Join Our Team | Columbia County Sanctuary Movement CRM

Join Our Team

 

Open Positions:

Community Navigator

Immigration Attorney

Immigration Paralegal/DOJ Representative

Office Manager and Mutual Aid Coordinator

Resettlement Co-Coordinator

Part-Time Food Justice Organizer

Part-Time Asylum Seeker Food Justice Organizer

Communications Organizer

Part-Time Donor Organizer

Part-Time Community Organizing Intern

Volunteer with CCSM

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Community Navigator

CCSM organizes with (im)migrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. The Community Navigator will work closely with Co-Executive Director focused on Programs and Services, staff, and the Coordinating Committee to help community members locate, connect, engage, and stay involved with the services they need to achieve their goals. Navigators will be mobile and serve as the bridge to guide individuals across different systems, city agencies, and organizations.

CCSM is building a representative staff that contributes to leadership development within our community. We will provide training and mentorship to applicants who we believe would be a strong addition to our team but do not have all of the qualifications below. We collectively develop work portfolios that match individual skill sets and organizational aspirations. 

 

Service Provision & Coordination 

  • Conduct intakes and provide ongoing follow up and case support to community members
  • Connect immigrants to legal service providers, social service organizations, and government representatives
  • Maintain comprehensive up-to-date notes and provide timely notification to community members of all activities regarding their case
  • Conduct home visits and accompany members to appointments (e.g., social service, legal, and Department of Motor Vehicles appointments) 
  • Identify, compile and maintain lists of culturally and linguistically appropriate community services, programs and resources for use by community members
  • Translate and interpret for members participating in CCSM programming 
  • Work with Co-Executive Director- Programs and Services to identify service gaps and develop solutions to fill those gaps
  • Work with volunteer coordinators and staff to distribute mutual aid and coordinate transportation programming 
  • Support in efforts to improve emergency hotline and activate rapid response network 
  • Advocate for institutional accountability to language justice policies
  • Provide transportation for community members to appointments when needed
  • Collaborate with Co-Executive Directors and other staff to strengthen CCSM’s service to organizing model 
  • Attend weekly staff meetings and monthly Coordinating Committee meetings 

 

Qualifications

  • Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation  
  • Bilingualism (English / Spanish) required
  • Previous social service or legal experience is highly desirable.
  • Willingness to work in both a remote and in-person setting
  • Willingness to work flexible hours and travel for trainings, conferences, and accompaniment occasionally with personal vehicle
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Good written and verbal communication skills 
  • Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel 
  • Exceptional relational skills working directly with people in complex situations 
  • Relationships with immigrant communities / Resident of Columbia or Greene County preferred 
  • Comfortable managing multiple projects independently and with a team
  • Excellent project and time management skills 
  • Take feedback well and have a learning mindset
  • Directly impacted by or experience with immigration system preferred

Statistics show that people with marginalized identities often do not apply for positions when they do not meet all qualifications. We encourage you to push past the imposter syndrome and apply anyway.

 

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours a week) with a starting salary of $45,000 and significant annual raises based on CCSM’s pay scale. Benefits include health, vision, and dental insurance, a work computer and cell phone, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. 

We are committed to compensating our team fairly and decreasing the inequity that can come from salary negotiations. Therefore, the posted salary and benefits are the best we can offer at this time, and we will continue to build a benefits package that supports all staff.

This position will be mostly in-person; in addition to in-person one to one meetings and member events, we hold in-person staff meetings every other week, and in-person Coordinating Committee meetings once a month.

CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working-class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply. 

 

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application- Community Navigator” as the subject line. We will not check references until after the interview.

 

Your cover letter should answer the following questions:

1. How are you impacted by the immigration system?

2. Why are you interested in this role?

3. What experiences have you had that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work experience)

 

Immigration Attorney

The Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) organizes with immigrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. We are a multilingual non-profit organization dedicated to providing holistic services, education and engaging members in campaigns for systemic change.  This position is based in Hudson, New York with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule and will report to Co-Executive Directors. 

