Full-Time | Exempt | Black-led, Black-rooted | Justice-First
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 (commensurate with experience)
About ONE DC
Since 2006, Organizing Neighborhood Equity (ONE DC) has been on the frontlines of the fight for racial and economic justice in the District. We’re not a charity—we’re a movement. A movement led by Black working-class residents to build collective power, shift systems, and claim what’s rightfully ours: land, housing, education, and economic freedom. Our organizing is rooted in deep relationships, political education, and the everyday lived experiences of the community. We don’t just talk about equity—we organize it.
Our Core Values
ONE DC’s work is inspired by the legacy of freedom fighters like Ella Baker, Mother Jones, Ida B. Wells, and Claudia Jones—visionaries who organized from the ground up, challenged power structures, and affirmed the dignity of all people.
Our core values include:
- Grassroots leadership and democratic participation
- Strategic organizing for justice and liberation
- Collective power, shared resources, and mutual care
- Education, cultural expression, and land stewardship
- Solidarity with global and local movements for change
These values aren’t just history lessons—they are the blueprint for how we build power in DC today.
To read our full values statement, visit Our Values.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Lead Organizer who doesn’t just believe in justice but is ready to build it—block by block, ward by ward. If you are a strategic thinker, experienced organizer, and visionary movement builder who knows how to activate, engage, and grow a base, this is your moment.
This isn’t your average 9-to-5. This is frontline, relational, justice-centered organizing that holds space for both fierce resistance and radical love. As a key member of ONE DC’s leadership, you’ll drive base-building campaigns, political education programs, and collective leadership development while supporting a powerful team of organizers.
What You’ll Do
Organizing & Strategy
- Anchor and lead ONE DC’s Organizing and Membership Committees
- Co-create campaign strategy and political actions with our members—not for them, but with them
- Develop and guide grassroots campaigns rooted in community self-determination
Political Education & Member Power
- Facilitate workshops, host forums, and run our LEAP program to grow sharp, committed member-leaders
- Mentor organizers, apprentices, and volunteers in ONE DC’s organizing model
- Develop at least 50 members annually into trained, active leaders (excluding staff or SLT)
Movement Partnerships & Public Voice
- Represent ONE DC at public hearings, coalition meetings, and community events
- Build strong, strategic relationships with local and national allies
Team Leadership & Culture Building
- Co-lead Human Resources and internal development with our Operations Lead; be an exofficio member of ONE DC’s Personnel Committee
- Supervise and support a team of organizers, apprentices, and volunteers; especially Right to Housing organizers, Homes for All organizers, Cooperation DC organizer, and other community organizers
- Support onboarding for staff, interns and apprentices, volunteers, and SLT apprentices
- Facilitate check-ins, performance reviews, and professional development
- Plan retreats and team trainings that align with our values and organizing culture
- Facilitate staff meetings, retreats, and trainings in line with ONE DC’s values
- Co-develop pathways for leadership within our Shared Leadership Team
Organizational Strategy & Governance
- Co-lead strategic planning and development of SLT governance practices
- Help recruit and nurture new SLT apprentices and Directors
- Participate in member development, political education, and community outreach
- Model democratic leadership and movement-building from the inside out
What You Bring
As Lead Organizer, you’ll wear many hats—but all of them rooted in justice, strategy, and relationship. Here's how you'll help us build power:
Required:
- 5+ years of direct organizing experience – especially familiarity with grassroots organizing movement work, demonstrated direct organizing/base building experience; and Willingness to learn about and commit to ONE DC’s organizing model
- 2+ years of experience leading teams or managing staff; Demonstrated ability to lead teams, facilitate consensus, and move strategy
- Strong campaign instincts and a record of building people power
- Strong leadership and people skills—especially in working-class and BIPOC communities; Deep connection to working-class communities and a commitment to collective liberation
- Emotionally intelligent, politically grounded, and accountable
- Flexible schedule—including evenings and weekends
Preferred:
- DC resident (or strong DMV ties) – we prioritize local leaders!
- Ready to commit to 3+ years with ONE DC
- Experience with political education, popular ed, and cultural organizing
- Multilingual (especially Spanish, Amharic, or Chinese)
- A good sense of humor, creative spirit, and love for our people
What We Offer
We believe in taking care of the people who take care of the movement. ONE DC offers a competitive salary, paid time off, health and wellness benefits, and support for professional development. Additional details about our benefits package will be shared during the interview process.
Logistics & Expectations
- In-person presence in DC required
- Evening and weekend availability for meetings, actions, and events
- Local travel within DC for organizing, outreach, and coalition work
EEO & Inclusion Statement
ONE DC is an equal opportunity employer that values the richness of our collective experiences. We strongly encourage applications from Black and Indigenous people, people of color, women, people of all gender identities and expressions, LGBTQ+ individuals, working-class and low-income individuals, and people with lived experience of systemic barriers.
We understand that traditional qualifications can sometimes overlook the strengths and wisdom that come from lived experience. If you meet many of the requirements but not all, we still encourage you to apply. We value a deep commitment to justice, the courage to grow, and a heart for building power in community.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, list of 3 organizing references, and a cover letter (including salary expectations) to: [email protected]. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.