ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Mission For over 30 years, the Minneapolis Highrise Representative Council (MHRC) has worked to improve the quality of life in the Minneapolis Public Housing Highrise buildings by organizing residents to advocate for their collective interests. MHRC aims to build resident leaders and empower them to engage in their community by addressing issues within individual highrises and across the entire Minneapolis public housing highrise community. A key aspect of the work is developing and supporting resident leaders to organize and manage resident councils and the city-wide tenant organization - the MHRC. These councils and the MHRC, in turn, collectively advocate for issues related to public safety, building maintenance and management, health and wellbeing, community building, and capital improvements in the highrises. The MHRC acts as a bridge between residents and the housing authority and advocates for policy changes at the city level and leverages community-wide resources through collaboration with other organizations for the good of residents.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a full-time bilingual Somali-speaking Community Organizer to support Somali and English-speaking residents across MHRC buildings. This role combines traditional community organizing with cultural bridge-building, interpretation, and leadership development work. The organizer will support resident councils, strengthen safety programs, and foster communication between Somali-speaking residents and MHRC's staff, board, and partners. Job Duties and Responsibilities The Community Organizer in this position will: Support Somali and English-Speaking Resident Leaders Train and advise resident council officers and MHRC Board members in democratic process, meeting facilitation, and conflict resolution. Attend council and board meetings to offer support and translation where needed. Identify barriers to participation and develop solutions to increase engagement. Project Lookout Safety Program Recruit and support Somali-speaking resident safety volunteers. Facilitate monthly Lookout meetings and support the MHRC Security Advisory Committee. Advocate for culturally responsive safety improvements in collaboration with residents. Translation and InterpretationTranslate flyers, program materials, and meeting minutes for MHRC staff and programs. Provide interpretation at resident council, area, and MHRC Board meetings and special events. Help residents navigate systems and advocate for their concerns. Health, Wellness, and Community Engagement Support outreach efforts for health and wellness programs. Build relationships with Somali elders, families, and individuals living in highrises. Serve as a cultural liaison between MHRC and Somali-speaking communities.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

The person selected will meet the following minimum requirements:

Knowledge:

Fluent in Somali and English (speaking, reading, writing). Deep cultural knowledge and connection to the Somali community in Minneapolis. Experience in grassroots community organizing and commitment to resident empowerment; Basic understanding of city government and the ecosystem of nonprofit community organizations; Meeting management, event planning, and collaborative organizing; Communication systems; and Leading teams and community collaboration.

Skills:

Ability to mobilize and energize diverse groups of community members. Ability to manage projects, provide leadership, and problem solve (multi-tasking and problem solving); Experience in meeting, event planning, and communication systems; Excellent writing, communication, and public relation skills; Effective communications before audiences, large groups, and in one-on-one situations; Ability to create reports and presentations that are well-organized and easily understood by the reader or audience; Ability to mediate difficult situations and possess excellent facilitation skills; and Strong computer skills.

Other preferred qualities include:

At least 3 years of experience working in the nonprofit or organizing sector; Knowledge of public housing systems and operations; Social media skills as it relates to highlighting and supporting organizational activities; Ability to travel easily around the city and neighboring communities.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Requires frequent use of a telephone, speaking in a clear and understandable manner; Requires frequent participation in repetitive motion activities including typing on a computer keyboard; and Frequently requires the ability to work for several hours at a time at a desk and computer keyboard.

A RESUME AND COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION.

Please submit via indeed OR email rvasquez@mplshighrise.org

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reports to:

Lead Community Organizer Classification:

Regular, Full-time (40 hours/week), exempt

Location:

Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center, 1015 Fourth Avenue North (2nd floor), Minneapolis (combination of in-person and remote work possible)

Salary & Compensation:

The salary for this position is$44,000-60,000 depending on experience. The MHRC offers a competitive benefits package including health and dental insurance, retirement plan, three weeks' vacation plus major holidays. MHRC is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to our mission. While our employees possess different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, they share a passion for improving people's lives.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$44,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person