually.

Additional Benefits include:

• WTPAF offers a competitive variety of benefits for eligible employees, including health, dental, vision, paid time off and a 401k investment plan.

This position is included in the bargaining unit of WTPAF employees represented by the Newspaper Guild of Detroit - CWA Local 34022.

How to Apply:

• Applications require a resume and either a traditional cover letter and/or a letter using the prompt below.
• Optional Letter Prompt:
  • We are interested in learning about you as an organizer, your values, strategic thinking, courage, and how you build relationships.
    • Tell a story about a time when you had to fight for something that you or a loved one needed. Who was involved? Why was it important to you to act? What actions/strategy did you take? What was the outcome?
  • Responses can be about 1-2 pages written or a 4-8 minute video or voice recording, whatever format is easiest for you.
    • Any basic video or voice recording formats are fine (for example: a video or voice memo mobile app).
• Apply through our jobs page .
• Only applications with a resume, and either a traditional cover letter or the above letter prompt will be considered.
• Position will start in March 2026

We The People Action Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary Description

$52,850 Annually