Employment
Urban Habitat Job Announcements
Media & Communications Associate
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Land Use Program Director
RPE Intern
No phone calls, please.
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Posted: 01.04.12
Title: Media and Communications Associate
Status: Full-time, salaried
Organizational Background and Mission
Founded in 1989, Urban Habitat (UH) builds power in low-income communities and communities of color by combining policy, advocacy, research, leadership development, and coalition building to advance environmental, economic, and social justice in the Bay Area. UH applies a critical race and class lens to issues of transportation, housing, land use, planning, community development, and health, and offers a clear vision and agenda for the equitable development of the region.
Position Description: Full-time
The Media & Communications Associate serves as primary support staff to UH’s Media & Communications Manager. The ideal candidate is a thoughtful, creative and careful writer and gifted multimedia storyteller who possesses stellar editing skills, is comfortable posting stories and updates to the Web, has written a press release, can send out an e-newsletter, and crop a photo. The Associate will have a hands-on role in implementing Urban Habitat’s strategic messaging and marketing plan, which includes social media oversight, building UH brand awareness, and expanding reach and audience of our national journal Race, Poverty & the Environment. The position requires strong writing and content creation skills; experience in updating and maintaining websites, managing databases and listserves; and the ability to multitask and work in a dynamic environment. As a result, an ability to work well under pressure, multi-task, juggle multiple deadlines and work well with others, while exercising a courtesy and professionalism is paramount. Finally, this position requires a detail-oriented person who can work well independently on writing, design, and research projects.
This is a great opportunity for individuals who are passionate about journalism, storytelling, messaging, advocacy and policy issues. Candidates must possess a strong commitment to social, racial and environmental justice. Previous nonprofit experience preferred. This job is based in Oakland, CA.
Essential Functions of Job
Projects will vary over time, and will include the following assortment of opportunities:
• Content creation and editing for print and website: Assist in production and dissemination of critical, timely, and evergreen information to our audiences and enhance their overall Web experience. Assignments may include writing, copyediting, photo-editing, multimedia packaging, crafting marketing materials, and drafting press releases, editorials, opinions, blogs, and letters to donors.
• Social media management: Implement and participate in social media strategy to help attract and retain new audiences and gain supporters; inform and interact with UH friends and followers. Assist in SEO monitoring and interpretation of metrics to increase traffic and build UH Web presence.
• Media outreach/publicity: Assist in marketing and promotion of Urban Habitat’s events and great work for low-income people and in communities of color locally, regionally, and nationally, where applicable. Build upon and develop relationships with organization’s strategic allies and partners. Coordinate efforts to strengthen content-sharing across organizations.
• Database management: Oversee contacts in existing database(s) and listserves, and strategic transferring of contacts to updated constituent relationship management (CMR) system.
• Development: Help draft supporter and donor email and post articles and updates to website.
• In-house style guide: Assist in creation and enforcement of organization’s style guide.
Job Skills and Qualifications
• Knowledge of organization’s mission and program area issues, and ability to think strategically about promoting them to external audiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to take the initiative and project confidence.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple and shifting priorities and projects.
• Public relations & marketing: demonstrated capacity to draft event materials, letters to the editor and press releases.
• Skill conducting one-on-one interviews with community members and public figures.
• Excellent attention to detail and proven follow-through.
• A strong work ethic with a calm, relaxed demeanor and sense of humor in times of stress.
• A helpful attitude with a willingness to take on small or large tasks.
• Strong Internet search knowledge for conducting online research.
• Familiarity with Google Analytics and Facebook Insights
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Illustrator
• Effective use of Facebook, Twitter and other relevant social media sites.
• Familiarity with Drupal a plus.
• Proficiency with video cameras and video-editing tools a plus
Other characteristics of Job
Job may require some evening and weekend activities, including off-site activities.
Application Instructions
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a start date depending on candidate availability. Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and three references to: mediaassociate@urbanhabitat.org. No phone calls, please.
