October 2, 2020

In recent years, roughly 1 in 4 Detroit homes have been subject to property tax foreclosure.  We have not seen this number of property tax foreclosures since the Great Depression.  More troubling, a recent study found that between 2009-2015 the City assessed between 55%-85% of Detroit homes at rates that violated the Michigan Constitution, placing the unprecedented number of property tax foreclosures in disrepute. The lowest valued homes continue to be assessed in violation of the Michigan Constitution. The Coalition for Property Tax Justice is a collection of Detroit-based non-profits and community organizations fighting for those who have lost their homes, or are at risk of losing their homes, due to unconstitutional tax foreclosures. We are in need of a community organizing consultant to help in our advocacy efforts.

The consultant will be responsible for managing our various policy projects, managing organizational relationships, and building community and coalition power. These projects include: advocating for local and state level policy change that prevents future illegal foreclosures and persistent tax debt; advocating for a comprehensive, city-wide compensation program; and building awareness and public pressure through media campaigns.

Preference will be given to candidates who can move to or are based out of the Metro Detroit area. 

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Organizing regular community partner meetings.
• Overseeing and ensuring the smooth operation of various teams working on policy projects.
• Performing legal and policy research in support of our objectives.
• Recruiting additional coalition members organizations and partners.
• Meeting with local and state officials to propose policy demands.
• Organizing direct action strategies.

Qualifications:

• Passion for social justice work.
• 5-10 years experience in community organizing or non-profit work.
• Proficiency in basic office software (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.).
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking skills.

Compensation:

The consultant will be expected to work 20 to 25 hours per week on average. The pay is $2000 a month without benefits.

To apply:

Interested candidates please submit a cover letter and resume on this job application form: https://forms.gle/pjKL1UFGj3CrTCqd6. Priority will be given to applicants who apply by October 12, 2020.  If you have any questions about the job or your application, reach out to Nicholas Norton (nicholas.norton@wayne.edu).

Back to listing