About the Position

Open New York, a pro-housing organization is seeking friendly, outgoing part-time canvassers to engage community members across the Westchester and Hudson Valley region, specifically around the Beacon and Poughkeepsie area.

The primary goal of this role is to generate signups (people who want to get involved with ONY.) Canvassers will represent our organization, share key housing messages, identify supporters, and collect their contact/sign-up information.

The canvassing team will execute on base-building in key target areas and will directly support Open New York’s organizing staff during field recruitment.

Please note canvassing activities will be non-political and will not be associated with a political campaign. Please indicate on the application which area (Hudson Valley / Westchester County) you are interested in canvassing for.

Responsibilities

• Outreach & Engagement: Organize and conduct in-person outreach in high-foot-traffic areas. In circumstances where in-person canvassing is not permitted, there will be a plan to do virtual canvassing.
• Messaging & Engagement: Deliver clear, concise messaging to a variety of public audiences around housing affordability and the need for increased housing supply of all types.
• Data Collection: Per pre-established targets collect signups/contact information and enter data into the provided tracking system promptly and accurately.
• Community Insight & Recruitment: Proactively engage local communities, fielding concerns, answer basic questions, interest around ONY membership and escalate complex inquiries to supervisors.
• Maximizing Successful Canvassing: Use your time wisely. Aim to reach your goal and talk to as many people as possible. Communicate to the team when you need to pivot to a new strategy for the day.

Key Messages to Communicate

The core purpose of the outreach is to inform and connect community members with vital resources regarding:

• Rising rent and affordability concerns in the region.
• We need to increase supply and build housing options of all types.
• Emphasize the need to build a community of supporters: mobilize the people who live here.
• Zoning restrictions and other systematic barriers have slowed down the building of new homes.
• Everyone who wants to stay in New York should be able to do so.

Required Qualifications

• Comfortable with public-space outreach.
• Must based in or close to Hudson Valley or Westchester County.
• Strong communication and active listening skills.
• Go-getter attitude.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Basic smartphone skills for signup entry and navigation.
• An interest and/or passion for social advocacy, housing, and affordability.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for daily use.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior canvassing, outreach, or customer-facing experience.
• Previous experience volunteering for or working on electoral or advocacy campaigns.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $22/hour
• Hours: 15 - 20 hours per week
• Expenses: Reimbursement for travel within assigned area (if applicable). At specified events meals can be provided / reimbursed. (Staff will manage).
• Training: Full training provided on messaging, protocol, and the tracking system.