Community Organizer

Job Title: Community Organizer
Job Classification: Full-time (36 hours per week), Permanent, Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Hybrid (Boston, MA)
Salary: $60,000 to $80,000 based on experience

About the Boston Cyclists Union (BCU)

The Boston Cyclists Union’s mission is to transform the streets of greater Boston into equitable and inviting people-centered spaces affording access and connection for every body. We accomplish this through organizing, advocacy, public actions, and holding city and state agencies accountable to build out a network of safe, protected bike infrastructure.

We envision a Greater Boston where people, especially those of color, elders, youth, women, LGBTQ people, and those who have historically been most vulnerable can safely ride for transportation and leisure on a network of connected, low-stress and physically separated bicycle infrastructure year-round. As a result, Boston will be a city where residents are healthier, neighborhoods greener with less pollution from motor vehicles, and traffic congestion eased as more and more opt to ride a bike to reach their destinations.

Job Overview

The Community Organizer focuses on grassroots engagement and community mobilization, working directly with volunteers, neighborhood groups, and community leaders to activate and sustain BCU’s campaigns. Reporting to the Organizing Manager, this role is critical in building relationships, recruiting and training volunteers, and leading on-the-ground initiatives like bike rides, canvassing, and community events. The Community Organizer ensures that the voices and experiences of underrepresented communities are front and center in the BCU’s work, helping to create a movement that reflects and serves everyone in Greater Boston. This position is hands-on, focused on community-level outreach, and responsible for executing specific campaigns and programs aligned with the BCU’s goals.

This role offers flexibility as a hybrid position, yet regular presence at the office and participation in in-person events are expected to nurture strong collaboration and community engagement. Some evenings and weekends may be required to accommodate community events, meetings, or other activities critical to advancing BCU’s mission. This position is critical in fostering an inclusive and leaderful movement in alignment with BCU’s core values.

Core Responsibilities

Membership & Community Engagement

• Recruit, train, and support volunteers in advocacy, campaign strategy, storytelling, and other organizing activities
• Build and strengthen relationships with community leaders, neighborhood associations, small businesses, and partner organizations to expand our network of allies
• Collaborate with BCU staff to organize larger events and smaller pop-ups that increase the BCU’s visibility, membership, and community engagement
• Support and participate in monthly Activist Group meetings, orientations, canvassing events, and other community engagement activities
• Lead the ride series, including route planning, defining the purpose of each ride, establishing partnerships, and increasing participation
• Support the distribution of BCU’s $5 BlueBikes pass program

Campaigns

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and other staff to implement campaign strategies focused on closing gaps in Boston’s Bike Network and advocating for safer street designs, ensuring that campaign tactics are community-driven and inclusive
• Lead on-the-ground campaign activities such as canvassing, public actions, and community engagement events, working closely with volunteers and partner organizations to build support for the BCU’s initiatives
• Work closely with the the Executive Director and other staff to identify and mobilize community leaders who can play a key role in campaign efforts, helping to amplify campaign messaging and expand its reach
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager to create and distribute content for campaigns, including action alerts, social media posts, and newsletters, with an emphasis on engaging and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities

Other Responsibilities

As a small organization, we require all employees to share in some administrative and fundraising activities.

• Support staff in executing fundraising activities, including but not limited to membership mailings, membership database, Bike Fest, Bos/treal, and providing content for grant proposals and reports
• Participate in shared office-management tasks, including monitoring our shared inbox, answering the phone, interfacing with cleaning contractors, and computer setup.
• Perform other duties as required to support the Boston Cyclists Union's overall mission and goals
• We have a very small office, and we all do our part to keep it clean and comfortable.

Organization-Wide Requirements

• Takes initiative and works to continuously improve systems and processes; suggests innovations to use resources strategically and to maximize positive impact.
• A problem solver who has the ability to handle emotional complexity while also navigating uncertainty and changing conditions in a growing organization.
• Able to manage conflict constructively, including the ability to self-reflect and to give and receive feedback up, down, and sideways in a hybrid working environment.
• Must be able to work both independently and as a collaborative member of various teams.
• Demonstrates strong cultural competency and an ability to engage effectively with Boston’s diverse communities, including multilingual and multicultural populations.
• Fluency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, or another language commonly spoken in Greater Boston is strongly preferred. Candidates who demonstrate cultural and linguistic competency in engaging with diverse populations will be prioritized.
• Seeks to uplift all voices and perspectives in our work and communities, with particular attention to underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.
• Works with integrity, accountability, clear communication, and follow-through.
• Flexible, adaptive, and able to respond to challenges and changes; values iteration and productively integrates new information
• Understands the importance of equitable practice as a foundational value and has the ability to implement across all areas of work.

Benefits

The Boston Cyclists Union offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, well-being, and work-life balance:

• Health & Dental Insurance: BCU covers 100% of employee premiums and 75% of dependent premiums (eligibility begins the first of the month after 30 days).
• Monthly Stipends: $50 phone reimbursement and $50 work-from-home stipend.
• Retirement Plan: BCU matches up to 3% of pre-tax earnings after six months of employment.
• Paid Leave: Generous sick leave, 5 personal days annually, and vacation starting at 15 days per year, increasing with tenure.
• Office Closures: One week in the summer and one week at year-end – at the discretion of the Executive Director.
• Paid Family & Medical Leave: Fully compliant with Massachusetts regulations.
• Abbreviated, remote hours on Fridays in the summer, except for scheduled programming or in-person meetings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Boston Cyclists Union is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ability, or political orientation. Black and Indigenous people and other people of color, women, nonbinary people, LGBTQIA+, and disabled folks are strongly encouraged to apply.

We recognize that women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Black and Indigenous people, and other people of color often hesitate to apply for roles unless they meet every listed qualification. If this role excites you and aligns with your skills and experiences, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every single requirement. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve.