Santa Barbara Community Organizer

BRIEF HISTORY

Future Leaders of America (FLA) began in 1982 as a grassroots response to the lack of Latino role models in Oxnard, California. For 40 years, FLA has provided over 9,700 low-income Latino youth and their families with personal development, leadership development, educational experiences, and civic engagement opportunities in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

FLA's MISSION

FLA develops youth resiliency and leadership to create long-lasting systemic change by empowering and mobilizing youth leaders to advocate for policies that improve their lives and the lives of their peers and their communities.

FLA's TARGET POPULATION

FLA is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural, educational, and civic experiences of Latino youth on the Central Coast. At FLA, we believe that young people shouldn't have to wait to lead–especially when they're already showing up with urgency, clarity, and convictions. That's why we build and support peer-powered, community-rooted spaces where Latino youth organize, advocate, and shape the systems that shape their lives. Because when youth don't just find their voice, but know how to use it, our communities grow stronger, more just, and more reflective of the people who hold them together.

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.
• The Community Organizer will work closely with the Health Equity Organizing Manager to implement strategies and organize campaigns for the ADP (Alcohol and Other Drugs) Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness grant, 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 Camp, University Seminars, Family Leadership Camp, 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.

2. 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 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.

SCHEDULESOur 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 EMPLOYMENTIt 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 tosuccessfully 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

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to Subject: Santa Barbara Community Organizer. The position will be open until filled.

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.88 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person