Salary Range: Full-time. Commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package, including full health coverage, paid time off (PTO), and 401k. UH will use this posting to consider applications for part-time unpaid internships to interested students.
Urban Habitat is an equal opportunity employer, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Posted: 12.01.11
Title: Executive Assistant to the CEO
Status: Full-time, salaried
Organizational Background and Mission
Founded in 1989, Urban Habitat (UH) builds power in low-income communities and communities of color by combining policy, advocacy, research, leadership development, and coalition building to advance environmental, economic, and social justice in the Bay Area. UH applies a critical race and class lens to issues of transportation, housing, land use, planning, community development, and health, and offers a clear vision and agenda for the equitable development of the region.
Position Description
The Executive Assistant is the primary support staff to Urban Habitat’s President & CEO as well as the initial contact for people outside of the organization, including funders, partners, and members of the media. As a result, an ability to work well under pressure, multi-task, juggle multiple deadlines and work well with others, while exercising a courtesy and professionalism is paramount. Finally, this position requires someone who can effectively anticipate the needs of the President & CEO and provide a wide range of support with a friendly and helpful attitude.
Essential Functions of the Job
Scheduling and Meeting Support
• Maintain daily, weekly, monthly and yearly calendar for the President & CEO, including scheduling appointments and managing contacts database. This includes analyzing the schedule on a regular basis to ensure that a healthy balance between meetings, work time breaks, and meals. • Review appointments and meetings with CEO on a daily basis and provide a weekly dossier of the necessary materials and/or information in preparation for these meetings. This includes working closely with management and other staff members to provide background information in a timely manner.
• Correspond on a daily basis with individuals and organizations outside of Urban Habitat on behalf of the CEO.
• Act as a liaison between staff and the President & CEO, particularly with other members of the management team.
• Coordinate and plan numerous internal and external business meetings, including ordering food for these meetings.
Travel
• Coordinate travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, ground and public transportation, and meeting schedules for the President & CEO.
• Complete expense reports and travel reimbursements for the President & CEO.
• Manage all business details for the President & CEO (while in the office and on the road).
Board & Staff Meetings
• Prepare and distribute Board packets (via email and mail).
• Take minutes and provide administrative support during Urban Habitat Board meetings.
• Prepare minutes after each Board meeting for Management review.
• During bi-weekly staff meetings, take notes and transcribe them for the President & CEO.
Other Duties
• Screen and process incoming telephone calls and answer routine correspondence.
• Edit and prepare documents and correspondence for the President & CEO.
• Check President & CEO’s emails daily and follow up on requests.
• Check and transcribe President & CEO's voicemail on a daily basis.
• Preview and flag important mail for President & CEO.
• Sort and distribute all incoming mail to the President & CEO and other staff members.
• Maintain the President & CEO’s filing system and help him stay organized.
• Act as his timekeeper when he is in meetings and check-in to ensure he finishes up in time for the next meeting or leaves on time for additional meetings outside the office.
• Assist with special projects and other office tasks, as needed (i.e. mailers, copy jobs, stocking supplies, and database entry).
• Maintain a tidy and welcoming work space for the President & CEO.
Job Skills and Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years experience as Executive Assistant to a CEO or Senior Officer.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to take the initiative and project confidence.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and computer skills, including Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and Google apps (including Gmail and Google calendars).
• Strong Internet search knowledge to provide the CEO with contact information, directions, and other information quickly.
• Experience staffing Board of Directors’ meetings, conferences, and special events.
• Extensive experience managing national travel schedules and long-distance communication via cell phone, email, and other devices.
• Ability to control and handle information that is highly confidential and time-sensitive in nature.
• A strong work ethic with a calm and relaxed demeanor even in times of stress.
• A friendly and helpful attitude with a willingness to take on small or large tasks.
Other characteristics of Job
• Job may require some evening and weekend activities.
• Position will work closely with President & CEO. Therefore, building trust and chemistry is critical.
• This position will be privy to certain confidential, financial, and personnel information. Therefore, a background check is required.