The Staff Attorney will provide legal representation to recent arrivals and long term residents on both affirmative applications and in removal proceedings. The attorney can expect to appear before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, New York City Immigration Court, and Buffalo Immigration Court. The Director of Legal Services, will have the opportunity to work along CCSM to use creative legal remedies and gutsy advocacy strategies to challenge the unjust deportation machine and inhumane immigration legal system. 

 

70% Legal Service Provision

  • Conduct intakes with potential clients, conflict checks, and screenings for various forms of immigration relief 
  • Facilitate legal consultations and provide case specific advice to clients
  • Represent members and identifying form of relief in relief removal cases  (such as defensive Asylum claim or prosecutorial discretion
  •  Prepare affirmative cases (such as U-Visas/T-Visas, TPS, SIJS, Asylum, Naturalization, and family petitions) before USCIS.
  • Supervise and provide technical support to DOJ-accredited representative proving legal service to clients applying for affirmative immigration benefits before USCIS
  • Travel to attend master and individual hearing when necessary 
  • Maintain accurate, complete and confidential case files 
  • Mentor, support, and train CCSM staff on complex immigration matters and the provision of trauma-informed services 
  • Work closely with Co-Executive Director and Community Navigator to provide holistic services and referrals to clients 
  • Strengthen CCSM’s existing Rapid Response work and hotline by providing legal expertise, and at times legal representation when detained
  • Provide the support and program development needed to host a Justice Corps Fellowship in the near future

 

20% Administration

  • Administer legal service systems and track program metrics 
  • Work with grant manager on accurate legal service grant applications
  • Contribute to managing legal service program budget 
  • Supervise DOJ accredited representatives and/or paralegals
  • Support strengthening and administering legal service policies

 

10 % Outreach, Education and External Relations

  • Inform and provide orientation about defenses against removal proceedings and the court process to community members
  • Facilitate remote court appearances from CCSM’s office rather than traveling to NYC or Buffalo
  • Identify and collaborate with local or state partner organizations on appellate and impact-oriented litigation efforts related to detention conditions, labor rights, and other priorities.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with community partners, immigration service providers, pro bono attorneys, private attorneys and our legal service funders.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor active NYS bar admission preferred
  • Highly Preferred: Ability to communicate effectively with monolingual Spanish-speakers (i.e., advanced Spanish skills)
  •  Excellent research, writing, analytical, and communication skills
  • Minimum of 2  years of relevant experience in immigration law or direct legal services, and experience with both affirmative application and removal defense proceedings
  • Knowledge and adherence to community and movement lawyering principles
  • Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation  
  • Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel 
  • Relationships with immigrant communities
  • Directly impacted by or experience with immigration system preferred

 

This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours a week) with a starting salary of $62,200.  Benefits include health and vision plus dental insurance, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. This position is eligible to receive relocation benefits. The Immigration Attorney will have access to professional development opportunities. CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply.

 

Immigration Paralegal/Department of Justice Accredited Representative

The Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) organizes with immigrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. We are a bilingual non-profit organization dedicated to meeting essential services, education, and leadership development needs of immigrant community members. 

 

We are seeking a full time immigration paralegal/ Department of Justice Representative (DOJ Rep.).  This position is based in Hudson, New York with the ability to work a hybrid remote/in-office schedule. They will work under the supervision of the Legal Director, who is also an immigration attorney, and the Co-Executive Directors.Additionally, they will play a vital role in providing legal services to community members, conducting know-your-rights workshops, and providing critical administrative support to our expanding in-house legal program. We will provide training and application support to become a DOJ Representative. 

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

90% Legal Service Provision

  • Provide free legal consultation to screen community members for potential pathways to legal status or other immigration benefits
  • Prepare applications before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) and meet with community members to gather and prepare case documentation, evidence,  and draft declarations 
  • Conduct warm referral to CCSM’s program and Service team, partner nonprofit legal service organizations, and local legal resources.
  • Maintain up to date files regarding care as well as provide updates and reminders to community members.

