Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
FLA is seeking a full-time Community Organizer in Santa Barbara to train and develop Latino youth and their parents as civic leaders who mobilize for positive change. The Community Organizer will work alongside FLA youth and parent leaders to advance health and education equity through grassroots organizing, advocacy, and voter engagement. The Community Organizer will co‑lead campaigns that address systemic inequities, ensuring that youth voices drive solutions. This role is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of FLA’s organizing strategies, civic engagement campaigns, and advocacy efforts. Through base building, organizing, advocacy, and civic engagement, the Community Organizer will guide the ongoing leadership development of FLA youth and parent leaders. By equipping them with the skills to influence policies and lead collective action, the Community Organizer will build a stronger foundation for long‑term change in Santa Barbara.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Youth Organizing (80%)
Develop and strengthen the leadership abilities of the Future Leaders of America Master Achievers (FLAMA) youth council by conducting biweekly youth council meetings. The Community Organizer will also build strong working relationships with all FLAMA youth council members.
Plan and host FLAMA (youth coalition) meetings that build community, strengthen leadership skills, and energize FLA youth leaders around their campaign goals and initiatives.
Advise and train FLAMA youth and its youth council on organizing, advocacy, and strategic planning for local campaigns on health and educational disparities among the Latino community.
Work closely with the Health Equity Organizing Manager to implement strategies and organize campaigns for the Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness grants and MAT Access grants that promote opioid, alcohol, and other drug prevention, including but not limited to grant reporting, data collection and entry, and media outreach.
Develop and maintain collaborations with local, regional, state, and national partner organizations.
Work with the Associate Director of Leadership Development to plan, recruit, and execute FLA’s Youth Leadership Conference, University Seminars, Family Leadership Conference, Youth Organizing and Facilitation Trainings, Youth Coalitions (FLAMA), and Voter Engagement Campaigns.
Track student participation through the internal database; collect evaluations from all participants.
Provide logistical support to FLA youth‑led events through meeting logistics, preparation, and facilitation.
Parent Organizing (20%)
Recruit Indigenous‑language and/or Spanish‑speaking parents/guardians to go through a 3‑day leadership training, also known as FLA’s Family Leadership Conference.
Plan and host meetings with parents and guardians of FLA youth leaders that foster leadership development, deepen understanding of FLA youth‑led campaigns, and mobilize families to take collective action.
Strengthen parent leadership through activities such as listening campaigns and building strategic relationships with community leaders and elected officials to advance FLA’s organizing and policy campaigns.
Advise parents/guardians on organizing, advocacy, and strategic planning for local campaigns on health and educational disparities among the Latino community.
General and Other
Serve as a role model for youth by demonstrating leadership, integrity, and a commitment to social justice.
Work with partner organizations on civic engagement and nonpartisan electoral work.
Promote FLA’s mission and goals, including articulating the mission and taking opportunities to advance its goals when appropriate.
Other assigned duties.
JOB REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
At least 2 years of experience in Community Organizing and/or 2 years of experience working in the field of community development or other relevant community work.
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required.
A bachelor’s Degree or equivalent level of experience is preferred.
Prior employment or intern experience with transferable skills to that of a community organizer.
Outdoor leadership skills (first aid certification, competence in camping best practices, awareness of risk factors/management in the outdoors, tolerance of nature’s challenges) are highly sought.
Cultural awareness competency (first generation, Indigenous/Latino, Immigrant).
Proven commitment to social justice (i.e., immigration, environmental, anti‑blackness, LGBTQ+).
Experience with and desire to work with diverse cultures, and the ability to engage people from a variety of backgrounds on a one‑on‑one basis or in a group format.
Strategic and analytical political thinking skills to think through a variety of community issues and strategies.
Strong written and verbal skills, including large group presentations and public speaking.
Tech‑savvy – has skills beyond basic computer literacy.
Able to work independently and as part of a team.
Able to set one’s own work priorities, manage responsibilities, and time.
Ability to work with youth leaders to identify and develop issue campaigns that build leadership.
Ability to develop and carry out effective strategies for actions.
Be a strategic thinker and consistently exhibit the ability to think through a variety of approaches to an issue and forecast possible and realistic results.
Ability to link neighborhood‑based issues with regional, state, and national issues.
Outstanding people skills, sense of humor, and a creative thinker.
SCHEDULES
Our work schedules vary, primarily according to our programming schedule. Weekly work schedules are typically planned by you and your supervisor(s) up to a week in advance. Because we are a youth‑led and serving organization, most of our programming occurs after school/work hours. It is important that you understand and anticipate that your schedules will vary and will occasionally include working weekends.
AT‑WILL EMPLOYMENT
It is important to note that employment with FLA is based on mutual consent and is considered employment‑at‑will. Accordingly, either you or FLA – with or without cause or advance notice – can terminate the employment relationship, at any time. Future Leaders of America, Inc. also has the right to change the terms and conditions of your employment with or without notice, including but not limited to termination, demotion, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, duties, and location of work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Staff are expected to participate in fundraising events, including but not limited to Latino Legacy Awards, Alumni Reencuentro, meet and greets, and annual posadas. Staff should also have a valid driver’s license with insurance and dependable access to a car to drive for work. A background and driver’s check is required prior to employment. All staff are expected to follow FLA’s Code of Excellence in all responsibilities and interactions.
REPORTS TO
Health Equity Organizing Manager
STATUS
FULL‑TIME, NON‑EXEMPT
COMPENSATION RANGE
$25.88/HR
3.5% base salary annual increase in January 2026
FLA offers a benefits package for our full‑time employees, including:
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance (plus 75% coverage for your spouse or child)
Aflac Supplemental Benefits
401(k) Retirement Plan with a 2% match of annual compensation.
Paid vacation (two weeks per year) and sick time
11 paid holidays
Ongoing professional training in major gifts solicitation
A commitment to work‑life balance and a fun, self‑driven working environment
APPLY
To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to jobs@futureleadersnow.org . Subject: Lompoc Community Organizer. The position will be open until filled.
EEO STATEMENT
Future Leaders of America, Inc. has a deep commitment to fostering equal opportunity in employment and encourages applications from individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds and represents all genders, ages, beliefs, and identities.
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Job Tags
Full time, Internship, Local area,