Lompoc Community Organizer

Position: Community Organizer (Full-time, Santa Barbara) Overview Future Leaders of America (FLA) seeks 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 with FLA youth and parent leaders to advance health and education equity through grassroots organizing, advocacy, and voter engagement. The role co-leads campaigns addressing systemic inequities, coordinates the development and implementation of FLA’s organizing strategies, civic engagement campaigns, and advocacy efforts, and guides ongoing leadership development of youth and parent leaders. 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 communities. Target Population FLA is a community resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural, educational, and civic experiences of Latino youth on the Central Coast. We build peer-powered, community-rooted spaces where Latino youth organize, advocate, and shape the systems that affect their lives. When youth know how to use their voice, communities grow stronger, more just, and more reflective of the people who hold them together. 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. 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. 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 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. Collaborate with the Health Equity Organizing Manager to implement strategies and campaigns that promote opioid, alcohol, and other drug prevention, including 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 Conference, University Seminars, Family Leadership Conference, Youth Organizing and Facilitation Trainings, Youth Coalitions (FLAMA), and Voter Engagement Campaigns. Track student participation through the internal database and collect evaluations from all participants. Provide logistical support to FLA youth-led events through meeting logistics, preparation, and facilitation. Parent Organizing (20%) Recruit Indigenous-language and/or Spanish-speaking parents/guardians to complete a 3-day leadership training, known as FLA’s Family Leadership Conference. Plan and host meetings with parents and guardians of FLA youth leaders to foster leadership development, deepen understanding of youth-led campaigns, and mobilize families to take collective action. Strengthen parent leadership through listening campaigns and by building strategic relationships with community leaders and elected officials to advance FLA’s 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 in relevant community work. Fluency in English and Spanish is required. A bachelor’s Degree or equivalent level of experience is preferred. Prior employment or internship experience with transferable skills to community organizing. Outdoor leadership skills (first aid certification, camping best practices, risk management outdoors) are highly sought. Cultural awareness competency (first generation, Indigenous/Latino, immigrant). Proven commitment to social justice (e.g., immigration, environmental, LGBTQ+ issues, anti-blackness). Experience with and desire to work with diverse cultures and engage people from various backgrounds one-on-one or in groups. Strategic and analytical political thinking to address community issues and strategies. Strong written and verbal skills, including large group presentations and public speaking. Tech-savvy with skills beyond basic computer literacy. Able to work independently and as part of a team. Able to set priorities, manage responsibilities, and time effectively. Ability to work with youth leaders to identify and develop issue campaigns that build leadership. Ability to develop and carry out effective action strategies. Strategic thinker with the ability to forecast possible outcomes and frame multiple approaches. Ability to link neighborhood-based issues with regional, state, and national issues. Outstanding people skills, sense of humor, and creative thinking. Schedules Our work schedules vary, primarily according to programming. Weekly schedules are planned by the employee and supervisor up to a week in advance. Programming often occurs after school or work hours, and schedules may vary including occasional weekends. At-Will Employment Employment with FLA is at-will. Either party may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice. The organization reserves the right to change terms and conditions of employment as needed. Physical Demands The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Other Requirements Staff are expected to participate in fundraising events, including Latino Legacy Awards, Alumni Reencuentro, meet-and-greets, and annual posadas. A valid driver’s license with insurance and reliable access to a car is required. A background and driver’s check is required prior to employment. All staff are expected to follow FLA’s Code of Excellence. 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 Full medical, dental, and vision insurance (plus 75% coverage for a 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 Commitment to work-life balance and a positive, self-driven work environment To apply, email a cover letter and resume to jobs@futureleadersnow.org with the subject: Lompoc Community Organizer. The position will be open until filled. EEO Statement Future Leaders of America, Inc. has a deep commitment to equal opportunity in employment and encourages applications from individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds and represents all genders, ages, beliefs, and identities.

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