Application Instructions
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and three references to: ExecutiveAssistant@urbanhabitat.org. No phone calls, please.
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package, including full health coverage, paid time off (PTO), and 401k. This is a full time position that reports to the President & CEO.
Urban Habitat is an equal opportunity employer, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Posted: 10.03.11
Title: Land Use Program Director
Status: Full-time, salaried
Organizational Background and Mission
Founded in 1989, Urban Habitat (UH) builds power in low-income communities and communities of color by combining policy, advocacy, research, leadership development, and coalition building to advance environmental, economic, and social justice in the Bay Area. UH applies a critical race and class lens to issues of transportation, housing, land use, planning, community development, and health, and offers a clear vision and agenda for the equitable development of the region.
Position Description
The Land Use Director works closely with UH’s Management Team to define and implement Land Use campaigns, policies, research, and coalition building efforts that promote equitable development – integrating issues of housing, climate, transportation, jobs and health. Candidate will work closely with UH’s equity partners to ensure that low-income communities and communities of color benefit from the implementation of key land use and climate policies at the local, regional, and state level. Example policy targets may include General Plans, Housing Elements, Energy & Climate Action Plans, Environmental Impact Reports and the Sustainable Communities Strategy of the Regional Transportation Plan, along with key statewide legislation including AB 32 and SB 375. Candidate will also play a role in the Great Communities Collaborative (GCC), working with diverse partners to influence community planning processes in priority transit oriented development sites across the Bay Area.
The candidate will drive UH’s Land Use Program strategy development, growth, and implementation in a way that maximizes impact across existing programs, ensuring close coordination with UH’s Transportation Program. Candidate must effectively lead UH’s Land Use staff in a team environment to strengthen and integrate Land Use campaigns, policies, research, and coalition building efforts across UH’s program areas. Accordingly, the candidate must be a strategic thinker and communicator and have the ability to generate and translate complex ideas or research findings into concrete campaign recommendations and action. Candidate must be able to work with a diverse group of stakeholders including allied organizations, community groups, policy, government, labor, and health organizations. This position reports directly to the Senior Director of Programs and will supervise staff including a Land Use Program Coordinator, along with consultants, & interns as needed.
Essential Functions of the Job
Program Management & Strategy (25%)
• Lead the creation and advancement of UH’s short and long-term Land Use policy agenda and strategy, and help increase the capacity of UH and our partners to effectively navigate and impact the policy-making arena. This will include mapping out strategic opportunities for the Land Use program’s expansion throughout the region and engagement in the regional implementation of SB 375.
• Serve as UH’s Program Committee representative for the Great Communities Collaborative (http://www.greatcommunities.org). Key responsibilities include: 1) Play a lead role in defining, implementing, and evaluating UH’s GCC workplans; 2) Represent UH in GCC Program Committee meetings and related activities; 3) Analyze local Land Use/Transit Oriented Development plans and identify opportunities to advance UH’s equity agenda; and 4) Supervise Land Use Program Coordinator and local site partners to develop and execute TOD campaign plans.
• Collaborate with UH’s Richmond Equitable Development Initiative, focusing on passage and implementation of the General Plan. Work with the REDI Coordinator and UH’s Land Use Coordinator to build REDI’s capacity to engage on local issues related to climate, energy, and health, and to support related member campaigns.
Coalition Building (25%):
• Define & lead organizational efforts to generate, mobilize, and pass positive Land Use policy solutions that benefit low-income communities and communities of color, while preventing the passage of harmful policies. Current examples include the Regional Housing Needs Allocation Methodology Committee.
• Support the Senior Director of Programs’ participation on Climate Plan’s statewide Steering Committee, and play a lead role on ClimatePlan working groups as needed. This may include identifying and promoting land use policies that will help achieve California’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets while simultaneously benefitting the state’s low income communities and communities of color.
• Participate in UH’s efforts to increase coordination and communication among equity organizations across California to define and win clear land-use, housing, and climate equity outcomes within key policies and campaigns.
