Regional Grassroots Organizing and Policy Coordinator

Nuclear weapons pose a growing threat to humanity, the planet, and all we hold dear. The only certain way to prevent nuclear war is to abolish nuclear weapons—a goal that is possible if we the people demand it and join a growing global chorus working to confront this existential threat. Nuclear weapons are also deeply linked with other pressing problems such as racial and economic justice, militarism, preserving our democracy, and confronting climate change. To create change, we must connect nuclear weapons with the real-life security concerns that communities face and find common cause with other movements and allies.

Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles (PSR-LA) is hiring a Regional Grassroots Organizing and Policy Coordinator to help us build a visible, diverse constituency for nuclear disarmament in Southern California that is part of the global movement to abolish nuclear weapons. This is a new position that will lead PSR-LA’s local and statewide organizing for Back from the Brink: Bringing Communities Together to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (BftB), a national grassroots coalition that PSR-LA helps lead and manage. 

LA County is a diverse hotbed of activism, and is ripe to lead the nation towards a just future where nuclear weapons are abolished and the billions of dollars spent annually to build and maintain them are redirected toward real community needs. In order to achieve this vision, we’re seeking a dedicated organizer and coalition-builder—with or without experience with nuclear weapons policy—who is committed to intersectional movement building and bringing forth a more peaceful and just world. 

Responsibilities: 

PSR-LA’s Regional Grassroots Organizing and Policy Coordinator will: 

• Lead PSR-LA’s efforts to educate and mobilize health professionals, organizational partners, and the public to build a vocal, active, community-focused nuclear disarmament constituency in Southern California. 
• Work closely with PSR-LA’s Associate Director, BftB’s organizational partners and national leadership, to help develop and execute a statewide campaign to build champions for nuclear disarmament among California’s Congressional delegation and local and state elected officials through local organizing, intersectional partnerships, municipal resolutions, and endorsements. 
• Lead and coordinate outreach to climate, peace, faith, environmental justice, racial justice and other social justice groups, highlighting the intersections between issues. 
• Recruit, train, and support BftB activists and engage them in BftB’s regional Southern California hub’ for sustained grassroots advocacy and public education activities, and assist with further development of BftB’s local and national campaign strategy. 
• Be responsible for planning and executing public awareness and advocacy initiatives in collaboration with key partners and stakeholders. 
• Organize meetings with local elected officials, state and federal legislators, allies, and others, and will represent PSR-LA and BftB in local and national nuclear disarmament coalitions. 
• Build and maintain relationships with physicians, community groups, policymakers and the broader health community. 
• Develop materials and give presentations that effectively explain and highlight the connections between nuclear policy, health, and justice. 
• Work with PSR-LA’s environmental justice staff to build strong connections between programs and develop joint advocacy strategies.

Qualifications/Skills: 

• Commitment to public health and social, environmental, and racial justice
• Three years or more of experience in a combination of areas: community organizing, coalition/community building, state or federal issue or political campaigns, policy advocacy—nuclear weapons, environmental health and justice, or social justice fields preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required
• Experience working with and managing coalitions and building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders

• Proven track record of strong project management and organizational skills, including attention to detail and ability to effectively prioritize tasks 
• Effective communicator, both written and verbal, with diverse audiences
• Creative and dynamic advocacy skills
• Strong meeting facilitation skills and the ability to address conflicts and build consensus
• Ability to display leadership and nurture leadership in others
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a fast-paced, close-knit team 
• Convey a strong sense of connection, respect, and mutual trust with staff, partners, and stakeholders 
• Experience with digital organizing.
• Experience and success working with communications management and marketing programs such as Google Work Space, Microsoft Suite, Every Action, WordPress, Zoom, Canva and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
• Conversational fluency in a second language, preferably Spanish, a plus

Employment Status: Full-Time Exempt, Salaried 

Location: Position is based in Los Angeles, CA. We have been working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and anticipate that PSR-LA will continue with a hybrid office structure. However, qualified applicants should preferably reside in Southern California and be able to work in our Los Angeles-based office when necessary as well as conduct LA and SoCal-based field work. 

Compensation: Salary ranging from $75,000 - $80,000 based on experience. PSR-LA offers a robust benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid healthcare, dental, vision premiums, acupuncture & chiropractic premiums for employees, spouses, and dependents. We offer 2 weeks paid time off, an additional 2 weeks off during end-of-year holidays, professional development opportunities, and staff wellness benefits.  

Preferred Start Date: Position open until filled

To Apply: Please upload a cover letter, resume and writing sample for consideration HERE or email Jobs@psr-la.org 

PSR-LA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, BIPOC and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply. 

About Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles (PSR-LA) 

PSR-LA is a physician membership organization that advocates for policies and practices that improve public health, eliminate nuclear and environmental threats, and address health disparities. Focusing specifically on issues of nuclear weapons, climate change, toxic chemicals, air pollution, and healthy land uses, PSR-LA provides health education, research, and policy solutions and we engage a wide range of groups, communities, and health professionals. Our work builds power for collective action to protect human health and the environment. The majority of PSR-LA staff members are people of color and for the last 20+ years our growth has been led by a woman of color. Our collective work to build a more caring, restorative economy demonstrates how the health voice can support the creation of resilient communities.