Position Announcement :
Equality Texas Field Position
 
Organizational Overview: Equality Texas, formerly the Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas, is the leading statewide lobbying, advocacy, and education organization working to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
 
Position Summary: As a member of the Equality Texas team, the field position plays a key role in shaping the future of the organization and increasing the effectiveness and capacity of our organizing strategies and public policy campaigns. The field person will work closely with all members of the staff to increase the effectiveness and capacity of public policy campaigns and organizing strategies, with an emphasis on:
·          Raising awareness and visibility of the issues facing the LGBT community;
·          Forging and strengthening collaborative efforts with LGBT communities, particularly within communities of color; and,
·          Engaging the LGBT community in the political process.
 
Key Responsibilities:
·          Developing, implementing, and tracking  programs to support public policy change;
·          Identifying opportunities for LGBT issue education and volunteer recruitment;
·          Coordinating and executing outreach activities;
·          Assisting with all media and public education on legislative initiatives;
·          Preparing materials and conducting trainings for grassroots lobbying efforts;
·          Maintaining communication with allied organizations;
·          Organizing major public events, fundraisers, conferences and training opportunities;
·          Maintaining communication with volunteers;
·          Preparing reports as needed; and,
·          General office duties.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be a sophisticated political activist (or legislative staffer and/or lobbyist) with a proven track record of accomplishments. Other qualifications will include:
·          Bachelor’s Degree or at least three years experience in advocacy field work;
·          Extraordinary leadership skills;
·          Substantial experience in developing successful political/legislative and activist campaigns;
·          Ability to form and articulate a strategic vision for a more racially diverse and more effective field program;
·          Experience with on-line organizing and communication;
·          Familiarity and/or expertise in a broad range of civil liberties issues;
·          Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as a public spokesperson and advocate; a quick study on a dynamic array of issues;
·          A deep and demonstrated commitment to the cause of equal rights and protections for LGBT citizens;
·          Experience in working effectively with professional staff and in motivating and mobilizing the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, communities of color;
·          Comfort with analyzing and articulating civil rights concepts and other complex issues and communicating them to a variety of audiences;
·          Management experience -- supervising staff and juggling multiple priorities and projects effectively;
 
Equality Texas seeks individuals with knowledge of, and a strong commitment to, LGBT rights who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. He or she will be highly proficient at and show expert judgment in marshalling limited resources and garnering additional resources to support the organization and the community. The ability to recruit and manage volunteers and interns, and raise funds is critical. On-line organizing and data base skills are very useful.
 
Applicant must be a detail-oriented self-starter with the ability to work on several tasks concurrently. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills, a sense of humor, and the ability to work in a teamwork environment. Candidate must be able to travel throughout Texas and have use of a vehicle.
 
Salary/Benefits: Salary is competitive and is based on experience.  Health and dental benefits included.
 
Employment Policy:
As an equal opportunity employer, Equality Texas embraces diversity and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, creed, gender or gender identity or expression, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are especially encouraged to apply.
 
To apply:
Email a resume, cover letter, and three references to: ED@equalitytexas.org ; or
Mail to:             Executive Director
                        Equality Texas
                        P.O. Box 2340
                        Austin, TX  78768
 
For more information, email  ED@equalitytexas.org or call 512.474.5475. Visit our website at www.equalitytexas.org.