Community Organizer

PACT (People Acting in Community Together) Santa Clara County, CA

Reports to: Lead Organizer

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

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 what’s next

To Apply

Submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to: saul@pactsj.org

Subject line: Application for Community Organizer

Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews will begin promptly.

For more information: (408) 998-8001

Saul, Director of Operations and Administration

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k)
403(b)
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Jose, CA 95126

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