Employment

We are hiring for two positions: a Finance and Operations Associate and a Hunger Policy Advocate. Read below for the job announcements and details on how to apply.

Alabama Arise is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law. We encourage candidates who are a racial or ethnic minority, LGBTQ+, low-income or marginalized in other ways to apply.

Finance and Operations Associate

Alabama Arise is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of congregations, organizations and individuals united in our belief that people in poverty are suffering because of state policy decisions. We also recognize the decisive role that racism plays in creating barriers to political participation and economic equality and have made an organizational commitment to increase racial equity in all that we do. Through Arise, groups and individuals join together to promote state policies to improve the lives of people living in poverty. Using policy analysis, advocacy and organizing, Arise provides a structure in which Alabamians can engage in public debates to promote the common good.

POSITION

Alabama Arise seeks a finance and operations associate to manage bookkeeping and employee benefits systems. This role is critical to the operations of the organization, supporting the finance and development teams. This position will report to the advancement and operations director.

The ideal candidate is passionate about building a better Alabama for all and values dignity, opportunity, justice and racial equity. This role presents an exciting opportunity for someone with strong financial skills; an attention to detail; and a demonstrated commitment to social justice, grassroots leadership and building the power of everyday people to change policy.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND TASKS

• Record expenses, donations, transactions and other financial data in QuickBooks online.
• Prepare financial reports for the executive director, board of directors and funders.
• Maintain fund account records as required by grantors
• Work with the development associate and office manager to reconcile financial records.
• Assist the executive director, advancement and operations director, and finance committee in the creation of an annual budget.
• Support the grant writer in creation of program budgets for grant proposals.
• Process payroll and manage Paychex Flex, our HR system for payroll, time and attendance and benefits.
• Support the advancement and operations director in HR functions, including the onboarding of new employees, and monthly and annual employee benefit processes.
• Pay bills and make deposits.
• Prepare the annual 1099 form for Alabama Arise Action.
• Maintain a depreciation schedule for fixed assets.
• Complete the annual workers’ compensation insurance audit.
• Monitor cash balances and transfer funds as recommended by the cash management policy.
• Prepare the annual Montgomery Property Tax return.
• Assist the executive director and advancement and operations director with tasks necessary to complete the Form 990 and annual audit.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of Alabama Arise.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or a related field or certification in bookkeeping or equivalent experience.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting principles, financial statements, QuickBooks and Excel/Google Sheets.
• Ability to work hybrid, both remotely and in-office.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
• Ability to meet deadlines, solve problems, work collaboratively and juggle multiple tasks.
• Commitment to social justice, racial equity and inclusion.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The finance and operations associate is a full-time position that reports to the advancement and operations director. The salary range is $55,000 to $60,000 annually, in addition to a full benefits package including health and dental coverage, retirement contribution, paid vacation and sick leave, and professional development opportunities. Candidates should live in or be willing to relocate to Alabama and be available for occasional travel within and outside the state.

HOW TO APPLY

Email a resume, cover letter and contact information for three references to info@alarise.org. Use the subject line “Finance and Operations Associate.” Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No calls, please.

Hunger Policy Advocate

Alabama Arise is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of congregations, organizations and individuals united in our belief that people in poverty are suffering because of state policy decisions. We also recognize the decisive role that racism plays in creating barriers to political participation and economic equality and have made an organizational commitment to increase racial equity in all that we do. Through Arise, groups and individuals join together to promote state policies to improve the lives of people living in poverty. Using policy analysis, advocacy and organizing, Arise provides a structure in which Alabamians can engage in public debates to promote the common good.

Position

Alabama Arise seeks a hunger policy advocate to lead our work on hunger advocacy and nutrition-related safety net programs, including expanding access to free school meals. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for helping all families in our state thrive, an interest in lobbying and policy advocacy, and a strong record of success in campaigns and coalition-building.

Major functions and tasks

• In partnership with allied organizations, expand and lead the Hunger Free Alabama coalition in forging and implementing a common agenda and action plan to expand access to healthy school meals in high-poverty school districts.
• Coordinate the Hunger Free Alabama coalition to oppose harmful changes to federal nutrition programs.
• Monitor state and federal nutrition policy developments that affect low-income families and BIPOC Alabamians.
• Communicate with state officials, policymakers and residents about results of research and analysis.
• Analyze legislation, regulations and administrative policies that affect hunger in Alabama.
• Work with state agencies to improve administrative policy affecting Alabamians with low incomes.
• Translate data related to child hunger and the effects of existing and proposed state policies on low-wealth people and communities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with nutrition program administrators, opinion leaders and policy stakeholders.
• Equip advocacy partners with the tools to improve and expand child nutrition programs.
• Support technical assistance to schools and communities seeking to improve access to nutrition programs.
• Help disseminate materials to advance campaign goals, including issue briefs, fact sheets, blog posts, social media graphics and other materials related to hunger policy.
• Provide information to policymakers, the media, advocates and the public through written materials, testimony and presentations.
• Represent Alabama Arise before community groups, policymakers and media.
• Work collaboratively with Arise’s policy, organizing and communications staff to produce accessible communications and civic engagement materials to translate complex policy issues for consumption by the public.

Qualifications

• Dedication to the mission and values of Alabama Arise.
• Some advanced education and/or comparable work experience in a relevant field.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Alabama.
• Ability to assess and navigate complex political, administrative and policy terrain.
• Track record of success in policy advocacy campaigns, community outreach or organizing.
• Ability to learn and later translate complex concepts into simple or layman’s terms.
• Great presentation and public speaking skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, solve problems and juggle multiple tasks.

Additional information

• This is a full-time position that reports to the policy and advocacy director.
• This position may be based remotely and work in a hybrid/remote setup, but will be required to work from Montgomery 2-3 days a week during the legislative session and occasionally travel to other areas of the state.
• Alabama Arise offers a competitive salary and benefits including health, dental and vision coverage, retirement, paid vacation and sick leave.

Salary range

$50,000 to $60,000 annually, plus 10% annual retirement contribution.

How to apply

Email a resume, cover letter, a written work or writing sample and contact information for three references to info@alarise.org by Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, at 5 p.m. CDT. Examples of relevant writing samples may include pieces of writing created in the performance of another job, research papers, policy briefs or fact sheets, op-eds or other advocacy materials including advocacy alerts, research or blog posts. Use the subject line “Hunger Policy Advocate.”