About Us:
United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley is advancing the common good in our region by providing help today in ways that strengthen tomorrow. Our work ensures that children are ready to learn when they enter school, stay engaged in learning and graduate able to compete, and are nurtured by families that have the financial stability to support both their basic needs and future success. No other single organization has the scope, expertise and influence to bring together hundreds of human services agencies, government, businesses, private foundations and dedicated volunteers around a common vision of creating maximum impact and achieving long-lasting results.

Why United Way?
We all want to have the greatest possible impact on our community and the issues that we care about. Join the movement. Through United Way, you unite your hopes and strengths with others to accomplish more than any of us can alone.

STATUS: Exempt – Part-time .8 FTE, (30 hours per week), 2 year grant funded position.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 1, 2010

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Massachusetts Asset Building Coalition (Mass ABC) is seeking to hire a part-time coordinator for a two-year grant funded position. Mass ABC is a group of more than 50 stakeholders including social service agencies, policy makers, advocacy organizations and practitioners that have come together to advance the asset policy agenda for those in need of assistance during these critical economic times in the state of Massachusetts. The coordinator will be located at United Way.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Mass ABC is an emerging coalition of organizations committed to advancing asset development policies, programs and practices in the state. The Coalition has received grant funding to expand and promote the recommendations of the now-adjourned Massachusetts Asset Development Commission (MADC). For more information about the MADC, please see www.mass.gov/dhcd.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage Mass ABC’s day to day operations, ensuring that obligations are met and goals are achieved
Includes: planning and staffing meetings, writing reports, managing the budget, creating and overseeing the coalition website, coordinating activities and events, drafting work plans, handling issues related to coalition membership, etc.

Conduct outreach to and organize new and diverse constituencies statewide
Includes: constituency building, mobilizing and engaging allies as well as new partners, presenting at meetings/events, organizing regional meetings, recruiting coalition members, etc.

Advance Mass ABC priorities in the State Legislature and Administration
Includes: assisting in the development of policy agenda, scheduling meetings with legislators and government officials, attending hearings, managing relationships with members, drafting action alerts, organizing for hearings, writing e-newsletter, etc.

Coordinate media and public awareness campaign
Includes: assisting in the development of campaign messages, coordinate press releases, story ideas, op-eds and letters to the editor

Research
Includes: tracking, gathering, and disseminating existing research and best practices and policies; identifying areas and issues for more in-depth research

Other
All other duties related to the advancement of the Mass ABC agenda.

REQUIREMENTS:
* At least three years experience in community organizing, public policy advocacy or similar field required
* B.A. required; Master’s in Social Work, Public Policy, or similar field desired
* Excellent written and oral communications skills.
* Outstanding ability to develop consensus between different viewpoints, organizations, and personalities
* Strong leadership and group facilitation skills.
* Strong strategic thinking and planning skills.
* Ability to self-start and work independently.
* Proven experience dealing with a range of issues and familiarity with challenges facing low-income communities
* Knowledge of State House operations and roles of state agencies
* Ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
* Skilled in media relations (desired)
* Bilingual (desired)

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS SHOULD FORWARD A RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO:
United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, Human Resources Coordinator,
51 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA 02210. Fax: 617- 624-9114
email: humanresources@supportunitedway.org
For Information on additional opportunities, please access our web site at www.supportunitedway.org
United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley is committed to hiring individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.