Western Organizer

About Food & Water Watch

Food & Water Watch is working to create a healthy future for all people and generations to come—a world where everyone has food they can trust, clean drinking water and a livable climate. Making this happen requires involving people in the pressing issues of our time at the local, state, and federal level, building on one win after another, as we develop a larger movement that has the political power to make our democratic process work.

Food & Water Watch is looking for an organizer to join our New York organizing team and help build field capacity to protect our food, water, and climate, with a specific focus on building a volunteer network in Western New York as part of our larger campaign to move New York’s buildings off fossil fuels. The organizer will work closely with volunteers, community partners and other staff.

The position is remote, based in Buffalo.

The organizer will report to the New York State Director and will work with other staff on the organizer and communications teams to support Food & Water Watch’s work. The organizer will primarily focus on our campaigns for moving buildings off fossil fuels by focusing on the NYHeat Act, and developing our volunteer network in Western New York. This is a full‑time position.

This is a grant‑funded position. As such, the position is contingent upon continued funding from the grantor for the term of employment. Should the grantor fail to fund this position or rescind its sponsorship during the term of employment, Food & Water Watch may eliminate the position. This position is a Union position covered under a contract between Food & Water Watch and the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU).

$46,000.00 - $51,000.00

• Recruit and develop volunteers and allies. Build a strong base of volunteers and organizations in support of moving New York off fossil fuels and our other campaign goals.
• Organize campaign tactics. Plan and execute strategic tactics to meet the needs of our campaigns, including meeting with elected officials, generating phone calls to legislative targets, petitioning in key legislative districts, holding large events, bottom‑lining press conferences and other tactics.
• Build capacity. Develop the leadership of volunteers and grassroots organizations by offering training and organizing support.
• Represent Food & Water Watch. Speak at public events and in press interviews on behalf of the organization.
• Write to inspire action. Develop educational materials such as factsheets, action alerts, website content and newsletter articles on campaign issues.
• Use digital tools. Become proficient in tools such as Thru Text, Hubdialer, VAN, and Mobilize.
• Build Food & Water Watch for the long haul. Participate in member recruitment and fundraising activities for Food & Water Action.
• Carry out other projects as assigned.

• At least 1 year of full‑time organizing experience, or an equivalent combination of full‑time and volunteer experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective organizing strategies.
• Familiarity with New York State politics and fossil fuel infrastructure issues.
• Commitment to Food & Water Watch’s core values of justice, human dignity, fair treatment, and equity.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse racial, ethnic, class, age, gender, and sexual orientation backgrounds.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management & organizational skills and ability to balance multiple projects.
• Ability to work remotely using basic online programs, including email, Slack, and Google Docs.

Food & Water Watch provides an excellent benefits package for full‑time employees. This includes 100% employer‑paid health, dental and vision plans for staff; 403b retirement plans with employer contribution once eligible; 12 weeks paid parental leave; 3 weeks vacation for new employees; 12 sick days and 5 personal days; paid federal holidays and winter break (December 24 – January
1).

Please include your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to be considered. Position open until…