Nonprofit
New
Published 23 hours ago
Community Organizer
PACT- People Acting in Community Together
Hybrid, Work must be performed in or near San Jose, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Start Date: December 1, 2026
Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
Education: 4-Year Degree Required
Experience Level: Entry level
Salary:
USD $70,304 - $72,000 / year
Cause Areas
Civic Engagement
Housing & Homelessness
Human Rights & Civil Liberties
Immigrants or Refugees
Policy
Community Organizer PACT (People Acting in Community Together) Santa Clara County, CA
Reports to:
Lead Organizer
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: Starting at $70,304.00 - $72,000.00 per year, commensurate with experience
Benefits:
Medical, dental, paid holidays, sick time, and 401(k)
About PACT PACT (People Acting in Community Together) is a multi-faith, multi-racial grassroots power-building organization in Santa Clara County. For more than 40 years, PACT has developed community leaders and advanced policy solutions that expand opportunity and dignity for all residents.
PACT equips people directly affected by social and economic inequities to lead campaigns that shape local, state, and national policy. Our organizing model-rooted in the PICO/Faith in Action tradition centers relational organizing, leadership development, and strategic issue campaigns.
PACT Has Led Major Regional Victories, Including: Co-founding the Santa Clara County Children's Health Initiative
Expanding affordable housing
Advancing universal legal representation for immigrant families
Improving public safety and police-community relations
Increasing access to transportation and community services
Supporting the development of high-quality schools
PACT includes 22+ member congregations and is part of PICO California, a statewide network of nine federations.
Position Summary:
The Community Organizer builds grassroots leadership and power among congregations and community members across Santa Clara County. Organizers recruit, train, and coach leaders to drive issue campaigns on housing, immigration, public safety, education, and voter engagement.
This role is ideal for someone committed to social justice, skilled at building relationships across differences, and motivated to develop community leaders who can influence public policy and institutions.
This position requires frequent local travel, evening meetings (3-4 per week on average), and occasional weekend work.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership Development & Organizing Recruit, train, and coach community and faith leaders to build and sustain local organizing committees
Conduct listening campaigns to identify community priorities
Hold at least 15 one-to-one relational meetings per week
Develop leaders' skills in strategy, public action, and civic engagement
Prepare leaders to engage effectively with public officials and institutions
Campaign & Strategy Work Support issue campaigns related to housing, immigration, criminal justice, education, and civic participation
Collaborate with staff to plan actions, research, and negotiations
Participate in local, state, and national campaigns through PICO California and Faith in Action
Organizational Contribution Track data, document outcomes, and support evaluation processes
Contribute to fundraising, communications, and organizational development
Engage in ongoing professional development with supervisors and peers
Participate in staff trainings and cohort learning opportunities
Qualifications Required BA/BS or equivalent work experience
2-3+ years of community organizing, labor organizing, or related field experience
Experience working in low-income or immigrant communities
Strong relational skills and ability to build trust across diverse communities
Clear written and verbal communication skills
Strategic thinking and institutional analysis skills
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Commitment to racial equity and social justice
Valid driver's license and reliable, insured vehicle
Eligibility to work in the U.S.
Bilingual English/Spanish (required)
Preferred Vietnamese language skills
Experience developing public policy solutions
Training or facilitation experience
Familiarity with faith-based or congregation-based organizing
Experience working in multi-faith, multi-racial settings
What We Offer Deep training in relational and power-based organizing
Hands-on experience shaping real policy change
Mentorship and coaching from experienced organizers
Opportunities for advancement within a statewide and national network
A collaborative, mission-driven team environment
Work Environment / Physical Demands This role includes time spent in community settings, meetings, and events. The position requires regular sitting, speaking, computer use, and occasional lifting up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are available.
Equal Opportunity Employer PACT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from communities directly impacted by injustice.
A Day in the Life of a PACT Organizer No two days look exactly the same - and that's part of the work. Organizing is about people, relationships, and momentum. Some days are heavy on 1-1 intentional conversations and leadership coaching; others are about preparing for public action or supporting leaders stepping into the spotlight.
A Typical Day Might Include Morning: Relationship Building & Strategy Start your day with a one-to-one meeting at a local café with a congregational leader to learn about their story, motivations, and leadership goals
Check in with your supervisor to strategize next steps in a housing or immigration campaign
Review turnout lists and follow up with leaders about an upcoming community meeting
Midday: Leadership Development Facilitate a small group training on power, storytelling, or campaign strategy
Coach a leader preparing to speak at a city council meeting
Meet with a clergy leader to plan how their congregation can engage in a listening campaign
Afternoon: Research & Campaign Planning Conduct institutional research on a policy issue affecting immigrant families or housing stability
Coordinate with fellow organizers to align strategy across congregations
Enter notes and leadership tracking into the database so relationships and growth are documented
Evening: Community in Action Make calls to schedule future 1-1 meetings with community leaders
Support a local organizing committee meeting where leaders set priorities and plan actions
Attend a congregational gathering to build relationships and identify emerging leaders
Debrief with leaders after a meeting with a public official to evaluate what worked and's next
Pay: $70,304.00 - $72,000.00 per year