ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the Executive Director, or the Senior Director of Programs if hired, the Director of Organizing is responsible for finishing the design and launching the Civic Youth Action Network (CYAN). In the future, the Director of Organizing may have a team of direct reports.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Director of Organizing will launch and run CYAN, OTTA United’s flagship program and primary way of organizing youth. CYAN identifies, recruits, and equips youth organizers with the ability to change their communities — after youth act, they are uplifted into leadership opportunities at CYAN. Key job responsibilities include:
Garnering support for CYAN from community nonprofits, funders, and youth
Launching CYAN's first local/regional location in San Diego
Spearheading program design (building upon the current framework) and implementation
Selecting and leading a local/regional program team
Working directly with CYAN members in trainings, organizing campaigns, and increasing membership
Coordinating with the OTTA United team, including the Senior Director of Programs, Executive Director, and Board of Directors
REQUIREMENTS
DREAM ROLE
This is the dream role for someone with a strong understanding of organizing, a passion for serving youth, and a commitment to building a successful program from scratch. Key skillsets may include:
Community organizing
Program design and leadership
Ability to inspire, train, and empower youth
sociopolitical awareness to achieve change and help others to do so
Passion and commitment
A “do-er” (strong implementation skills)
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Previous organizing experience is required, with preference given to individuals with experience organizing youth or for youth-related issues. A high school diploma is preferred, although not required if a candidate has exemplary youth organizing experience.
WORK MODALITY & LOCATION
OTTA United’s office is located in San Diego, California (3252 Holiday Court Ste 103, San Diego, CA 92037). CYAN will be launched in San Diego, so applicants must be in the San Diego region with the ability to travel around the City of San Diego and to the OTTA United office. The work modality is hybrid, with some required meetings at the OTTA United office.
PAY & BENEFITS
This position is on a volunteer basis. There is no compensation for this position at this time. OTTA United deeply values the potential for personal and career development and strives to uplift its team members to best position them for their bright futures. Non-monetary benefits include:
Tailored work experience and growth to fit your desired career path
Networking opportunities with community nonprofits, policymakers, elected officials, and companies
Letters of recommendation
Certified Volunteer Hours, if requested
A tight-knit team and community of fellow change-makers
EXPECTED HOURS & FLEXIBILITY
In a Director position, expected hours fluctuate from 15-25 hours per week. Certain responsibilities, such as staff meetings, are fixed. Other obligations can be flexible around your schedule. Many staff members are also students, so our work environment is as flexible as possible. Approximately 80% of meetings will be conducted online, with some optional in-person attendance, and 20% will be conducted in person.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
OTTA United is a youth-founded, youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to organize powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.
OTTA United values authenticity and passion. We play the role of coalition builders and mentors within our communities, sharing knowledge, resources, credit, and impact. And as a justice-oriented, impact-driven, and people-centered organization, our perspective grounds us with who we serve and the work we do while advancing our mission.
Applications are a two-way street. We make our values as an organization clear to you to make sure our team is the right fit—and we hope we are! Here are some things to keep in mind:
Our team values flexibility and taking initiative over structure and top-down delegation. This philosophy is not a good fit for all, so we want to be clear upfront. If you thrive in dynamic, open environments, this is the place for you.
We value meaningful impact and support. We seek to authentically serve both our audience and our team members alike.
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of people. These values are reflected in our hiring practices, decision-making, and programs.
Our team and organization are growth-minded and development-focused. We always have room to improve, at all levels of our organization!
Our organization promotes honesty, communication, and integrity. These values allow us to be an effective team.
We praise creativity and ingenuity. Nothing is more exciting than thinking outside of the box or challenging the status quo.
We prefer personability over professionalism, at least in internal settings.