Under the supervision of the Education Coordinator, Program Organizers plan, lead, and do follow-up for delegations along the US/Mexico border, serving a wide range of constituents, including church folks, seminarians, community activists, university and high school students, and more. Trips range in duration from one day to two weeks. Program Organizers are expected to work cooperatively as part of the bi-national BorderLinks team.  Program Organizers are asked to make a two-year commitment to the organization.

Job Responsibilities:

1. In collaboration with a Mexican Program Organizer, the U.S. Program Organizer is  responsible for carrying out all of the following trip design and delivery functions:

a.    Create trip schedule and book visits
b.    Manage trip-related finances: create budget, deliver payments, reconcile expenses
c.     Prepare reflection materials, facilitate discussions and guide group activities
d.    Communicate with community contacts, participant group leaders, and trip co-leaders via e-mail, phone, and personal contact.
e.    Drive a 15 passenger van in the U.S. and Mexico
f.      Interpret/translate presentations, conversations, and group discussions from Spanish to English and English to Spanish
g.    Function as an informal resource on local border information as well as globalization issues
h.    Remain attentive to and conscious of trip participants’ needs (safety/health concerns and spiritual/emotional responses to the experience)

1. Other responsibilities:
   1. Explore opportunities for future trip contacts
   2. Maintain and encourage ongoing post-trip contact, involvement and support for participants
   3. Assist in day-to-day office duties and attend staff/committee meetings
   4. Take on (as time and talent allow) special projects that better the organization as a whole
   5. Assist Education Coordinator with new staff training and development

Qualifications

1. BA in Latin American Studies, the social sciences, humanities, or related field, or equivalent education and experience
2. Spanish language fluency required; ability or desire to learn to interpret/translate during trip visits
3. Demonstrated ability to live and work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, ecumenical environment
4. Positive attitude and good people skills
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills
6. Strong commitment to the mission and goals of BorderLinks
7. Must be:
   1. Flexible, organized and able to multi-task;
   2. Able to analyze and present data clearly and accurately;
   3. Able to work collaboratively with colleagues;
   4. Available to travel within the U.S. and to Mexico and must possess a valid driver’s license and U.S. passport;
   5. Able to lift 20 pounds and walk approximately 5 miles a day.

Work Environment/Dynamics

Work is performed in the Tucson office as well as in border communities.  Work load changes based on number of trips per month and may include weekends.  Job can be unpredictable and requires a capacity to cope with change and stress.  Responsibility to be on call as needed. 

Financial Information

•  $16,500 for a two-year commitment.
• Includes health insurance after 60 days
• Other less tangible benefits (use of vehicles, flexibility of schedule, etc.)

Application Details

Applicants for this position should be comfortable working in a politically progressive, ecumenical and interfaith organization. BorderLinks is committed to soliciting and maintaining a diverse staff, including cultural and racial background, gender, age, physical disability, family situation, and sexual orientation. Please send resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to:

Heather Craigie, Education Coordinator, BorderLinks, 620 South 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701

Phone: 520-628-8263, fax (520) 740-0242 or e-mail: heatherc@borderlinks.org.