Community Organizer

Canopy seeks a dynamic Community Organizer to help build a movement toward environmental equity in Midpeninsula communities in the Bay Area, with a special emphasis on East Palo Alto. This position will lead an ambitious outreach and engagement program that addresses climate change issues in historically under-resourced communities, with a particular focus on East Palo Alto. The Community Organizer is responsible for making lasting connections with and between community members, community-based organizations, public agencies, churches, schools, community centers, businesses and other key stakeholders in support of Canopy’s mission to increase the urban tree canopy and address climate threats and environmental justice in East Palo Alto and neighboring Belle Haven and North Fair Oaks.

The Community Organizer will participate in developing and implementing creative and lasting strategies that will inspire communities to support a functioning urban forest by helping to identify planting locations, participating in local volunteer tree planting and care events, and championing for trees in their neighborhoods.

ScheduleFull-time, 40 hours per week position Tuesday through Saturday with occasional evening events.Hybrid, partially working from home and the office. In-person presence of this position is important for understanding and reflecting Canopy’s community and brand.Start Date: July 1, 2024

ResponsibilitiesEngage with community-based organizations, public agencies, community members, and stakeholders and develop an understanding of the community’s culture and needs.Assist in setting community outreach and engagement strategies and goals for achieving Canopy’s mission to build a movement for treesIntegrate into or build coalitions, coordinate activities with coalition partners and recruit coalition members; coordinate the content and logistics for public events and large-scale mobilizations; and connect organizing work with research, public policy, and communications designated campaigns.Create and maintain a campaign database that tracks and quantifies support for Canopy and its mission.Work with Canopy’s Forestry team to identify key community stakeholders in East Palo Alto and neighboring communities to leverage our work and establish and maintain relationships in the community.Work with Volunteer Manager and Forestry team to meet targeted outreach and engagement goals and project objectives within a reasonable timeframe.Serve as a community liaison by participating and representing Canopy at meetings, public forums, volunteer events, and fundraisers.Ensure that tabling and Spanish bilingual outreach materials are updated with the most current version prior to an event.Communicate directly with Canopy’s Communications team to coordinate event photography, social media posts, branding, outreach materials, and press releases.Demonstrate Canopy’s tree planting, tree care, and community engagement model.Support colleagues at volunteer events, including event preparation, volunteer supervision, and event clean up.

QualificationsCommunity-oriented individual who is proficient in the skills required to mobilize people into action.Cultural sensitivity, particularly for the under-resourced communities of East Palo Alto and neighboring Branching Out communities.Competency in social and environmental equity and inclusion.Strong leadership, team-building, and problem-solving skills.Experience in project management skills and organizing strategy.Inspiring and engaging public speaking and interpersonal skills.Detail-oriented skills in logistics and planning.Excellent verbal and written communication skills: listening, negotiating, public speaking, and writing.Passionate about local climate resilience, and environmental issues impacting underserved communities.Bilingual English/Spanish.Deep knowledge of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and North Fair Oak preferred.Candidates residing in the communities listed above will be prioritized.

TO APPLYPlease email the following three things to jobs@canopy.org:A cover letter. Consider including what drew you to this position, your top two values and how you see them relating, and what you think are the most important traits to be effective in this position.Your resume. If you don’t have a resume and would like one, there is free resume creation available through JobTrain. Please email JobSeekerServices@JobTrainWorks.org.How you found out about this job.Accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal opportunity employer: Canopy strives to engage, celebrate, and reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We value inclusion and equity in our programs, leadership, and hiring practices. Canopy is a fair chance employer and does not use the e-Verify background check service. We invite anyone to apply regardless of their history and welcome neurodivergent applicants. If you can see yourself in this role, we invite you to apply!