CENTER FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (CPWD) JOB DESCRIPTION

People with disabilities of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply!

JOB TITLE:   Community Organizer

REPORTS TO:   Director of Public Policy and Advocacy

PRIMARY OFFICE: Boulder, CO (possibility of hybrid work depending on business needs)

FSLA/EMPLOYEE STATUS:  Full-Time (32 hrs. /wk.; 4 days/wk.); Non-exempt

PAY & BENEFITS:  $28-$32/hr. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); 401(k); vacation time, sick time, and plentiful paid holidays (including Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.

WHY WORK WITH US?

We're extremely caring, supportive, down-to-earth, and passionate about what we do. We are continually looking for more ways to improve the employee experience, including moving to a 4-day workweek!  Also, we're very flexible and accommodating, and we provide generous time off.  If you want to do work that makes a difference, check out our post below!

SUMMARY:  The Community Organizer is responsible for advancing the Center for People With Disabilities’ (CPWD) public policy and advocacy agenda to reduce barriers to independence for people with disabilities.  This will include assessing community needs; collecting consumer satisfaction data on CPWD services and programs; advocating for access to services in the community, organizing federal, state and local, non-partisan civic engagement initiatives; promoting Independent Living Philosophy internally and externally; advancing disability rights, coalition-building and grassroots organizing; preparing consumers for testimony; and providing education and awareness to staff and the public about local, state and federal policy issues that impact people with Disabilities.

This position is outward-facing and highly involved with all CPWD staff and the community. The individual in this position is expected to work closely and collaboratively with the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy on projects and priorities. As such, they should be a team-oriented, quality-focused individual with strong presentation and relationship-building skills. The individual in this position will serve as a role model and mentor for people with disabilities within the community, and maintain positive and effective relationships with CPWD staff, consumers, and partner agencies. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assess and report on the needs of people with disabilities in CPWD’s service area through outreach, surveys, and consumer engagements.

• Conduct outreach to unserved and underserved disability communities to identify needs, gather feedback, and promote CPWD programs and services.

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver trainings for community members, businesses, schools, and other organizations on disability awareness, etiquette, accessibility, independent living principles, and systems advocacy.

• Develop materials and resources to support advocacy, education, and training efforts (e.g., position papers, fact sheets, talking points, presentations).

• Educate and organize consumers on legislative and policy issues; teach systems advocacy and civics; support consumers in testifying and participating in advocacy.

• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, consumers, allies, and key public figures to support CPWD’s policy, advocacy, and outreach priorities.

• Serve as CPWD’s representative on national, state, and local boards, committees, and coalitions.

• Develop and build a base of consumer support for focus groups, listening sessions, and other initiatives.

• Mobilize community members, including individuals with disabilities and allies, to participate in advocacy efforts such as contacting legislators, attending hearings, and submitting public comments.

• Track, document, and report on outreach, advocacy, and training activities, including outcomes that demonstrate barrier removal and community impact.

• Actively participate in CPWD staff meetings, program meetings, and professional development activities.

• Complete other assignments as directed by the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, Director of Core Services, or Executive Director.
  

 QUALIFICATIONS:

·      Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or relevant equivalent experience. 

• Proficiency with MS Windows, MS Office, Google Suite, and other common computer programs.

• Leadership and interpersonal skills with diverse peers, consumer base, other staff members and management.

• Able to positively represent CPWD and outreach to the community and public.

• Able to work independently, making solid decisions and exercising sound judgment with consumer and community contacts.

• Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Able to demonstrate commitment to CPWD’s non-discrimination policy DEI Statement

• Able to demonstrate CPWD’s core values of inclusiveness, flexibility, person-first, accountability, and integrity.

• Effective written and oral communication skills.

• Demonstrate knowledge of Independent Living Philosophy.

• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with professionals and with the public.

• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and clean driving record (if applicable).

• Satisfactory background checks.

• Personal experience with a disability strongly preferred.

• Satisfactory backgrounds checks.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.

• Off-site meetings and activities requiring travel to all of our service areas including Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Jefferson, Gilpin and Weld Counties.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to empower a qualified candidate with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

• This position may also require the performance of other duties, as assigned.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  The Center for People With Disabilities is dedicated to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and fostering a culture that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion while actively challenging and dismantling systemic racism and oppression.  We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of disability, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, or protective hairstyles), color, national origin, ancestry, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression or gender identity, age 40 and over, genetic information, Veteran or military status, marital status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to empower a qualified candidate with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job. (Revised 8/2025)