Rural Organizing Project (ROP) is dedicated to creating communities accountable to a standard of human dignity: the belief in the equal worth of all people and the need for equal access to justice. We are a statewide organization of locally-based autonomous groups by and for small town and rural Oregonians since 1992.
We are on the search for a full-time Operations and Fiscal Coordinator to join our team, support our organizing and help build the rural movement for justice.
Are you someone who:
- Is motivated to work for progressive causes in rural communities?
- Has excellent office and fiscal skills?
- Likes a fast-paced activist environment?
- Enjoys recruiting and managing volunteers?
- Thrives on building and maintaining systems?
- Is able to hold the big picture while managing the details?
- Communicates well verbally and in writing?
- Likes to learn new skills and meet new people?
- Enjoys a combination of a traditional and virtual workplace environment?
Does this sound like you? Please review ROP’s website, the job announcement and application, and consider applying! We invite you to contact us with questions by emailing Co-Director Cara Shufelt at cara@rop.org.
Sound like someone you know? Please help us in our quest – forward this job description to your contacts.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an application, cover letter, resume and references by January 15th, 2018. Questions or recruitment ideas? Contact cara@rop.org.
Rural Organizing Project
Job Announcement
Operations and Fiscal Coordinator
What We Do
A national struggle is underway for the hearts and minds of rural and small town community members, and Oregon is on the frontlines. Increased state and vigilante violence threatens the safety and security of our communities. Massive funding cuts to community infrastructure such as emergency response, public safety, libraries and schools coupled with a lack of economic opportunity have left communities feeling more vulnerable and insecure than ever. This has created openings for the far right to build alternative infrastructure as an entry point to their movement.
ROP has been on the cutting edge of the resistance to the national resurgence of the militia, white supremacist, and far right movements. The core of our work has always been supporting our network of autonomous, all-volunteer, community-based human dignity groups to act as moral compasses to lead their communities, rooted in the values of self-determination, human dignity, and economic, racial, and social justice. Many rural counties are finding themselves in the midst of armed standoffs, candidates running for all levels of local office who aim to advance a white nationalist agenda and increased vigilante and state violence. Our member groups are courageously countering the politics of fear, isolation, and rejection with another vision of vibrant, healthy communities where everyone can live their lives fully with dignity and safety.
ROP, our ever-evolving network of over 70 groups across the state, and thousands of leaders with unbreakable resolve, have hope that together we can build beloved community through the rural traditions of community organizing, political education, critical thinking, finding common ground, breaking bread, and celebration. And we have a strong history of results.
ROP is dedicated to creating communities accountable to a standard of human dignity: the belief in the equal worth of all people and the need for equal access to justice. ROP is a statewide organization of locally-based autonomous groups and was founded by and for small town Oregonians in 1992 and continues to be driven by the needs of those on the ground.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for folks who are emotionally mature with a sense of humor and the sensitivity to work in a complex, high-stakes political context; have an ability to listen effectively, seek and accept feedback, and recognize the importance of stretching oneself, learning and growing; and a commitment to the leadership and vision of frontline communities in our struggle for racial, economic and social justice.
We are looking for folks that are transparent and honest, strong and proactive communicators; organized; eager to create systems to simplify, streamline and problem-solve; collectively oriented and minded; flexible; friendly; and have good time-management skills. We are also seeking people who self-initiate, and work well on their own, while also participating as an equal member of a team. Preference will be given to applicants living in and with experience working with and in rural communities.
The Work
Core responsibilities include:
- Fiscal Systems: Manage fiscal systems including bookkeeping, payroll, fiscal records, grants and fundraising materials and files; monitor budget with Co-Directors and ensure careful utilization of resources
- Resource Development and Communications Support: Support grantwriting, donor cultivation and tracking, fundraising events and fundraising appeals
- Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, coordinate and supervise teams of event volunteers and a team of administrative volunteers that keep our systems up to date, including our database
- Office(s) Management: Manage and maintain office systems across our field offices, organization equipment and resources including technology
We are looking for candidates with:
- Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, QuickBooks, email, Dropbox, Google Drive, CRM database software and office hardware systems
- At least one year of relevant office experience
- Development or operations experience and at least one year of relevant fiscal experience
- Experience working with nonprofits and managing volunteers
- Experience with rural communities, social change and/or grassroots organizing
- Applicants must be able to drive
ROP staff work as a close team from different communities around the state; this position would be based in your home community, but may periodically include work in ROP’s Cottage Grove and Scappoose offices. ROP operates in a virtual office environment and each staff member is expected to be able to work from home and to be on the phone and computer for extended periods of time. Excellent communication and time management skills are a must.
Compensation commensurate with experience, starting at $37,000-$42,000. Excellent benefits including health and dental coverage, paid sick leave, vacation and sabbatical.
People living in rural or small town communities, people who come from poor or working class backgrounds, people of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants and refugees and LGBTQ+ people are strongly encouraged to apply. All applicants are encouraged to review our website at www.rop.org before applying. Questions may be directed to cara@rop.org.
Review of applications begins on Monday, January 15th, 2018. Position open until filled.
To apply, please email the following to cara@rop.org:
- Completed application – download the application here
- Resume with relevant employment and volunteer experience
- Three references (with contact information), who will not be contacted without prior notice
- Cover letter describing your interest in this position