Policy Research, Analysis & Education (30%):
• Monitor the political landscape for strategic opportunities to advance UH’s priority campaigns and programs. Research and analyze local, regional, state and, national policies that are relevant to UH’s Land Use goals; design innovative policies and advocacy strategies that build on UH’s existing expertise and relationships.
• Mobilize policymakers, community and labor allies, and other key stakeholders around UH’s Land Use policy agenda and strategies.
• Support UH’s efforts through the Bay Area Social Equity Caucus to educate and mobilize members on key Land Use policy issues including land use, equitable development, climate, housing, transportation, jobs and health.
• Develop policy analysis, recommendations, and research findings to support UH’s Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute and its efforts to recruit, place, and support low-income people and people of color on public commissions and nonprofit boards throughout the region.
Research and Writing (10%):
• Strengthen UH’s written regional equity analysis and framework on Land Use issues including equitable development, climate, housing, transportation, jobs and health. Lead UH’s efforts to produce original reports and analysis that contribute to the environmental justice movement. Provide data, analysis and articles for UH’s web-site, RPE journal, and other UH publications.
Development and Communications (10%):
• Draft, compose, and present regular updates and other written materials to UH’s Management Team, Board of Directors, and Media and Communications staff in order to support UH’s fundraising efforts, media strategy, and web-site outreach.
• Represent UH on Land Use issues at conferences, community events, workshops, and other public/media engagements.
• Participate in fundraising cultivation meetings and/or provide talking points on UH’s policy goals.
Job Qualifications
• Master’s degree in urban planning, environmental sciences, economics, public policy, or equivalent experience such as policy director for labor or advocacy organization.
• Knowledge and experience working on land-use planning policies and programs (for example inclusionary zoning implementation, analysis of planned land use alternatives, EIR and CEQA review ) and climate change policies and programs (for example, development of climate change actions plans)
• Hands-on experience with policy-making, advocacy, implementation, and evaluation at varying levels of government (for example, local, regional, state, and national); ability to analyze complex policy development processes and related public agencies.
• Capacity to utilize a wide array of research methods, including but not limited to: Internet searches, public information requests, government reports, telephone inquiries and key informant interviews.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate policy analysis and research results, including development of conclusions and persuasive arguments for individuals outside the organization, as appropriate.
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading successful policy campaigns and/or programs focused on environmental, social, and/or economic justice. Capacity to evaluate and prioritize campaign opportunities to ensure that they maximize Urban Habitat’s overall campaign and organizational goals.
• Strong commitment to issues of environmental, social and economic justice and to working within a regional, multi-sector, multi-issue framework.
• High level of proven leadership and ability to manage complex tasks in a timely and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to directly supervise staff and consultants, along with ability to work cross-programmatically.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilingual or multi-lingual a plus.
• Ability to work well under tight deadlines and in a team environment.
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package, including full health coverage, paid time off (PTO), and 401k. This is a full time position that reports to the Senior Director of Programs.
Application Instructions
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Landusedirector@urbanhabitat.org. No phone calls, please.
Urban Habitat is an equal opportunity employer, and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Race, Poverty & the Environment Web/Print/Radio Publishing Internships
Race, Poverty and the Environment (RP&E), Urban Habitat’s journal for social and environmental justice periodically accepts radio, reporting and publishing interns The positions are one to two days a week and the schedule is flexible. The next openings for on-site internships are for late spring 2011. Currently we are only offering unpaid off-site internships and stipends of $50-$150 for reporters by assignment.
We are seeking writers capable of producing cross-platform stories suitable for both radio and print formats and will accept submissions or queries for either format. Please refer to our submission guidelines for additional information.
Send article queries or proposals and a resume and a cover letter describing your radio, publishing and social justice experience to editor (at) urbanhabitat (dot) org or to Race, Poverty & the Environment, Urban Habitat, 436 14th St. #1205 Oakland, CA 94612. No phone calls, please.