 

10% Outreach and Education 

  • Coordinate Know Your Rights workshops and organize immigration screening clinics 

 

REQUIRED SKILL/QUALIFICATIONS

  • Fluency in spoken and written Spanish and English or Fluency in spoken and written Bengali and English 
  • Preferred  1–2 years of practical experience in immigration, such as experience in assisting with DACA, Naturalization, VAWA/U visa/T visa, and family-based immigration 
  • Experience working with immigrant communities of color, including LGBTQIA+, low-income individuals, and survivors of violence and trauma.
  • Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation  
  • Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel 
  • Relationships with immigrant communities 
  • Directly impacted by or experience with the immigration system preferred

 

Statistics show that people with marginalized identities often do not apply for positions when they do not meet all qualifications. We encourage you to push past the imposter syndrome and apply anyway.

 

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours a week) with a starting salary of $45,000. Benefits include health, dental, and Vision insurance, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. The paralegal will have access to professional development opportunities, including through CCSM's membership in the New York Immigration Coalition and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network. CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working-class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply.

 

TO APPLY: 

Please send a cover letter with your interest in the position and relevant experience, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application-Paralegal” as the subject line. We will not check references until after an interview.

Your cover letter should answer the following questions:

1. How are you impacted by the immigration system?

2. Why are you interested in this role?

3. What experiences have you had that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work experience)

 

If you need support preparing your resume or cover letter please email sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com.

 

Office and Mutual Aid Manager

Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) organizes with (im)migrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. The Office Manager will serve a vital role in connecting community members to resources and supporting CCSM staff, members, and volunteers in working efficiently and effectively. They will work closely with the Co-Executive Directors to help the organization meet its mission and goals.

CCSM is building a representative staff that contributes to leadership development within our community. We will provide training and mentorship to applicants who we believe would be a strong addition to our team but do not have all of the qualifications below.

 

Office Management

  • Serve as CCSM members’ first point of contact, with a presence daily at the office and answering and returning phone calls, texts, and emails in a timely manner
  • Manage CCSM’s phone line, email, and WhatsApp, providing “quick service” answers when possible and directing to appropriate staff for longer support requiring appointments
  • Support CCSM’s staff in preparing and cleaning up after events
  • Manage the physical offices (currently Hudson and Albany) in organization, supply needs, and general cleanliness
  • Recordkeeping and organizing CCSM files and records
  • Ensure staff calendar and CCSM public calendar is up-to-date with meetings, events, and holidays
  • Draft agendas for staff meetings, Coordinating Committee and Board meetings, and other relevant meetings as needed with proper time for review; send notes after meetings
  • Support the Coordinating Committee and Board with documents, copies, tech setup, and other needs
  • Assist co-workers and members who may be less familiar with the technologies used to achieve their objectives; Provide troubleshooting and innovative problem solving
  • Implement office policies by establishing standards and best practices, measuring results against standards, and making necessary adjustments.
  • Proactively coordinate and collaborate with colleagues to fulfill the mission and objectives of the organization
  • Support organizational data entry 
  • Coordinate CCSM’s interpretation and translation needs and manage interpretation equipment
  • Manage inventory of office supplies & IT equipment, while staying within budget

 

Mutual Aid Coordination

  • Manage distribution and tracking for Mano a Mano Mutual Aid Fund, Neighbor to Neighbor Fund, and Support-a-Family
  • Manage and track in-kind donations, including CCSM’s inventory of donated clothing 
  • Solicit in-kind donations and manage distribution of backpacks, Toys for Tots, and other opportunities to support the community
  • Support management of CCSM’s 24 hour immigration emergency hotline and rapid response network

 

Qualifications

  • Bilingualism (English / Spanish) a plus
  • Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation  
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to develop, implement, and refine systems and follow-up processes
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with staff and members across diverse functions
  • Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple simultaneous projects, and pay close attention to details
  • Willingness to work in both an in-person setting
  • Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel 
  • Relationships with immigrant communities / Resident of Columbia or Greene County preferred 
  • Take feedback well and have a learning mindset
  • Directly impacted by or experience with immigration system preferred

 

Statistics show that people with marginalized identities often do not apply for positions when they do not meet all qualifications. We encourage you to push past the imposter syndrome and apply anyway.

 

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours a week) with a starting salary of $45,000 and significant annual raises based on CCSM’s pay scale. Benefits include health, vision, and dental insurance, a work computer and cell phone, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. 

