Community Organizer

Position Available: Community Organizer Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non-profit law firm. Our mission is to pursue justice and equity, facilitate access to opportunities for people with low incomes through passionate legal representation, and provide steadfast advocacy for systemic reform. ABLE is affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), also a regional non-profit law firm that provides legal assistance.

Job Summary: ABLE seeks a Community Organizer to help ensure that our legal advocacy is community-led, responsive, and power-building. Working primarily with the Housing and Community Economic Development (HCED) Practice Group, the Community Organizer will build authentic grassroots relationships, support community-driven campaigns, and connect residents' priorities with ABLE's legal and policy strategies. The HCED Practice Group uses a community lawyering model to advance safe, healthy, and affordable housing and economically vibrant neighborhoods, particularly in communities that have experienced decades of disinvestment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

• Build, maintain, and coordinate authentic grassroots relationships so that ABLE's legal work is community-led and builds power in local communities.
• Identify, mobilize, and support community members impacted by poverty, housing instability, disinvestment, and economic injustice in West Dayton neighborhoods.
• Partner with community leaders to develop campaign plans with clear goals and work with community members and ABLE staff to measure results.
• Plan and carry out organizing activities, including days of action, training, public hearings, community meetings, and related events.
• Communicate effectively with community members, tenant groups, neighborhood leaders, and allied organizations through one-on-one meetings, group meetings, phone calls, email, and digital organizing.
• Gather and synthesize community input for ABLE legal staff and help communicate legal strategies and available legal support to community members.
• Support community-driven advocacy related to tenant rights, eviction defense, housing preservation, neighborhood stabilization, racial justice, community wealth building, food equity, environmental justice, and related HCED priorities.
• Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings and training events in and outside the Dayton area.
• Comply with ABLE's policies and procedures and the requirements of ABLE's funding sources.

SCOPE & IMPACT: This position connects community members with ABLE's multidisciplinary legal teams. Through relationship-building and community-centered organizing, the Community Organizer helps residents identify shared priorities, develop collective strategies, and shape advocacy that protects housing rights and supports healthy, stable, and economically vibrant communities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Reliable transportation and the ability and willingness to travel; a valid driver’s license and ability to meet ABLE’s insurance requirements.
• Ability and willingness to work occasionally in the evening and weekends as community activities require.
• Computer proficiency and the ability to use digital tools to support communication and organizing.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience in community organizing, movement building, coalition building, tenant organizing, or community-based advocacy.
• Experience working with communities impacted by poverty, housing instability, economic injustice, or neighborhood disinvestment.
• Familiarity with community lawyering, housing justice, community economic development, or related advocacy strategies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position operates in office and community settings and requires frequent local travel. Some evening and weekend work is required.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION: ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The annual salary range for this position starts at $27.80 per hour. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, and paid parental leave. This position is based in Toledo, Lime or Dayton, Ohio, and requires significant travel to community outreach activities.

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate the requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.

TO APPLY: Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. The position will remain open until it is filled.

ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at [email protected].