Students for Sensible Drug Policy, a grassroots political advocacy organization with a member network of thousands and a national staff of five, is seeking a highly motivated, well-organized individual to assist with strengthening the student movement to end the failed War on Drugs. This is a full-time, entry-level position that is ideal for a person with prior student organizing experience. The application deadline is August 3rd, 2008.
SSDP currently employs one outreach director. Due to the growing demand for services, SSDP is hiring a second outreach director, who will be based in Washington, DC or San Francisco, CA. Interested individuals may apply for the position in either location.
Duties of the outreach director include:
1) Assisting students who wish to start SSDP chapters: The outreach director receives several chapter startup inquiries each day. He/she promptly responds to each inquiry and guides the student through the process of establishing a chapter on campus. The outreach director is also responsible for the development of trainings and materials that will benefit students working to start new chapters. Information on new chapter progress is tracked using database software.
2) Proactive recruitment: The outreach director proactively recruits new students to start chapters by tabling at schools, concerts, conferences and other events. He/she also seeks out likely chapter leaders via social networking websites like Facebook.
3) Providing support to established chapters: The outreach director works with the field director on developing materials and the execution of grassroots campaigns. The field director takes the lead on creating resources for chapter events and campaigns, while the outreach director works with new and inexperienced chapters on implementation.
4) Event planning: The outreach director coordinates events that require many different components (e.g. outreach, logistics, materials, etc). These events include international and regional conferences, small fundraising events, campaign rallies, and demonstrations.
A qualified applicant will have succinct, persuasive, inspiring writing, plus a close attention to detail. Exceptional interpersonal skills are essential. The applicant will communicate orally with comfort and conviction, and must be extremely comfortable with phone communication, as the outreach director will be required to spend a great deal of time on the phone communicating with potential chapter leaders. The applicant must also be comfortable with working nontraditional hours (occasional nights and weekends), as this is when students are most available.
A qualified candidate will be a self-starter who is creative in developing outreach strategies and tactics. A demonstrated dedication to drug policy reform is valuable, but not necessary. SSDP places a premium on experience working with and managing volunteers, especially in the context of student organizing and activism. SSDP relies heavily on Apple products and Facebook, so a working knowledge of both is preferred.
The outreach director is trained and supervised by the field director, and reports directly to the executive director.
Interested applicants should e-mail a one-page cover letter and one- or two-page resume to Executive Director Kris Krane at [email protected] [13]. In your cover letter, please indicate (1) how you learned about SSDP's job opening, (2) why you are interested in working with SSDP, (3) why you think this particular position is a good fit for you, (4) what experience you have in student organizing or drug policy reform work and (5) which of our offices you are interested in working from (San Francisco, CA or Washington, DC) and if your desired location is flexible. Feel free to include any additional information you deem relevant, not to exceed one page.
Salary is $28,000-$32,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health care and the satisfaction that comes along with changing the world for the better.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy is an equal opportunity employer. SSDP has a strong commitment to diversity and, as such, women, people of color, LGBT individuals, and individuals who have been directly affected by the Drug War are encouraged to apply.
If you submit a cover letter and resume, SSDP will respond to you within three weeks with either a request for additional documentation, or notification that your application is being considered.
Please visit http://www.SchoolsNotPrisons.com [14] for information on SSDP's advocacy.