We are committed to compensating our team fairly and decreasing the inequity that can come from salary negotiations. Therefore, the posted salary and benefits are the best we can offer at this time, and we will continue to build a compensation and benefits package that supports all staff.

This position will be in-person at CCSM’s office in Hudson, NY.

CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working-class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply. 

 

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application- Office and Mutual Aid Manager” as the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis but preference will be given to those who apply by November 30th. We will not check references until after the interview.

 

Your cover letter should answer the following questions, and demonstrate your ability to write clearly and compellingly:

1. How are you impacted by the immigration system?

2. Why are you interested in this role?

3. What experiences have you had that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work experience)

 

Resettlement Co-Coordinator 

CCSM organizes with (im)migrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. The Resettlement Co-Coordinators will work closely with each other and with CCSM’s Co-Executive Directors, staff, and the Coordinating Committee to develop and coordinate CCSM’s Resettlement and integrate into the wider community.

CCSM is building a representative staff that contributes to leadership development within our community. We will provide training and mentorship to applicants who we believe would be a strong addition to our team but do not have all of the qualifications below. We collectively develop work portfolios that match individual skill sets and organizational aspirations. 

 

Resettlement Co-Coordinator

  • Work with Co-Executive Directors on overall development and coordination of Resettlement of new arrivals in our region
  • Building and maintaining relationships with Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition and regional organizations
  • Participating in New York Immigration Coalition meetings for the Welcoming NY Resettlement Campaign Re-Grant
  • Organize basic needs intake events, review responses, and prioritize cases with CCSM’s legal team
  • Conduct intakes to identify immediate needs
  • Provide rapid response case management and member-driven long-term resettlement support 
  • Collaborate with CCSM Legal Services and other legal partners on legal clinics, KYR and other legal themed events
  • Support organizing team with list building and leadership identification 
  • Refer immigrants to legal service providers, social service organizations, and government agencies
  • Track all activities related to case management and referrals
  • Maintain comprehensive up-to-date notes and provide timely notification to community members of all case related appointments and activities 
  • Conduct home visits and accompany members to appointments (e.g., social service, legal, and Department of Motor Vehicles appointments) 
  • Identify, compile and maintain lists of culturally and linguistically appropriate community services, programs and resources for use by community members
  • Track trends and concerns brought up by asylum seekers and report back to coalition
  • Collaborate with Co-Executive Directors and other staff to strengthen CCSM’s service to organizing model 
  • Attend weekly staff meetings and monthly Coordinating Committee meetings 
  • Translate and interpret for Spanish speaking members participating in CCSM programming 

 

Qualifications

  • Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation  

  • Bilingualism (English / Spanish) preferred
  • Previous social service or legal experience is highly desirable.
  • Willingness to work in both a remote and in-person setting
  • Willingness to work flexible hours and travel for trainings, conferences, and accompaniment occasionally with personal vehicle
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Good written and verbal communication skills 
  • Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel 
  • Exceptional relational skills working directly with people in complex situations 
  • Relationships with immigrant communities / Resident of Columbia or Greene County preferred 
  • Comfortable managing multiple projects independently and with a team
  • Excellent project and time management skills 
  • Take feedback well and have a learning mindset
  • Directly impacted by or experience with immigration system preferred

Statistics show that people with marginalized identities often do not apply for positions when they do not meet all qualifications. We encourage you to push past the imposter syndrome and apply anyway.

 

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours a week) with a starting salary of $45,000 and significant annual raises based on CCSM’s pay scale. Benefits include Health Vision, and Dental Insurance, a work computer, a work cell phone, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. 

CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply. 

 

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter with your interest in the position and relevant experience, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application- Resettlement Co-Coordinator ” as the subject line. We will not check references until after an interview.

 

Your cover letter should answer the following questions:

1. How are you impacted by the immigration system?

2. Why are you interested in this role?

3. What experiences have you had that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work experience)

 

Food Justice Organizer

CCSM organizes with (im)migrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. The Food Justice Organizer will work closely with our Food Justice team, staff, and the Coordinating Committee to grow and strengthen CCSM’s Comida Para La Gente mutual aid food program. From gleaning local farms to distributing food from the regional food bank, the Food Justice Organizer will increase access to fresh and healthy food for CCSM’s members and the broader immigrant/BIPOC community.

