Compensation

• Hybrid (Must reside in the City of Asheville, NC, Buncombe County, NC or located in close proximity)

• Full-time, 32 hours per week 

• Pay Range: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 annual salary 

Job Overview

As a Community Organizer, you will play a vital role in fostering collaboration and positive change within the community of Asheville and Buncombe County. This hybrid position requires a motivated and self-starting individual with a deep understanding of reparative justice and social change, specifically tailored to the unique climate of Buncombe and the City of Asheville.

Who We Are

The Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville (RSAA) is a Black-led institution dedicated to advancing reparative justice and healing the harms caused by systemic racism in Asheville and Buncombe County, NC. Grounded in principles of equity, solidarity, and community empowerment, RSAA works to redistribute resources, amplify Black voices, and promote healing and reconciliation in our community.

Areas of Responsibility

Reports to the Executive Director of RSAA and has no direct reports or supervisory responsibility.

Responsibilities:

• Recruitment of RSAA Stakeholders: Actively engage in recruiting individuals and groups to become stakeholders of the RSAA, with a focus on amplifying Black voices and ensuring diverse representation within the community.

• Event Planning and Execution: Organize and execute recruitment events to attract new stakeholders and stakeholder-only events to educate them about the local reparations process, foster community, and gather input on key questions regarding reparations.

• Community Building: Foster a strong sense of community among RSAA stakeholders by facilitating connections, organizing community-building activities, and promoting dialogue around reparations and racial equity, including facilitating tough conversations around healing and trauma.

• Membership Development: Develop and maintain membership requirements, policies, and procedures in alignment with RSAA's mission and values, ensuring they are culturally informed.

• Stakeholder Communication: Regularly update stakeholders via email and other platforms about RSAA activities, opportunities for engagement, and developments in the reparations process.

• Feedback Collection: Create regular opportunities to gather feedback and input from Buncombe County's Black communities to inform the work of the RSAA and ensure that their voices are heard and valued.

• Representation: Represent the RSAA at relevant local events and social justice-focused activities, advocating for the interests and needs of the Black community and promoting the mission of the RSAA.

• Relationship Building: Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with local Black community leaders and allies to foster collaboration, support, and collective action towards achieving reparations and racial equity.

• Additional Responsibilities:

• Adhere to RSAA’s organizational values and internal practices.

• Represent RSAA in the community in ways that align with our values.

• Report and communicate important work, decisions, or updates impacting staff at regularly scheduled meetings.

• Continue to challenge self and grow on issues of equity and privilege, resulting in improved professional and personal impact.

• Participate in ongoing social justice trainings and transmit learning and professional development opportunities to the entire team through staff meetings.

• Track expenses by keeping receipts and putting together monthly expense reports.

• Stay informed on best practices in reparations, social justice, and trust-based philanthropy through readings, webinars, conferences as able.

• Assist with keeping the office maintained and tidy as needed.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of formal or informal experience engaging in social justice/organizing work within Asheville or Buncombe County’s Black communities

• 2+ years of formal or informal experience as a racial justice trainer or facilitator

• Deep knowledge and understanding of the concepts, analysis, and terminology related to reparations, structural oppression, and movement building.

• An intersectional approach to social justice work that includes Black trans, queer, differently-abled, or formerly incarcerated people and other subsections of our local Black communities

• 2+ years of experience creating systems, processes, and/or policies within a nonprofit organization

• Experience managing the finances of an organization or grassroots collective with a high level of transparency and integrity

• A personal and professional commitment to RSAA's vision, mission, focal areas, and values + practices

• Commitment to RSAA's Mission and Values

• Ability to work independently and be proactive in building processes

• Experience leading political or popular education workshops preferred

• Experience working with grassroots movements and/or community power building is preferred

• Expertise gained from directly navigating systems of injustice and systemic oppression is preferred

Residence: Preference will be given to candidates residing in Asheville or Buncombe County, or within a 30-mile radius, to ensure proximity to the local community and events.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and responses to the questions below via GoogleDoc by Friday, March 15th, 9AM ET. 

1. What does the concept of reparations mean to you, personally?

2. How does reparations support Black healing and liberation?

3. Why do you believe your background and experiences make you a strong candidate for this role? How do your skills and interests align with the responsibilities and goals of the position?

If you have any questions about the position, please reach out to Torre Garrison at info@rsaasheville.org.

Members of the City of Asheville’s Reparations Commission are eligible to apply, however, if hired, they must resign their position in the Commission due to possible conflicts of interest.

Non-Discrimination Policy

RSAA is an equal opportunity employer. RSAA considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.