capacity building is a core concept that any advocacy non-profit must grapple with if it is to succeed in fulfilling its mission and tcask is no exception...

and capacity building is a broad concept that may include board development, financial resources, strategic planning, physical infrastructure, and that which this blog is about - human resources...

tcask, as a non-profit organization, has gone through 3 distinct developmental stages to date:

• initially there was an all volunteer organization, with minimal budget, when a network was attempting to forge itself into an organization...
• an initial infusion of $$$ interacting with the 1999 journey of hope left in its wake a set of chapter affiliates, and a state office with a single staff person...
• a process of organizational professionalization led to an ever growing communication network, revenue diversification, and long-term strategic planning - still with a single staff person to process these changes...

the current developmental stage focuses on the capacity to enact and carry out a campaign that supports the goals of the organizational strategic plan...specifically building a staff capable of doing the day-to-day work that will result in a victory that moves tcask closer to achieving its end game goal...

to that end alex wiesendanger (aka the lil' jesuit dude) came on board last august as the associate director and as a capable field organizer and strategist...alex will continue his work with tcask for another year after his jesuit volunteer year ends a couple of weeks from now...

and now for the sneak preview i alluded to - the 3rd tcask staff position has now been defined ... my role will become more development/administrative while my organizing activities become more strategic and laserlike...

here's the job description in advance of our public rollout just for you loyal readers...if you or someone you know is interested in the position have them send a cover letter, their resume, references, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample (3-5 pages) to randy tatel or fax it to 615-256-3907...here's the job description (including capital letters!) ... peace out <3

Job Title: Field Organizer
Position Type: Full-time
Reports To: Executive Director

Position Description
The Tennessee Coalition to Abolish State Killing (TCASK) is engaged in a legislative campaign to pass a moratorium and study bill during the 2007-08 Tennessee legislative session. The field organizer is responsible for traveling to, and conducting a grassroots organizing campaign in, targeted legislative districts in coordination with the associate director, and under the guidance of the executive director. The primary campaign vehicle is systematic outreach whose goal is to build sustainable network units (e.g. chapters, affiliates) empowered to act locally in conjunction with the TCASK strategic plan. Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

· Collaborating with and mobilizing strategic constituency groups
· Recruiting new activists and organizations to the movement through systematic outreach
· Building coalitions and networks within targeted legislative districts
· Working closely with the Associate Director to ensure organizational efforts support legislative goals
· Identifying ways to develop new leadership from among members and supporters
· Planning and executing educational events and trainings in targeted areas of the state
· Preparing written materials to support the overall grassroots campaign
· Speaking on behalf of TCASK at meetings, events, and other venues
· Recruiting organizational resolutions urging a moratorium from new and currently allied organizations
· Working with other staff, interns, and volunteers to ensure that the statewide database remains updated
· Communicating with other staff and offering them support when needed
· Creating, revising, and producing all educational materials, including fact sheets, faith statements, case flyers, brochures, and promotional flyers
· Compiling and Editing Tennessee Lifelines, TCASK's quarterly newsletter

Qualifications /Requirements
· BA/BS (preferred) or equivalent experience
· Experience with public speaking, effectively developing and delivering messages, and successfully motivating and mobilizing constituents
· Experience writing and editing materials
· Experience with community organizing, event planning, and project management
· Experience working with disadvantaged communities and the anti-death penalty movement a plus
· Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills that facilitates effective interaction with the public, public officials, policy makers, and small funders
· Time and information management skills
· Self-starter but respectful of team goals and processes
· PC literacy, including electronic communications, desktop publishing programs; experience in producing and doing power point presentations; web based production skills all a big plus
· Ability to work with and support volunteers in various projects
· Ability to work evenings and weekends
· Have a valid driver's license and be an insurable driver (extensive in-state travel required)

The Tennessee Coalition to Abolish State Killing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.