The Equitable Neighborhoods unit of TakeRoot Justice is seeking a Community Based Planner & Advocacy Coordinator to join us!
The TakeRoot Justice Equitable Neighborhoods practice works with grassroots groups, neighborhood organizations and community coalitions to make sure that people of color, immigrants and low-income residents are not ignored or pushed out in the name of “progress.” We partner with residents in historically under-resourced areas to fight for stable, affordable housing, community spaces, jobs to make a good living and other opportunities that allow people to thrive. TakeRoot Justice is one of the only legal services organizations in New York City that provides free legal representation in land-use cases, which are increasingly important in the fight against displacement. We support our partners with a variety of legal strategies, including litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, trainings, and strategy development.
The unit is seeking a Coordinator to focus on (1) coalition work in response to NYCHA’s privatization plans and (2) community-initiated rezoning applications, though there will be opportunities to be involved with other matters as well.
Responsibilities
- Manage and administer coalition and resident partnerships for two specific projects enumerated above, including tracking deliverables, reporting on outcomes and processing invoices;
- Support NYCHA organizers and tenant leaders in their legislative and regulatory advocacy through research, lobbying, facilitation, bill drafting, and the creation of educational materials;
- Monitor and provide strategic advice, briefings, and recommendations on legislative change and policy issues that impact public housing in NYC at the federal, state and municipal levels;
- Provide strategic advice on public policy issues;
- Assist in maintaining nycommons.org;
- Assist clients and partners by providing technical support including decoding zoning laws and drafting new ones;
- Prepare and review massing diagrams and site plans included in rezoning applications;
- Prepare, review and draft responses to environmental review documents under CEQR, SEQRA and NEPA;
- Facilitate workshops and trainings;
- Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations and residents.
Qualifications/Skills
- Bachelors and/or Graduate Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Environmental Studies, Public Policy or related discipline;
- Highly organized and detail oriented, project management experience a plus;
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks at once;
- Capacity to gather and work with data describing current neighborhood conditions and trends;
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, SketchUp, GIS or similar;
- Familiarity with / interest in the New York City Zoning Resolution and public housing in New York City;
- Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends for meetings and workshops:
- Strong writing skills;
- Intermediate or greater proficiency in a language in addition to English preferred;
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations; and
- Interest in, experience with and/or demonstrated commitment to grassroots efforts working towards social justice.
- All levels of experience will be considered, including entry-level.
Timeline/Benefits/Compensation
We are looking to fill this position immediately. A competitive salary and excellent benefits package is available, with generous vacation, personal, and sick time, medical and dental coverage. This is a non-exempt bargaining unit position represented for collective bargaining purposes by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW, Local 2230. TakeRoot’s staff are on a fixed salary scales, and the salary for this position will be determined based on relevant experience and education in accordance with the scales.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter by email to jobs@takerootjustice.org, attn: [NAME]. The subject line of the email must include: “Equitable Neighborhoods Advocacy Coordinator” Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
TakeRoot Justice is an equal opportunity employer. TakeRoot encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including women, people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, people from low-income backgrounds, and people with personal experience with the criminal justice system. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences in the communities we serve.