BWA is Hiring!

Established in 2005, The Boston Workers Alliance (BWA) is a 501(c)3 grassroots member-led organization of under- and unemployed workers, united to end the crisis of joblessness in Boston’s urban communities of color. Through cooperation, political awareness, organizing and the development of its members as social change agents, BWA fervently challenges the political and economic structures that oppose full civic participation and the potential to live well.

After seven successful years as Executive Director and Founder of the Boston Workers Alliance, Aaron Tanaka will officially step down after a successor is selected.  BWA is seeking a progressive, experienced leader with a heart for social and economic justice, organizing and community empowerment to succeed Aaron.

BWA has established itself as a dynamic member-driven initiative against racism, CORI system (Criminal Order Record Information) discrimination and the crisis of joblessness in Boston’s communities of color.  BWA drives economic development projects and grassroots campaigns to win job opportunities for urban workers with barriers to employment.

Currently in growth mode, BWA operates through four core program areas including: (1) member organizing, (2) direct services, (3) cooperative economic development, and (4) campaigns and coalition building.  Over 85% of BWA’s members are African American, and the majority (70%) are adults between the ages of 25-50.

The Ideal Candidate

The new executive director must be a mission-driven leader/organizer able to engage and work with the board, staff, membership and stakeholders to achieve the agency’s goals and objectives.  The work and membership base of the Boston Workers Alliance necessitates the need for an executive director with a fervent approach to social and economic justice work and a desire to affect individual and systematic change. The ideal candidate will have the following professional background and personal characteristics:

Professional Requirements

·       At least five years of demonstrated leadership and management experience, including supervision of professional and administrative staff
·       Bachelor’s degree required; advanced course work or graduate degree a plus
·       Evidenced commitment and belief in BWA’s mission and purpose
·       Compassion and connection to the plight of disenfranchised communities of color and individuals served by the organization
·       Understanding and personal experience with political, social, and economic issues of the community served
·       Cultural competence (familiarity, experience with and racial sensitivity of people of color)
·       Knowledge and senior level experience in organizing and campaigning around social and economic justice issues
·       Knowledge and experience in business development or social entrepreneurship
·       Evidenced track record in human capital/talent development and leadership
·       Knowledge of financial management (budget development, payroll, financial reporting, familiarity using accounting software)
·       Resource development and  fundraising ability (donor cultivation, grant writing, development planning)
·       Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing  and with political savvy (negotiating, campaigning, advocating) with stakeholders, donors and general public
·       Organization skills – can set priorities, develop work plans and evaluate performance against agency strategic priorities, goals and  objectives, and anticipated community impact
·       Networking, alliance and collaboration building skills
·       Technologically proficient (email, social media, cloud document sharing, etc.)

Personal Characteristics and Leadership Attributes

Personality and presence to inspire, lead and guide the creativity of board, staff and other stakeholders
Social and emotional intelligence (to deal with passionate membership, various perspectives and loyalties and multiple issues of constituency)
Ability to communicate, translate, interpret and execute a vision and solicit others to embrace and achieve it
Ability to sustain relationships and communicate effectively with a broad range of people and organizations
Ability to behave ethically and ensure ethical behavior and business practices of others according to agency written policy, values and beliefs; and that of its funders and key stakeholders
Ability to lead and to remain flexible and innovative in a constantly changing environment

Application

Competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience.

This search is being conducted by Third Sector New England’s Executive Transitions Program with Transition Consultant Roosevelt Smith. All submissions are confidential.  To apply, please visit http://www.tsne.org/jobs/bwa

Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible, with a final deadline of September 14, 2012.

The Boston Workers Alliance is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates.

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II.  BWA Hiring Announcement: 

Boston Recycling Cooperative is seeking a startup business manager to help form and grow a new worker-owned cooperative business.  The BRC is a joint project between Boston Workers Alliance, MassCOSH, the Cooperative Development Institute and the Boston Recycling Coalition. This new business is a community economic development project meant to demonstrate new models of job creation in the burgeoning “Green Economy.”

The Boston Recycling Cooperative will be bi-lingual (Spanish and English) and multi-cultural company based in Greater Boston’s low-income neighborhoods.  The BRC will focus on waste collection and recycling of vegetable oil, metals, organic waste and other valuable waste products.  As a worker owned cooperative, BRC will also develop an innovative business model that includes worker-ownership and democratically based management practices.

Responsibilities:

Administration: administrative aspects of operations, including billing and payments, purchasing materials and maintaining financial records

Financial Development: develop and maintain financial systems, conduct financial projections, revise and update budgets, present and educate worker-members about the co-ops financial position

Cooperative Development: develop a worker-cooperative business and help coordinate and build a dynamic multi-cultural team based in mutual respect and ownership

Supervision and Support: create systems of accountability and supervision to maintain professionalism, efficiency and a high functioning business

Public Relations and Marketing: develop and maintain high level relationships and partnerships with relevant government agencies, businesses, non-profit institutions and funding sources relevant to the successful growth of the business

Controller and Regulatory Compliance: ensure that the cooperative meets and maintains its legal, financial, insurance and regulatory obligations relevant to its business operations

Worker Accountability: be responsive and accountable to the worker-owners of the company

Required Qualifications:

Masters in Business Administration or minimum 3 years of entrepreneurial experience as a senior manager or owner in a private or non-profit venture
Commitment to social and economic justice and understanding of cooperative and environmental movements
Strong writing and communication skills
Demonstrated success managing strategic and operational planning, budgeting and forecasting, as well as organizational development, and performance management
Ability to facilitate collaboration and achieve results while managing multiple projects, sites and personalities.
Solid PC skills, including e-mail, spreadsheet and word processing
Bi-Lingual Speaker required (English and Spanish)
Familiarity with Accounting Software such as QuickBooks
Experience working within a cooperative is a plus

BRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment.  BRC does not discrimination on the basis
of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, criminal background or veteran status.  People of color and women are encouraged to apply.

This is a part time position with funding for 2 years, with opportunity for growth dependent on the success of the company.  Please apply by August 17.

To Apply: please send a Resume and Cover Letter to atanaka@bostonworkersalliance.org with “Boston Recycling Cooperative” in the subject line.

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The Worker Center Coordinator is responsible for coordinating BWA’s direct services program and conducting membership intake and communications for the public.  The Worker Center is responsible for the following:

Coordinate BWA’s Walk In Services / Worker Center
o       Provide intake, assessments of new members during office hours (10-2pm Mon-Fri)
o       Provide Worker Center Services including CORI Clinic, resume assistance, resource referrals
o       Coordinate and train volunteers and members to assist with Worker Center Services
o       Sign up new membership and assist with communications with base members
o       Respond to online and phone inquiries about BWA’s services
o       Maintain and upkeep BWA database to track services rendered and walk-ins using Salesforce database
o       Act as support staff for Lead Organizer for monthly Active Membership Meetings and Quarterly Base Membership Meetings

Skills Required:

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and other basic computer skills.  Strong writing and editing skills.  Good interpersonal communications skills.  Able to relate to individuals needing BWA assistance and those returning from prison.  Organized and able to multitask and maintain short term and long term projects.  B.A. preferred and 3+ years of direct social services experience.  BWA Members are encouraged to apply.

Minimum 20 hours a week – some nights and weekends.  Limited health benefits and vacation time.

To apply: please email [email protected] with “Worker Center Coordinator” in the subject line.  Position is open until filled; please apply early.