Special Assistant to the Co-Directors
The Opportunity Down Home North Carolina (DHNC) is seeking an experienced professional and social justice practitioner to play a key role in supporting the effectiveness of Down Home's Greensboro-based co-directing team. We are looking for an organized, high-performing, and thoughtful person who is excited about aligning the co-directors' day-to-day activities with the organization's vision, values, and goals. This is a unique opportunity to serve as an executive assistant who is part strategic thinking partner and part executive coach for senior leaders at one of the nation's leading community organizing shops.The ideal candidate has excellent personal organization and communication skills, and is highly motivated to win changes for working-class people in North Carolina. They are familiar with nonprofit workflows and may have previous experience working with nonprofit leaders, boards, management, or in fundraising and development roles. They are highly accountable and professional, and enjoy building and maintaining organizational systems.You are a great fit for this position if:You love building relationships with organizational leaders and helping them become more effectiveYou are organized, detail-oriented, and thorough with follow-through • you enjoy creating systems that help organizational leaders thriveYou have a coaching and strategic thinking orientation: you know how to ask the right questions to help activate wisdomYou value authentic connectionYou know how to "manage up" with grace and tactYou embody and practice the values you wish to see in the worldAbout Down Home North CarolinaDown Home North Carolina is a growing statewide organization of rural and small-town communities that advocate for economic, gender, and racial justice. We move North Carolina toward the values of dignity, safety, and inclusion through leadership development, strategic campaigning, multiracial movement building, and civic engagement that advance positive, life-changing reforms for rural communities.Founded in 2017, Down Home has built a strong organizational track record, including:Helping to elect the first Latine state legislator in NC historyWinning Medicaid expansion for more than 600,000 working CaroliniansGrowing a statewide membership base that includes all 100 counties of North CarolinaEstablishing member-led chapters across 9 counties, stretching from the mountains to the seaAnchoring the first southern, rural, deep canvass and race-class narrative testsHolding and growing statewide coalitions to fight for a just COVID-19 recovery, community investment, and fully funded public schoolsResponsibilitiesEnsure that the Greensboro-based co-directors' day-to-day activities align with organizational priorities, values, and vision, and that they support their effectivenessCoordinate all aspects of the co-director calendars, including scheduling meetings and calls.Bottomline logistics for meetings, including identifying dates and locations and coordinating travel, lodging, and mealsParticipate in strategy sessions- with an eye toward organizational effectiveness and value-alignment - and provide thoughtful feedback to the co-directorsSupport the co-directors' management of email correspondence and organization of documentsWork in partnership with program and fundraising staff to ensure that the co-directors are prepared for meetings and eventsRepresent the co-directors and provide their perspectives on calls and meetings when neededAssist the co-directors in implementing management policies regarding labor relations, including knowledge of and adherence to confidential information, including but not limited to collective-bargaining negotiations.Contribute to a dynamic and growing staff culture at Down Home NC. Play a part in our diverse, dynamic, and inclusive team of organizers and fellow Down Home staff; contribute positively to the culture of the organizationBe dedicated to building power with the multiracial working class of rural North CarolinaRequired skills and experience:Mission alignment: Committed to the vision of a powerful, inclusive, rural, multiracial, working-class movement-building as a path towards liberation for all people. Is aligned with the idea that building power takes both election programs and long-term base building and investment in communities. Personal or professional experience living in rural communities, living in the South, rural organizing, and/or organizing in the South are a plus but not required. Personal experience on the frontlines of climate organizing, including lived experience in Black, Indigenous, low-income, or working-class communities, is a plus but not required.Organizer mindset: Committed to grassroots organizing and is grounded in the importance of building a multiracial movement. Is willing and able to build relationships quickly, have strong follow-ups, and move people to action. Is willing to take chances, solve problems creatively, and work independently. A determination to succeed and build power. Previous experience as an organizer or a grassroots leader is preferred but not required.Effective project management skills: Demonstrated ability to successfully meet deadlines, set goals, develop realistic work plans, and adjust work to meet emerging needs. Highly organized and with strong attention to detail. Proven ability to manage complex schedules, multiple projects, and responsibilities. Highly organized and systematic, with strong time and project management skillsExcellent written communication skills, including precise editingDemonstrated strategic thinking skills, including an awareness of organizational goals and prioritiesFlexible and comfortable working under pressure in a fast-paced environment with shifting prioritiesProven track record of developing systems and using technology to improve efficiencyComfortable handling and being exposed to sensitive and confidential informationDemonstrated clear and effective judgment/decision-makingAbility to build strong working relationships and communicate directlyProficiency with Microsoft Office, web browsers, Gmail, Google Calendar, and the basics of spreadsheet and database softwareGreat sense of humor and love of peopleSome irregular hours are required, including nights and weekends. Work location is flexible within North Carolina. Please note that a significant portion of the work will be in person. Applicants must be able and willing to travel regularly for work.Compensation for this full-time staff position is determined by the candidate's level of experience and ranges from $74,739 to $ 86,237 annually, including best-in-class health coverage, retirement, sick, vacation, and other benefits.How to Apply