Job Opening with a very interesting organization‏

GENERATIONS AHEAD

Project Director and Organizer

Disability Rights, Justice and Eugenics

Half-time Position

Generations Ahead is a rapidly growing nonprofit organizing and advocacy organization

working for reproductive and genetic justice. We work to insert a social justice

advocacy voice in the public policy debates about the impact of human biotechnologies

on human relationships and societal justice. With a growing network of social justice

leaders and organizations, we are increasing cross-movement knowledge about these

technologies, expanding organizational capacities to engage in advocacy and agenda setting,

and building a shared social justice coalition and policy agenda. Generations

Ahead grew out of a program at the Center for Genetics and Society in 2008.

Eugenics is a key lens through which to understand the challenges posed by the new

reproductive and genetic technologies. The primary goal of this project is to do outreach

and education within the disability community, organize interested allies and leaders into

a national network of concerned advocates, and deepen cross-movement alliances,

collaborations and coalitions. The project director will present publicly on these issues;

organize and inspire leaders and organizations to engage; and create opportunities for

action and advocacy with other social justice constituencies.

A minimum of three years organizing experience is required along with demonstrated

success. Excellent writing and speaking skills, interpersonal skills, and project

development experience are also important. Understanding of the social model of

disability is highly recommended. Previous knowledge of genetics and reproductive

technologies is desired, but not required.

Specific Responsibilities

• Direct, manage and expand a robust organizing and outreach program with disability

rights and advocacy organizations and leaders.

• Speak publicly on the issues, brief organizations and develop public education

materials.

• Articulate an analysis of disability, eugenics, and genetics at the intersection of major

social justice concerns.

• Build relationships, alliances, knowledge, leadership and capacity to present a visible

and effective voice for disability rights and advocacy on these issues.

• Define and disseminate, through writing and media work, a social justice analysis for

understanding and governing reproductive and genetic technologies.

• Collaborate with organizational partners to organize and coordinate events, projects,

and briefings.

• Work with other staff to organize and facilitate “cross-movement dialogues” on key

tensions between social justice allies.

Desired Qualities and Requirements

_ Three-five years of organizing, advocacy and/or alliance-building experience

required, with proven ability to meet ambitious goals

o Ability to write and speak persuasively; excellent written and oral communication

skills

o Excellent organizational skills to work productively in a fast-paced, evaluation

and goal-oriented organization

o Strong skills in multi-tasking, project management and self-management.

o Proven ability to work well within a team and independently.

o Outstanding interpersonal skills and judgment along with the ability to represent

the organization locally, nationally and internationally.

o Commitment to and confidence in working collaboratively and transparently—in

teams and in building relationships across constituencies and at the intersection of

issues

o Relationships with key constituencies, leaders and organizations

o Enjoyment of political and intellectual challenges combined with an aptitude and

initiative to translate new political challenges into organizing activities, strategies

and programs.

o Ability and experience working with diverse constituencies joyfully and

creatively.

Personal/Work Characteristics

o You enjoy your work - You bring energy, enthusiasm, and joy with you to the

office.

o Strong work ethic – You set high standards of excellence and persist until

ambitious goals are achieved. You are resourceful and innovative at tackling

complex challenges in a sustainable, pro-active fashion.

o Passionate commitment to learning and social justice - You are committed to

social justice in all its complexity and utilize continuous learning, reflection and

evaluation to improve all areas of work.

o Accountability - You are a results-oriented team player who leads by example,

holds yourself accountable for performance and takes absolute ownership.

o Entrepreneurship – We are working on a cutting-edge issue utilizing an

innovative movement building model. You enjoy thinking innovatively and

developing pioneering work and programs. You're not afraid to ask questions and

you proactively find answers to make decisions and be decisive.

o Flexibility and adaptability - You should be able to switch gears in various high stress

situations and apply yourself to quickly understanding and integrating new

challenges.

Physical Requirements

The employee works primarily in an office environment with extended periods of talking

by phone and working at a computer. The position also requires local and national travel

by airplane.

Compensation includes generous benefits, is competitive and will depend on experience.

Our office is located in downtown Oakland , California , with convenient access to BART

and AC Transit system.

To apply, send resume, writing sample and cover letter to Sujatha Jesudason,

sjesudason@genetics-and-society.org, or fax to 510-625-0874.

Asianese,Women, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to

apply. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with

disabilities to perform the essential functions, unless the accommodation would impose

an undue hardship on the employer.