Job Opening with a very interesting organizationâ€
GENERATIONS AHEAD
Project Director and Organizer
Disability Rights, Justice and Eugenics
Half-time Position
Generations Ahead is a rapidly growing nonprofit organizing and advocacy organization
working for reproductive and genetic justice. We work to insert a social justice
advocacy voice in the public policy debates about the impact of human biotechnologies
on human relationships and societal justice. With a growing network of social justice
leaders and organizations, we are increasing cross-movement knowledge about these
technologies, expanding organizational capacities to engage in advocacy and agenda setting,
and building a shared social justice coalition and policy agenda. Generations
Ahead grew out of a program at the Center for Genetics and Society in 2008.
Eugenics is a key lens through which to understand the challenges posed by the new
reproductive and genetic technologies. The primary goal of this project is to do outreach
and education within the disability community, organize interested allies and leaders into
a national network of concerned advocates, and deepen cross-movement alliances,
collaborations and coalitions. The project director will present publicly on these issues;
organize and inspire leaders and organizations to engage; and create opportunities for
action and advocacy with other social justice constituencies.
A minimum of three years organizing experience is required along with demonstrated
success. Excellent writing and speaking skills, interpersonal skills, and project
development experience are also important. Understanding of the social model of
disability is highly recommended. Previous knowledge of genetics and reproductive
technologies is desired, but not required.
Specific Responsibilities
• Direct, manage and expand a robust organizing and outreach program with disability
rights and advocacy organizations and leaders.
• Speak publicly on the issues, brief organizations and develop public education
materials.
• Articulate an analysis of disability, eugenics, and genetics at the intersection of major
social justice concerns.
• Build relationships, alliances, knowledge, leadership and capacity to present a visible
and effective voice for disability rights and advocacy on these issues.
• Define and disseminate, through writing and media work, a social justice analysis for
understanding and governing reproductive and genetic technologies.
• Collaborate with organizational partners to organize and coordinate events, projects,
and briefings.
• Work with other staff to organize and facilitate “cross-movement dialogues†on key
tensions between social justice allies.
Desired Qualities and Requirements
_ Three-five years of organizing, advocacy and/or alliance-building experience
required, with proven ability to meet ambitious goals
o Ability to write and speak persuasively; excellent written and oral communication
skills
o Excellent organizational skills to work productively in a fast-paced, evaluation
and goal-oriented organization
o Strong skills in multi-tasking, project management and self-management.
o Proven ability to work well within a team and independently.
o Outstanding interpersonal skills and judgment along with the ability to represent
the organization locally, nationally and internationally.
o Commitment to and confidence in working collaboratively and transparently—in
teams and in building relationships across constituencies and at the intersection of
issues
o Relationships with key constituencies, leaders and organizations
o Enjoyment of political and intellectual challenges combined with an aptitude and
initiative to translate new political challenges into organizing activities, strategies
and programs.
o Ability and experience working with diverse constituencies joyfully and
creatively.
Personal/Work Characteristics
o You enjoy your work - You bring energy, enthusiasm, and joy with you to the
office.
o Strong work ethic – You set high standards of excellence and persist until
ambitious goals are achieved. You are resourceful and innovative at tackling
complex challenges in a sustainable, pro-active fashion.
o Passionate commitment to learning and social justice - You are committed to
social justice in all its complexity and utilize continuous learning, reflection and
evaluation to improve all areas of work.
o Accountability - You are a results-oriented team player who leads by example,
holds yourself accountable for performance and takes absolute ownership.
o Entrepreneurship – We are working on a cutting-edge issue utilizing an
innovative movement building model. You enjoy thinking innovatively and
developing pioneering work and programs. You're not afraid to ask questions and
you proactively find answers to make decisions and be decisive.
o Flexibility and adaptability - You should be able to switch gears in various high stress
situations and apply yourself to quickly understanding and integrating new
challenges.
Physical Requirements
The employee works primarily in an office environment with extended periods of talking
by phone and working at a computer. The position also requires local and national travel
by airplane.
Compensation includes generous benefits, is competitive and will depend on experience.
Our office is located in downtown Oakland , California , with convenient access to BART
and AC Transit system.
To apply, send resume, writing sample and cover letter to Sujatha Jesudason,
sjesudason@genetics-and-society.org, or fax to 510-625-0874.
Asianese,Women, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to
apply. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions, unless the accommodation would impose
an undue hardship on the employer.