CCSM is building a representative staff that contributes to leadership development within our community. We will provide training and mentorship to applicants who we believe would be a strong addition to our team but do not have all of the qualifications below. We collectively develop work portfolios that match individual skill sets and organizational aspirations. 

CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply. Statistics show that people with marginalized identities often do not apply for positions when they do not meet all qualifications. We encourage you to push past the imposter syndrome and apply anyway.

Checkout CCSM and Comida Para La Gente Food Justice Team at work.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

Food Justice Job Responsibilities 

  • Collecting and transporting food from various sources
  • Packing boxes of various types of food and distributing to local families
  • Support with cultivating plants and herbs in CCSM’s farming plot 
  • Gleaning local farms and farmers markets 
  • Providing support for food preparation in CCSM’s Mutual Aid Kitchen Support

 

Organizational Responsibilities

  • Participate in weekly staff meetings
  • Participate in monthly Coordinating Committee Meetings
  • Track work, expenses and mileages with CCSM’s and Food Justice systems

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation  
  • Bilingualism (English / Spanish) preferred
  • Directly impacted by or experience with immigration system preferred
  • Ability to lift 40-50 pounds repeatedly
  • Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel 
  • Exceptional relationship skills working directly with people in complex situations 
  • Relationships with immigrant communities / Resident of Columbia or Greene County preferred 
  • Detail oriented
  • Ability to be flexible with daily tasks
  • Clear communication skills
  • Take feedback well and have a learning mindset
  • General interest in agriculture and food justice work a plus.
  • Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Willingness to work in both a remote and in-person setting
  • Willingness to travel for trainings, conferences, and accompaniment occasionally with personal vehicle
  • Comfortable managing multiple projects independently and with a team
  • Excellent project and time management skills 

 

Terms of Employment

This is a part-time seasonal position (20 hours a week/ June-November) with a starting hourly wage of $21.63 an hour, with the potential of increasing hours over time. While CCSM does not currently offer healthcare for part-time staff, benefits include a work computer, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. 

 

To Apply: 

Please send a cover letter with your interest in the position and relevant experience, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application-Food Justice” as the subject line. We will not check references until after an interview.

Your cover letter should answer the following questions:

1. How are you impacted by the immigration system?

2. Why are you interested in this role?

3. What experiences have you had that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work experience)

 

If you need support preparing your resume or cover letter please email sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com.

 

Asylum Seeker Food Justice Organizer

CCSM organizes with (im)migrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. The Asylum Seeker Food Justice Organizer will work closely with our Food Justice team, staff, and the Coordinating Committee to grow and strengthen CCSM’s Comida Para La Gente mutual aid food program. From gleaning local farms to distributing food from the regional food bank, the Asylum Seeker Food Justice Organizer will increase access to fresh and healthy food for CCSM’s members and the broader immigrant/BIPOC community.

CCSM is building a representative staff that contributes to leadership development within our community. We will provide training and mentorship to applicants who we believe would be a strong addition to our team but do not have all of the qualifications below. We collectively develop work portfolios that match individual skill sets and organizational aspirations. 

CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply. Statistics show that people with marginalized identities often do not apply for positions when they do not meet all qualifications. We encourage you to push past the imposter syndrome and apply anyway- we promise you others are doing the same.

Checkout CCSM and Comida Para La Gente Food Justice Team at work.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

Food Justice Job Responsibilities 

  • Supporting creation of effective and dignified food distribution system with asylum seekers
  • Serve on Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition Food Committee 
  • Collecting and transporting food from the regional food bank and other sources
  • Coordinating food distribution with various sites where asylum seekers are currently housed
  • Tracking amount of food distributed to each site
  • Packing boxes of food of various food for CCSM members and broader immigrant and BIPOC community

 

Organizational Responsibilities

  • Participate in weekly staff meetings
  • Participate in monthly Coordinating Committee Meetings
  • Track work, expenses and mileages with CCSM’s and Food Justice systems

