2023 Community Organizing Summer Fellowship

Note: The application deadline has been extended to Thursday, March 30!

Arts Alliance Illinois (AAI) is pleased to announce our open call for our first-ever Community Organizer Fellow. This Fellowship seeks to encourage emerging professionals to develop their career in the cultural nonprofit sector. The fellowship will start on May 29th and end on August 25th (dates are flexible). 

 

Who We Are

Arts Alliance Illinois champions arts resources and policies that benefit our members and all Illinois residents. As the only statewide, multidisciplinary organization concentrated on the strength of arts and culture, the Alliance takes on challenges that no single organization or artist can face alone.

 

Fellowship Overview

The Community Organizer Fellow will use data to identify, engage, and organize art communities spread over multiple localities in Illinois. The Fellow will use existing data to identify and close gaps in AAI’s statewide engagement, specifically with BIPOC, LGTBI+, immigrants, and other traditionally excluded communities. 

Working with our Director of Community Organizing, the Fellow will identify and build authentic and trusting relationships between grassroots leaders/institutions and Arts Alliance Illinois. The Fellow will work with these leaders/institutions to co-plan an in-person convening, led by the partner and supported by Arts Alliance. 

A successful Fellow will expand AAI’s grassroots base, resulting in increases in engagement in AAI’s programs, campaigns, and membership. The Fellow will also receive support and training through professional development opportunities. 

 

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations

  • Diagnose potential growth areas for AAI’s grassroots outreach and engagement.
  • Travel to different locations in Illinois to attend events and programs in identified communities.
  • In partnership with grassroots leaders, support and co-plan at least one (1) activity or event.
  • Proactively engage grassroots leaders and community members through email, phone, 1-on-1s, and in-person visits.
  • Log and catalog the information gathered through AAI’s programs into the Salesforce database.
    • Maintain Salesforce updated with all activities, engagement points, and contacts during the fellowship.
  • Build trusting relationships between grassroots communities and AAI. 
  • Attend weekly check-ins with our Director of Community Organizing.
  • Other duties assigned. 

 

Fellowship Outcomes

  • Trusting, authentic and positive relationships with at least three (3) grassroots communities 
  • At least three (3) co-planned activities / engagements with grassroots communities
  • Create a report at the end of the Fellowship which assesses the activities carried on during summer, results, and recommendations for future engagement 

 

Eligibility and Qualifications

We welcome applications from people without bachelor or graduate studies degrees who have  experience in community engagement or social work experience. Although there are no educational requirements, strong candidates will demonstrate the following:

  • Able to work self-directed in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Fluency with Microsoft 365 and Google Suite.
  • Highest attention to detail.
  • Strong cultural competence
  • Eager to apply constructive criticism.
  • Familiarity with the challenges facing arts venues, arts nonprofits, and artists in the state of Illinois is not required but would be preferred.

To be eligible for this fellowship, candidates should be/have:

  • Two years of experience in community engagement, campaign management, partnership creation, or similar.
  • Available to travel across the state of Illinois.
  • Resident of Illinois
  • Authorized to work in the US for any employer during the term of the fellowship


Compensation and Benefits

The Community Organizer Fellow will be a full-time, seasonal, employee of the organization. They will be paid $18 per hour, for up to 35 hrs per week and a stipend to cover utilities. This position is not eligible for health benefits.

 

Location

This position is 70% remote within Illinois. The Fellow is expected to attend events and meet leaders and communities across the state. Depending on the Fellow’s location, they might be expected to attend some meetings in Chicago.

 

How to apply

Applications are due on March 30th. The selected applicant will be notified by April 28th. 

 

Apply here

Please submit the following:

  • One page cover letter with  “LastName – Community Organizing Fellow” as the file’s title (no quotes) answering to the following questions: 
    • How does Arts Alliance Illinois’s advocacy mission align with your professional goals?
    • What do you think would be the most challenging part of the fellowship for you?
    • How do you expect this fellowship will prepare you for your intended career?
  • Resume in no more than 2 pages.
  • Three references phone numbers and email addresses.

Arts Alliance Illinois values diversity and is committed to building an inclusive workplace that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We encourage Black, Indigenous or People of Color, immigrants, people without college degrees, LGTBQ individuals, people with disabilities, and anyone part of a group that has been historically discriminated against, to apply.