Remote Organiser (Organising Department)

Community Organising Services is looking for a Remote Organiser to build power to fight for social and economic change in towns and cities across the UK, to start work on 16th May 2022.

The initial year of work will be in support of ACORN, a national community union working in support of low income communities around the country. There is the possibility of supporting other, similar organisations in subsequent years. ACORN is a mass membership organisation and a direct action community union. By taking action on issues that affect us all, ACORN wins real changes to our lives and builds power in our communities. For more information, you can read the 'About ACORN' page here and the ACORN Platform here.

About the job

ACORN's success has seen an explosion of interest from people across the country wanting to set up their very own groups and branches. In order to capitalise on this enthusiasm, keep up with demand and turn the country ACORN red, we are recruiting a Remote Organiser to work alongside the existing National and Remote Organisers to support these nascent and non-staffed parts of the national organisation.

You will be the main staff contact for multiple unstaffed ACORN branches and groups nationwide. Your daily work will involve: 

• Establishing new ACORN groups in areas without paid staff including acting as first point of contact, organising and delivering start up training;
• The ongoing training and support of multiple ACORN Groups up until a staff Organiser is hired in their town or city. This includes supporting Groups to transition to Branches.
• This support typically includes: regular calls with Group committees, regular training sessions, on-call support for campaigns, helping to guide Groups through campaigns, and helping resolve any membership issues;
• Working with other Remote and National Organisers on national campaigns to ensure the effective on-the-ground implementation of these campaigns.
• Recruiting individual ACORN Members through door-knocking, social media and other means (door-knocking takes up around 50% of our organisers’ time),
• Identifying, developing and supporting potential leaders,
• Supporting elected leaders to enable them to carry out their roles. 

ACORN will pay for your accommodation and travel and give you an allowance for food when you are staying overnight somewhere.

Qualifications

No formal qualifications are necessary. We’re primarily looking for someone with a strong work ethic, good listening skills and the ability to motivate others. 

For more specific information on the role and its requirements, please refer to the Job Description and Selection Criteria linked below.

Training and support

ACORN and Community Organising Services Ltd are committed to investing in the continued professional development of our organising staff. Please refer to the Job Description and Selection Criteria for information on the training and support you will receive as an ACORN staff member.

Community Organising Services Ltd is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

To apply

1. Make a copy and complete the full Application Form, referring to the Job Description and Person Specification. 
2. Save your completed application form as a PDF with the file name <YOUR NAME, role> e.g. JANE SMITH Remote Organiser.pdf
3. Submit via email to [email protected] with ‘Application: Remote Organiser' as the subject heading
4. Once you have submitted your application please complete this diversity monitoring form

If you require paper versions of this application form & diversity monitoring form please write to [email protected].

Deadline

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday 10th April 23:59pm. Late applications will not be considered. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Interviews

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment day, involving an interview and two tasks. We are currently conducting assessments over video call on Zoom. This may be subject to change given the changing guidelines surrounding social distancing, amongst other logistical considerations.

Assessment date: w/c April 18th 2022.