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation  
  • Bilingualism (English / Spanish) preferred
  • Ability to lift 40-50 pound boxes of food
  • Willingness to work in both a remote and in-person setting
  • Willingness to work flexible hours and travel for trainings, conferences, and accompaniment occasionally with personal vehicle
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Good written and verbal communication skills 
  • Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel 
  • Exceptional relational skills working directly with people in complex situations 
  • Relationships with immigrant communities / Resident of NYS Capital Region preferred 
  • Comfortable managing multiple projects independently and with a team
  • Excellent project and time management skills 
  • Take feedback well and have a learning mindset
  • Directly impacted by or experience with immigration system preferred

 

Terms of Employment

This is a part-time position (20 hours a week) with a starting hourly wage of $21.63 an hour, with the potential of increasing hours over time. While CCSM does not currently offer healthcare for part-time staff, benefits include a work computer, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. 

 

To Apply: 

Please send a cover letter with your interest in the position and relevant experience, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application-Asylum Seeker Food Justice” as the subject line. We will not check references until after an interview.

Your cover letter should answer the following questions:

1. How are you impacted by the immigration system?

2. Why are you interested in this role?

3. What experiences have you had that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work experience)

 

If you need support preparing your resume or cover letter please email sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com.

 

Communications Organizer

Columbia County Sanctuary Movement (CCSM) organizes with (im)migrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. The Communications Organizer will work closely with the Co-Executive Directors, staff, and the Coordinating Committee to build a powerful narrative across CCSM’s programming. This position will create content on social media platforms, support in media engagement, website, email, and text management. This position will also support broader education of CCSM’s membership by creating educational guides.

 

CCSM is building a representative staff that contributes to leadership development within our community. We will provide training and mentorship to applicants who we believe would be a strong addition to our team but do not have all of the qualifications below.

 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Support building a consistent brand and message that centers the experience and power immigrants hold
  • Work with colleagues to create a consistent and compelling narrative across platforms
  • Work with staff to develop a communication strategy for all programming and activities
  • Draft, edit, and update promotional materials and publications, including emails, social media posts, flyers, graphics, website changes, and text messages
  • Collaborate with staff to meet the communications needs of community members, adapting to new technologies and finding creative solutions to best support our community, including needs associated with low-tech and low-literacy skills.
  • Collaborate with staff to create compelling and powerful calls to action for organizing campaigns and fundraising asks
  • Manage mass text system and rapid response communications
  • Respond or delegate incoming messages on social media platforms to relevant staff
  • Conduct interviews with community members to support them in telling their own stories on various platforms
  • Grow CCSM’s following on all communications channels
  • Track and evaluate effectiveness of CCSM’s communications strategies
  • Draft press releases and make calls to media outlets about upcoming activities
  • Work with CCSM’s multimedia creator to distribute informative videos, maintain folders of the most powerful images for future use
  • Co-create educational content with the programs and services team and organizing team
  • Collaborate with Co-Executive Directors and other staff to strengthen CCSM’s service to organizing model 
  • Attend weekly staff meetings and monthly Coordinating Committee meetings 
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications

  • Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation 
  • Bilingualism (English / Spanish) highly desired 
  • Excellent written (including proofreading and editing) and verbal communication skills
  • Skill at editing content while still providing persuasive and clear information
  • Experience posting and monitoring on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and knowledge of scheduling platforms required
  • Experience with Adobe Suite preferred
  • Candidate should be willing and able to adapt to new and evolving organizational priorities and deadlines and to work occasional evenings/weekends as events and project deadlines dictate
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with staff and members across diverse functions
  • Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple simultaneous projects, and pay close attention to detail
  • Ability to think through problems, take initiative and learn new technologies.
  • Willingness to work in both a remote and in-person setting
  • Valid driver’s license, access to a car, and ability to travel 
  • Relationships with immigrant communities / Resident of Columbia or Greene County preferred 
  • Take feedback well and have a learning mindset
  • Directly impacted by or experience with immigration system preferred

 

Statistics show that people with marginalized identities often do not apply for positions when they do not meet all qualifications. We encourage you to push past the imposter syndrome and apply anyway.

