Western South Dakota Organizer – Dakota Rural Action – Rapid City, SD

Dakota Rural Action (DRA) is seeking the right individual to join our team. The newly hired Western South Dakota Organizer will get the opportunity to work with the staff and members of a fast growing grassroots organization whose work on local foods, landowner protection, renewable energy campaigns, and leadership building are unique in South Dakota. Position will be located in Rapid City, SD. This is a full-time position.

Dakota Rural Action is a 28 year old grassroots organization working in South Dakota on family farm, environmental and local food issues. DRA organizes at the grassroots level to build a strong base of members who work together to make change at the local, state and national level. DRA is democratically run organization with decisions made by our Board of Directors, chapters, and committees.

This organizer’s duties will include:

Build and maintain local chapters that maximize the power and participation of their members.

Lead organizer for the Black Hills chapter and the ongoing uranium mining campaign fighting to stop in situ mining in the Black Hills.

Work with the chapter to develop, plan and execute future campaigns.

Recruit and retain active chapter members. Meet yearly fundraising and membership recruitment.

Build grassroots leadership among active members.

Work with leaders, producers and consumers to grow the SD Local Food Cooperative in Western South Dakota.

Hold informational gatherings to bring in new producer and consumer members.

Recruit new co-op members both consumers and producers.

Work with the western steering committee for the co-op.

Track membership and sales growth and work with other leaders and staff to develop marketing and expansion plans.

Work with a state-wide co-op staff team on the Co-op

Qualifications:

Must have completed a four-year degree or have equivalent experience.

Be familiar with basic software, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Gmail or Microsoft Outlook. Must be comfortable navigating the internet and handling administrative tasks (creating basic promotional materials, making phone calls and conducting meetings, for example.)

Ability to work effectively in networks and coalitions.

Excellent writing, speaking and interpersonal communications skills.

Skilled in group dynamics and group decision-making process.

Knowledge of South Dakota and its people a plus.

A strategic thinker and planner

Someone who can motivate people to take action

Must have a driver’s license and be able to drive.

Possession of personal vehicle is helpful, but not necessary.

Must be a team player, and also work with minimal supervision.

Dakota Rural Action is a grassroots family agriculture and conservation group that organizes South Dakotans to protect our family farmers and ranchers, natural resources and unique way of life.

How to apply

Send resume, writing sample and references to Frank James, Director, PO Box 549, Brookings, SD 57006, fejames@dakotarural.org, 605.697.5204. If you have any questions please contact Dakota Rural Action.

Position Closes: April 30, 2014 or until filled

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