Community Organizing Fellow

The Community Organizer Fellow will use data to identify, engage, and organize art communities spread over multiple localities in Illinois. The Fellow will use existing data to identify and close gaps in AAI’s statewide engagement, specifically with BIPOC, LGTBI+, immigrants, and other traditionally excluded communities. A successful Fellow will expand AAI’s grassroots base, resulting in increases in engagement in AAI’s programs, campaigns, and / or membership and builds power in the targeted community. The Fellow will also receive support and training through professional development opportunities.

Working with our Director of Community Organizing, the Fellow will create and implement a plan that identifies and builds authentic and trusting relationships between grassroots leaders / institutions and Arts Alliance Illinois. The fellow will also collaborate with these leaders / institutions to co-plan a site visit, convening (in-person or online), or some other engagement led by the partner and supported by the Fellow.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations

• Use existing data to diagnose potential growth areas for AAI’s grassroots outreach and engagement
• Build trusting relationships between grassroots communities and AAI.
• Proactively engage grassroots leaders and community members through email, phone, 1-on-1s, and in-person visits.
• Log and catalog the information gathered through AAI’s programs into the Salesforce database.
• In partnership with grassroots leaders, support and co-plan at least one (1) engagement activity or event.
• Travel to different locations in Illinois to attend events and programs in identified communities.
• Attend weekly check-ins, staff meetings, and team meetings.
• Participate in Arts Alliance Illinois internal organizational communications (e.g., Email, Slack, phone, etc.)
• Other duties assigned.

Additional Program Supports

The Fellow will also receive additional supports during their fellowship including:

• Three (3), 1:1s with a member of AAI’s Arts Leadership Council (matched with fellow based on availability / interest)
• Professional Development opportunities. The Fellow will receive at least one (1) registration to a Community Organizing workshop (ex. Midwest Academy, Leading Change Network, Collective Impact Forum)

Fellowship Outcomes

• Trusting, authentic and positive relationships with 1 to 3 grassroots communities
• At least (1) co-planned activities / engagements with grassroots communities
• Data collection and reporting on engagement points, contacts, communications, etc.
• Create a report at the end of the Fellowship which assesses the activities carried on during summer, results, and recommendations for future engagement

Requirements

Eligibility and Qualifications

We welcome applications from people with or without bachelor or graduate studies degrees who have experience in community engagement or social work experience. Although there are no educational requirements, strong candidates will demonstrate the following:

• Able to work self-directed in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Fluency with Microsoft 365 and Google Suite.
• Highest attention to detail.
• Strong cultural competence
• Eager to apply constructive criticism.
• Familiarity with the challenges facing arts venues, arts nonprofits, and artists in the state of Illinois is not required but would be preferred.

To be eligible for this fellowship, candidates should be/have:

• Two years of experience in community engagement, campaign management, partnership creation, or similar.
• Available to travel across the state of Illinois.
• Resident of Illinois
• Authorized to work in the US for any employer during the term of the fellowship

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

The Community Organizer Fellow will be a full-time, seasonal, employee of the organization. They will be paid $19-$22 per hour, for up to 35 hrs per week and a stipend to cover utilities. The fellow does receive a monthly utilities stipend (approx. $100/mo).