 

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time position (approximately 40 hours a week) with a starting salary of $45,000 and significant annual raises based on CCSM’s pay scale. Benefits include health, vision, and dental insurance, a work computer and cell phone, mileage reimbursement, a Flexible Spending Account, paid holidays, and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. 

 

We are committed to compensating our team fairly and decreasing the inequity that can come from salary negotiations. Therefore, the posted salary and benefits are the best we can offer at this time, and we will continue to build a benefits package that supports all staff.

 

CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working-class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants, formerly incarcerated people, and people with disabilities to apply. 

 

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application- Communications Organizer” as the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis but preference will be given to those who apply by November 1st.

 

Your cover letter should answer the following questions, and demonstrate your ability to write clearly and compellingly:

1. How are you impacted by the immigration system?

2. Why are you interested in this role?

3. What experiences have you had that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work experience)

 

If we decide to move forward, we will ask you to send us two short writing samples, and upon review invite you to an interview. We will not check references until after the interview.

 

Part-Time Donor Organizer

CCSM organizes with (im)migrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. The Donor Organizer will fulfill a powerful role in our organization’s sustainability, which provides holistic support to meet members’ needs while engaging them in campaigns for systemic, long-term change.

The Donor Organizer will work closely with members, staff, donors, and the Board to organize current and new CCSM donors. This position works with the Co-Executive Directors and reports directly to the Co-Executive Director focused on Communications, Administration, and Fundraising.  In this role, you will build relationships with new and potential donors, build our grassroots fundraising campaigns, and support fundraising activities, tracking, and acknowledgment.

CCSM is building a representative staff that contributes to leadership development within our community. We will provide training and mentorship to applicants who we believe would be a strong addition to our team but do not have all of the qualifications below. We collectively develop work portfolios that match individual skill sets and organizational aspirations. 

 

Fundraising

  • Build relationships with current and potential donors through one one-on-one conversations and events 
  • Ensure consistent communication with donors, from processing donation acknowledgments to implementing an annual calendar of activities to thank donors
  • Follow up with donors throughout the year with phone calls, letters, and emails updating them on our work 
  • Support the leadership development of CCSM members learning to fundraise
  • Work with the Communications and Fundraising team to build a cohesive fundraising narrative on relevant newsletters, appeals, social media, annual reports, and other materials
  • Support compliance with non-profit IRS requirements (such as tax receipts)
  • Conduct proactive research to identify potential donor prospects and business partnerships
  • Manage incoming donations, donor profiles, and donor activity within our database
  • Follow up with updates and donor requests around gift processing
  • Organize and coordinate donor events
  • Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications

  • Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of collective liberation 
  • Excellent project and time management skills 
  • Willingness to work in both a remote and in-person setting
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Good written and verbal communication skills 
  • Comfortable working with databases and/or learning new technologies
  • Take feedback well and have a learning mindset
  • Willingness to work flexible hours and travel for trainings, conferences, and meetings occasionally with a personal vehicle
  • Exceptional relational skills working directly with people in complex situations and commitment to building partnerships
  • Comfortable having one-on-one conversations and making asks 
  • Valid driver’s license and car necessary 
  • Relationships with immigrant communities / Resident of Columbia or Greene County preferred 
  • Comfortable managing multiple projects independently and with a team
  • Directly impacted by or experience with immigration system preferred
  • Bilingualism preferred, English required

 

Statistics show that people with marginalized identities often do not apply for positions when they do not meet all qualifications. We encourage you to push past the imposter syndrome and apply anyway.

 

Terms of Employment

This is a part-time position (20 hours a week) with a starting hourly wage of $21.63 an hour, with the potential of increasing hours over time. Benefits include a work computer, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays and unlimited paid time off with prior approval. This position works both remotely and in-person.

 

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter with your interest in the position and relevant experience, resume, and three professional references with emails and phone numbers to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Job Application-Donor Organizer” as the subject line. We will not check references until after an interview.

Your cover letter should answer the following questions:

1. How are you impacted by the immigration system?

2. Why are you interested in this role?

3. What experiences have you had that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work experience)

 

If you need support preparing your resume or cover letter please email sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com.

