Job DescriptionThe Agency You’ll Join: November 2022, New York City voters overwhelmingly approved three ballot proposals that put racial equity and justice at the heart of city government, including a new Commission on Racial Equity (CORE). The first of its kind in the nation, the new Commission on Racial Equity is a new independent 15-member commission responsible for engaging diverse communities to advance racial equity in government operations and increase community voice in government decision making. CORE provides accountability for New Yorkers, regularly evaluating the City’s progress on its racial equity plan, requirements, and goals. CORE will be composed of diverse New Yorkers with equity expertise and/or relevant lived experience, serving as a conduit to bring historically excluded communities and voices into government decision-making. The Team You’ll Work With:CORE is an independent commission composed of 15 commissioners, including one Chair & Executive Director, jointly appointed by the Mayor and New York City Council Speaker. Other CORE commissioners will be appointed by the Mayor, City Council Speaker, City Comptroller, and Public Advocate. City officials appointing commissioners to CORE are required to consider individuals that represent or have advocated for historically excluded voices, including people with lived experience of marginalization and individuals who have never served on a government board or commission before. Commission on Racial Equity staff are responsible for executing the day-to-day mission and establishing its path to success. They will take the vision of the Chair & Executive Director and the Commissioners and translate it into action strategies and plans that implement accountability for racial equity in the city. Like the Commission itself, the Commission’s staff aims to be representative of New Yorkers from all communities and walks of life. Staff will bring an accountability mindset into their work, ensuring that they are collaborating with city agencies and voicing public concerns. The Problems You’ll Solve The Commission on Racial Equity seeks a Community Organizing and Engagement Associate who will focus on increasing youth voice in the mission, vision, and execution of the Commissions work. Reporting directly to the Director of Community Organizing, and Engagement, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that young people between the ages of 11 and 25 years old participate in identifying community concerns, proposing ideas and solutions to enact change in government decision making.You will support the design and implementation of the Commission's youth focused proactive communications, digital communications, web presence, and more. As a Youth Voice Associate, you will manage the Commission’s presence and representation at community events, and engagements. In the first year, you will support the Community Organizing & Engagement Director in producing a public document outlining principles and best practices for government agencies to increase youth voice and power in their decision-making processes along with developing up to two trainings to build upon the consciousness of skills of NYC youth leaders to strengthen the pillars of racial equity in democracy. Candidates should be aware that occasional evening/ weekend work may be required for events or meetings.RESPONSIBILITIES
Supports the development and implementation of CORE overall strategy for community organizing and engagement strategy, elevating the voices of New Yorkers between the ages of 11 and 25.
Support youth voice, agency, and leadership in shaping CORE initiatives by organizing trainings, meetings, and other opportunities.
Supports the communications team so that all Commission communications speak to Youth concerns and adheres to principles of access design, including plain language and language justice.
As needed, works with the operations team to identify any vendors that are needed to assist with youth organizing and engagement activities and manages the collaboration with the vendors.
Identifies appropriate locations and best partners for community organizing and engagement activities.
Develops youth specific community organizing and engagement activities and identifies mechanism to capture community concerns and input.
Works with the Director to identify the best way to engage and prepare Commissioners to work with, and integrate Youth voice, concerns, and solutions in their decision making.
Co-develops trainings, facilitate workshops, and develops learning spaces that increase Young people’s knowledge on power structures, decision making, and racial equity.
Engages community members on a range of issues raised.
Embeds DEI and anti-racism practices and tools into the everyday functioning of the Commission.
About You
Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
2-3 years of relevant professional experience in communications, public relations, or media relations is preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a penchant for plain language.
Experience managing social media channels for an organization/brand (LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Medium).
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Proven track record of managing and executing work streams toward completion.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Commitment to advancing racial equity and social justice and demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility.
Demonstrated commitment, competency and strong familiarity with issues affecting Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern and North African, or Pacific Islander communities in New York City, or other marginalized groups.
An understanding of power, privilege, and oppression and how that shapes narrative.
Excellent time management skills and experience working in a deadline-driven environment.
Experience in community engagement, community organizing and serving in an accountability or oversight body is a plus.
Bilingual (written and verbal) in Spanish or one of the following: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Urdu, Hindi is a plus.
Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and/or video editing software.
Familiarity with web content management systems (e.g., WordPress) and email marketing platforms (e.g., Canva, Mailchimp).
Salary The Commission on Racial Equity’s compensation package includes a market competitive salary and exceptional benefits. Our cash compensation range for this role is $69,000 -$79,000. Final offers may vary from the amount listed based on candidate experience and expertise, and other factors. Equal Opportunity | Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement The Commission on Racial Equity is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. The Commission upholds diversity in backgrounds and in experiences that is reflective of the city it serves. We strongly encourage Justice impacted, LGBTQIA+ and people from underrepresented groups to apply.If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a veteran with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. How to Apply Send a copy of your resume, a cover letter to Candidate Application. New York City residency is required within 90 days of appointment.Qualifications
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.
Additional InformationThe City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
