Summary
We’re looking for someone who’s eager to help execute an ambitious plan to exponentially expand our people-power and win justice. We’re looking for someone who’s ready to build relationships with lots and lots of grassroots people and develop them to be leaders in their community. If that sounds like you, apply for this job! The ideal candidate is a good listener, an avid learner, driven, eternally optimistic, and flexible. They should be comfortable juggling multiple tasks, and thrive in a multifaceted team environment. Most of all, they should have a strong desire to meet people where they’re at and help shape how they view the world, move people to action and help MRCC grow. A passion for making rural communities stronger and a sense of humor are musts!
As a rural organizer, the main focus will be to develop and implement grassroots organizing campaigns across issues, from farm and agriculture justice to healthcare and environmental justice, that build people-power and directly confront corporate power to win concrete changes that make our communities more just and democratic – and make life better for a lot more people. Rural organizers will work with their direct supervisor and the other organizers on the team to implement effective strategies and tactics to bring people into MRCC work and campaigns and win changes in their everyday lives.
This is a salaried, exempt position starting at $44,000-48,000, depending on experience. The position is based out of Columbia, MO, but hybrid-remote/in-person options may be possible, depending on the candidate. Organizers will be required to travel throughout the state, with some night and weekend commitments. Benefits include full employer-paid health insurance (including dental and vision), paid time off, sick leave, paid holidays and retirement options with organizational match.
Responsibilities
Organizing grassroots campaigns, including holding public meetings, creating and distributing educational materials and action alerts, and engaging people to take action on organizational issues through in-person, written, phone, and web-based communications.
Additionally:
● Membership tracking and database management, including timely and accurate data entry from your events and campaigns, which allows us to continue identifying and building leaders in our work.
● Learning and implementing MRCC style organizing, methodologies, messaging, and practices.
● Develop and maintain relationships with diverse groups and organizational allies.
● Organize press events, letters to the editor, and op-eds to raise broad public awareness of the stakes of our farm, food, and rural healthcare policy positions
● Participation in fundraising event planning and implementation, potentially including cultivating donor relationships
Requirements
● Ability to work well with everyday people from all walks of life & genuine curiosity about people
● Excellent strategic thinking and decision-making skills, and attention to detail
● Excellent computer skills (using our contact database, Word and Excel for daily tasks)
● Ability to organize and work on multiple projects while working in a team setting
● Must have a car or have access to reliable transportation on a daily basis
● Punctual and prepared for meetings and other commitments
● Show a desire to work within a flexible schedule (including some evenings and weekends).
● Strong sense of ownership and resilience with respect to planning ahead, finding alternative paths when needed, and bouncing back from setbacks (the road to victory can be long and frustrating)
● Clear, precise, compassionate, nonjudgmental communication and active listening skills
We are an equal opportunity employer. MRCC celebrates diversity in all forms and aspects of our work. We welcome qualified people of all backgrounds and abilities to apply and will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, disability, marital status, creed, or other non-job related factors protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
Apply
Send a cover letter and resume to Olivia Stockman at olivia@morural.org
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with an ideal start date in December 2025- January 2026.