 

Part-Time Community Organizing Intern

CCSM organizes with (im)migrants and allies to collectively support, empower and defend our communities. The Community Organizer Intern will fulfill a powerful role in our organization’s sustainability, which provides survival services to meet the basic needs of members while engaging them in campaigns for systemic change. 

CCSM has launched our local Language Justice Campaign. We believe people should be able to communicate in the language with which they feel most comfortable. We also believe that our very own institutions should be able to provide equal and fair resources for everyone. We will be holding local institutions accountable and advocate for new policies to achieve language justice in our community. 

The Community Organizer Intern works closely with members, staff, and the Coordinating Committee to organize current and new CCSM members to participate in local Language Justice Campaigns. This position reports directly to the Community Organizer and Directors. The Organizer’s primary job is to assist the Community Organizer in building a powerful Language Justice Campaign led by directly impacted students and parents. The list below is an example of the responsibilities the Community Organizer Intern will fulfill throughout the 2022 fall internship program. 

CCSM is building a representative staff that contributes to leadership development within our community. We will provide training and mentorship to applicants who we believe would be a strong addition to our team but do not have all of the qualifications below. We collectively develop work portfolios that match individual skill sets and organizational aspirations.

 

Organizing 

  • One-on-One organizing conversations with students and parents
  • Identify community and member leaders
  • Contribute to building a formal membership model
  • Organize and facilitate multilingual membership and campaign workshops 
  • Compile stories and gather documents for participatory action research 
  • Gather petition signatures and conduct surveys  
  • Organize members to hold institutions accountable 
  • Work with Community Organizer to help integrate our service to organizing model 
  • Expand CCSM’s base of immigrant youth in Columbia and Greene County  
  • Engage members in legislative advocacy, direct actions, and campaign strategy sessions
  • Meet with key stakeholders to research, power map, and plan next steps

Qualifications

  • Commitment to CCSM’s mission, immigrant communities, and principles of anti-oppression 
  • Be a current or recent high school or undergraduate student. 
  • Excellent project and time management skills
  • Willingness to work in both a remote and in-person setting
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Bilingualism (English / Spanish/ Bengali ) highly preferred
  • Good written and verbal communication skills 
  • Ability to work both independently and closely with a leadership team
  • Willingness to work flexible hours 
  • Take feedback well and have a learning mindset. 
  • Exceptional relational skills working directly with people in complex situations and commitment to building partnerships
  • Comfortable having one-on-one organizing conversations and making asks 
  • Valid driver’s license and car necessary 
  • Have relationships with immigrant communities and students in local school districts
  • Resident of Columbia or Greene County preferred 
  • Direct experience with immigration system preferred

 

Terms of Employment

This is a part-time, temporary position (10-15 hours a week) throughout the Summer of 2022 with a possible extension into the Fall semester. This is a stipend internship.  Other benefits include mileage reimbursement for work-related meetings (not including commute to office). 

Frequently cited statistics show that women and structurally marginalized and/or underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. CCSM encourages you to break that statistic and apply. No one ever meets 100% of the qualifications.CCSM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of color, women, working class people, LGBTQIA people, immigrants and people with disabilities to apply. 

To Apply: This internship is open to all High School and Undergraduate students. Please send a resume and answers to the following questions to sanctuarycolumbiacounty@gmail.com with “Organizing Intern Application” in the subject line. 

 

  1. What does language justice mean to you?
  2. Why are you interested in this role?
  3. What experiences have you had with language justice/ language access that make you interested in this position? (Your response does NOT need to include formal work)

 

Volunteer with CCSM

CCSM was built from the ground-up by members and volunteers. From our coordinating committee to carrying out the important work of our programming, volunteers add essential capacity to our organization. The key areas we are currently seeking volunteers for are pro-bono legal services, translation, web-design, transportation and grassroots fundraising. Please fill out this form to share your skills and passion with CCSM! Email volunteer@sanctuarycolumbiacounty.org with any additional questions.

If you are interested in interning with us for a semester (or more!), please send us an email with the subject "Interning with CCSM".