New York City Sikh Community Advocate

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The Sikh Coalition is a community-based organization that defends civil rights in the United States, educates the broader community about Sikhs,, promotes local community empowerment, and fosters civic engagement amongst Sikh Americans. The Coalition serves as a resource for all organizations and individuals as well as a point of contact for the Sikh people.

Formed immediately after 9/11 in order to combat bias and backlash, the Coalition has grown into a permanent institution with a track record of success. Scores of legal victories, significant government relationships and strong educational programming have impacted the communities in which we operate.

POSITION SUMMARY: The New York City Sikh Community Advocate will be charged with mobilizing the Sikh community in New York City to develop and implement a Sikh civil rights agenda. A successful candidate must be able to effectively communicate with a broad range of constituents, mobilize Sikh community members to advocate for their rights, and interface with government agencies.

The ideal candidate will be able to relate to members of the Sikh community, effectively engage various city and state government officials, and ultimately empower Sikh community members to be advocates for their rights. The candidate should be able to manage his/her own work and garner volunteer support to extend inroads in the community. The candidate will be expected to work with volunteers and staff of the Sikh Coalition to achieve the objectives of the position and the organization overall.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with the gurdwaras of New York City
• Establishing an agreement with the gurdwaras on a Sikh civil rights agenda for the city
• Creating a plan for collaborating with gurdwaras and community to deliver on the agenda
• Conducting advocacy with various government agencies and legislative bodies in order to further progress the community’s civil rights agenda
• Establishing working relationships and partnering with community-based civil rights organizations
• Training community members to be advocates for their rights
• Delivering on the civil rights agenda in New York
• Packaging information about the program and all reusable components for use in other communities
• Assisting in response to emergency rights issues facing Sikhs in New York City

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, email, web) required
• Strong verbal skills and ability to write effectively required
• Punjabi language skills strongly preferred
• Community and volunteer experience strongly preferred

COMPENSATION
This is a full-time exempt position located in New York City. Salary for this position starts at $30,000 (+ benefits and vacation) and can be adjusted based on experience and qualifications. To apply for the position, please send your resume, a brief statement on why you are interested and how you can help, and your employment and salary history to: jobs@sikhcoalition.org or fax to 815-346-2803. The Sikh Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer.