Become an Organizer
BUILD seeks full-time organizers in Baltimore to lead community change, build relationships across divides, and drive justice and opportunity.
Careers at BUILD
Make an Impact Through Organizing
We’re looking for passionate, committed organizers who are willing to learn and grow. Opportunities may also be available across other IAF affiliates, with a current priority for Spanish-speaking candidates.
There are few formal qualifications for this position. The organizer’s success will depend heavily on the ability to develop public relationships with local leaders. People from all backgrounds, with different sets of experiences, can accomplish this. The following qualities are shared by many successful organizers.
What It Takes
Qualities of a Successful organizer
Anger and edge – not temper, not ideological fervor, not an abstract commitment to “the people,” but a clear sense of what’s wrong, impatience in the face of that wrong, and a drive to address it.
Self-awareness, self-reflection, and curiosity
Relationality, especially across race and culture – the ability to build deep trust with people, especially people unlike oneself, people of other races, classes, orientations, faiths, etc.
A track record – some evidence, in any context in the candidate’s life of attempting to relate to people and to respond to situations that demanded change; and some success in whatever field, career, or endeavor has occupied the individual’s time.
Building pathways to work and shared prosperity
Jobs Responsibilities
Identify, recruit, and train leaders using the IAF’s proven person-to-person organizing method, small group meetings, listening sessions, and leadership training.
Set up and conduct 20-25 1-to-1 meetings per week. (A 1-to-1 meeting is a focused 45-minute meeting with an individual to build a relationship and to find leaders for public action.)
Build and/or support organizing teams in 8-10 BUILD current member institutions.
Identify potential BUILD member organizations through identifying interested primary leaders (religious leaders, parents, educators, executives, etc.) and bring organizations in as a dues paying members with the organizing team.
Organize with and train local leaders to take action on issues of interest, conduct in-depth research on the issues, & organize 100-300 person local actions in the public & private sectors.
Write a weekly report and participate in a weekly check-in with the Lead Organizer.
About BUILD
Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD) is a citizens’ power organization made up of 45+ dues-paying member institutions (faith communities, neighborhood associations, non-profits, schools, unions). BUILD organizes Baltimore area residents to build the power needed to fight for and win on issues of justice like housing, employment, education, health, and more. BUILD is a strictly non-partisan, multi-issue organization and takes on local and neighborhood as well as statewide campaigns.
BUILD is affiliated with the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF)/Metro IAF. Founded in Chicago in the 1940s, the IAF is the largest and oldest network of broad-based citizen power organizations in the country. Read more about IAF’s accomplishments across the country through IAF, Metro IAF and AF’s Signature Accomplishments.
Working at BUILD
Benefits & Support
Health and Dental Insurance
Simplified Employment Pension (after 1 year of employment)
Paid Vacation
Mileage and Work Expenses Reimbursed
Get Started
Get Involved with BUILD.
Our organization is made up of local congregations, schools, neighborhood associations, and more, all united in the mission of creating lasting change. Supported by community leaders, businesses, and individuals who believe in a better Baltimore, we are committed to making this city a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive.