KENTUCKY COALITION TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY
SEEKS DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZING
Job Title: Director of Organizing
Position Type: Full-time
Reports To: Board Chairperson
Compensation: $50,000-$60,000
Start Date: As soon as possible
KCADP seeks a Director of Organizing who will grow, mobilize, and manage our members
and supporters to spread awareness and foster public support for ending the death penalty.
In particular, this position will be responsible for identifying and empowering individuals
directly impacted by racism and injustice in the criminal legal system and drawing
attention to the death penalty’s historical connection to lynching and racial oppression. An
ideal candidate will creatively and effectively educate community members about the flaws
and misinformation of the death penalty by convening meetings, events, protests, vigils,
and more. The organizer will also help oversee some communications work, including
digital outreach via social media channels. Special projects may be assigned to the
organizer to assist the Director of Advocacy and Board in developing and implementing
strategy.
A successful Director of Organizing will be able to develop relationships across multiple
identities and backgrounds, is committed to working to end systemic biases and prejudices
within the criminal legal system, especially as related to ending the death penalty, and will
foster grassroots power in communities impacted by the unjust application of the death
penalty to help realize a more equitable criminal justice system and the end of the death
penalty in Kentucky.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
e Educating community members, community leaders and elected officials about the
need for Kentucky to end the death penalty, with a special emphasis on outreach to
directly impacted communities.
e Hosting, coordinating and convening events, meetings and outreach efforts across
Kentucky.
e Working with the Board Chairperson and Director of Advocacy to implement,
manage, and track outreach efforts.
e Connecting with impacted community members to educate, engage and urge them to
support an end to the death penalty.
e Connecting with advocates who are engaged in other criminal justice reforms to
ensure collaboration.
Recruiting, mentoring, and developing local individual, political and organizational
leaders as possible participants, representatives and spokespersons for the
Coalition.
Build relationships with all key grassroots and grasstops constituencies, including
murder victims’ families, law enforcement officials, and political, community, and
religious leaders. Comfort or prior relationships with these communities, including
the evangelical community, will be helpful to the successful candidate.
Assisting in carrying out the Coalition’s media plan, including creating and
maintaining good relationships with journalists and news organizations, speaking
on behalf of the Coalition, and developing media content.
Data entry and some database management.
Submitting reports summarizing organizing efforts to the Board, as needed.
Performing necessary administrative duties, including correspondences with
members and volunteers via email, phone, social media, etc.
Other duties as assigned.
This position involves travel around Kentucky to attend community events, connect with
community members and various other tasks, as needed.
This position requires that the candidate is comfortable spending extended periods of time
outside to conduct community outreach and events.
This role will require willingness to occasionally work on weeknights and weekends.
Preferred Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications:
Candidates must have a passion for abolishing the death penalty. Those with a
personal and demonstrated commitment to abolition will be given special
consideration.
Prior organizing or other relevant experience, including legislative experience, that
shows a track record of success and results is preferred.
Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to
adapt to a diverse array of communities, groups and settings.
Ability to exercise sound judgement related to controversial and/or culturally
sensitive subjects, including handling confrontational situations with tact and poise.
Demonstrated ability or experience working directly with people from diverse racial,
ethnic, spiritual and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Direct or personal experience with the criminal legal system, law enforcement, or
murder victims’ families is preferred.
Prior knowledge of Kentucky politics and criminal legal system reform is preferred.
How to Apply:
Please send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample (1-page or less) to
kcadp3092@gmail.com using the subject line: KCADP Director of Organizing. Applications
will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About KCADP:
The Kentucky Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty is a statewide group of diverse
communities and individuals working to end the death penalty in Kentucky through public
education, media outreach, coalition-building and grassroots organizing.
Kentucky Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty is an equal opportunity employer. The
Coalition is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that works to
provide a supportive work environment. The Coalition encourages applications from all
qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability,
veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by
applicable law. Women, non-binary people, people of color, and people with direct
experience with the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.
