The Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC) is seeking a passionate, organized, and relationship-driven Community Organizer to expand student engagement and build a strong statewide student movement. This position leads student outreach, recruitment, leadership development, and organizing efforts that empower students to advocate for policies that improve the California Community Colleges system.
The Community Organizer builds relationships with students, campus leaders, and regional representatives to recruit and develop emerging leaders, strengthen regional engagement, and expand SSCCC's membership. Working closely with the Communications and Outreach Team, the Community Organizer implements outreach and organizing strategies, both in person and online, using the SSCCC Ladders of Engagement framework to move students from awareness to active leadership.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Develop and implement strategic student outreach and recruitment efforts to build a diverse and representative membership that reflects the communities most impacted by the educational policies SSCCC seeks to change.
- Collaborate with the Communications and Outreach Team to develop and execute integrated recruitment strategies through both on-the-ground organizing and digital engagement, including social media campaigns.
- Utilize the SSCCC Ladders of Engagement framework to intentionally move students from initial awareness to sustained leadership and advocacy.
- Create and distribute communication materials and outreach strategies that effectively engage diverse student populations across the California Community Colleges system.
- Coordinate and conduct campus outreach, college-to-college engagement, phone banking, text banking, and social media outreach to recruit new students and strengthen relationships with current members.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with students, campus leaders, and regional representatives while fostering ownership, accountability, and long-term engagement in SSCCC's work.
- Identify, recruit, and mentor emerging student leaders to strengthen regional leadership and expand SSCCC's statewide network.
- Partner with SSCCC Board Members to plan and facilitate workshops, trainings, meetings, and leadership development opportunities that prepare students to become effective advocates and change agents.
- Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and leadership development to support the growth and capacity of student leaders.
- Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of advocacy campaigns that advance SSCCC's strategic priorities and long-term policy goals.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of student leaders and volunteers for committees, advisory groups, regional leadership opportunities, internships, and other engagement initiatives.
- Identify and promote SSCCC’s internship, fellowship, and leadership opportunities that expand student participation and professional development.
- Track, analyze, and maintain accurate data on student engagement, membership growth, and participation to measure outreach effectiveness and inform future strategies.
- Represent SSCCC at statewide, regional, coalition, community, and partner meetings, serving as an ambassador for the organization and its mission.
Requirements
Education and Experience
- Associate degree required; bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, education, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of two years of experience in community, student, labor, or grassroots organizing with demonstrated success in member recruitment, leadership development, campaign implementation, or coalition building.
- Proven track record of achieving measurable organizing outcomes, such as increasing membership, developing student or community leaders, advancing advocacy campaigns, or building organizational visibility.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multicultural environment and build strong relationships across differences in race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, identity, and lived experience.
- Strong facilitation, public speaking, and training skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with students, campus leaders, staff, and external partners.
- Strong relationship-building skills, including active listening, cultural competency, empathy, professionalism, and the ability to foster trust and collaboration in both individual and group settings.
- Experience using social media and digital engagement tools to support outreach, recruitment, advocacy, and communications.
- Ability to think strategically, solve problems proactively, and work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records, data, and reports.
- Commitment to student leadership development, equity, inclusion, and the mission of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel, to support organizational priorities and student engagement activities.
Benefits
SSCCC provides medical, dental, and vision coverage paid at 100% for the employee. After two years, retirement contribution at 100%. Paid holidays, vacation, and a competitive salary based on experience.
SSCCC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.