Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Organizing Strategy and Training
at Jobs to Move America
🏢 About Jobs to Move America
Jobs to Move America (JMA) is a national strategic policy center that uniquely combines racial and economic justice with community organizing to transform public spending and corporate behavior in manufacturing. Working at JMA means being part of a mission-driven team that has won landmark community benefits agreements and influences how billions in public dollars are spent, directly impacting workers and communities of color.
About This Role
As Director of Organizing Strategy and Training, you will architect JMA's organizing methodology, lead high-stakes campaigns for pro-worker policies, and build a training program to equip staff and coalition partners. This role is impactful because you will systematize JMA's proven organizing approach, scale its effectiveness, and develop the next generation of organizers in the labor and racial justice movement.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with organizers across the country to discuss campaign progress and coaching needs. You might then lead a training session for coalition partners on power mapping, followed by a strategy call with a local affiliate to refine their campaign plan. Afternoon could be spent drafting a new organizing toolkit or reviewing a proposed community benefits agreement.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Jobs to Move America Is Looking For
- A seasoned organizer with 10+ years in labor, community, or coalition organizing, including at least 5 years supervising organizers and leading campaigns that won concrete policy or contract victories.
- Expert in building multi-stakeholder coalitions across unions, community groups, and workers, with a track record of centering racial and economic justice in strategy.
- A skilled trainer and curriculum developer who can translate complex organizing concepts into accessible, actionable training for diverse audiences.
- Self-motivated and comfortable working remotely, with excellent written and verbal communication skills to coach staff and represent JMA externally.
📝 Tips for Applying to Jobs to Move America
In your resume and cover letter, highlight specific campaigns you led that resulted in community benefits agreements, pro-worker policies, or similar wins—quantify impact where possible.
Explicitly connect your organizing experience to JMA's focus on manufacturing and public spending; mention any familiarity with procurement, public contracts, or industrial policy.
Showcase your training experience: describe a curriculum you developed, a workshop you facilitated, or how you've coached organizers to grow their skills.
Demonstrate your ability to work remotely by giving examples of how you've managed distributed teams, maintained accountability, and fostered culture from a distance.
Tailor your application to emphasize racial and economic justice—use language and examples that show you integrate these principles into campaign strategy and training.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your vision for JMA's organizing methodology: how would you standardize assessment practices while keeping them adaptable to local contexts?", 'Your experience leading campaigns that won concrete benefits for workers and communities of color, especially in manufacturing or public spending contexts.', 'Your approach to training and coaching—how you develop organizers, build their strategic thinking, and create inclusive learning environments.', "Why JMA's specific mission—transforming public spending through organizing—resonates with your career and values."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read JMA's website thoroughly, especially their 'Our Work' page and recent reports on community benefits agreements and procurement campaigns.
- → Review JMA's major wins, such as the Los Angeles Metro community benefits agreement, to understand their organizing model and coalition partners.
- → Look into JMA's current campaigns (e.g., electric bus manufacturing) and identify how the Director role could advance those efforts.
- → Research the broader field of 'high road' manufacturing and public procurement reform to speak knowledgeably about trends and challenges.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that fails to mention JMA, manufacturing, or public spending—this role requires specific domain knowledge.
- Avoid focusing only on your own achievements without showing how you've developed others—this role is heavy on coaching and training.
- Don't overlook the remote work aspect; failing to address how you stay productive and connected in a remote setting can raise concerns.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Jobs to Move America!