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IHAF Project - Youth Organizer

Position Type: Part-Time
Location: Boston, MA (Focus on Roxbury and Dorchester)
Reports to: MCAN Political Organizing Director
Program: I Have A Future (IHAF) – A Project of MCAN

Help Shape the Next Chapter of Youth Organizing in Boston

IHAF is a youth organizing effort with a history of developing young leaders and creating opportunities for youth to take action on issues that matter in their communities.

MCAN is seeking a Youth Organizer to help relaunch and strengthen this work by building relationships with community partners, developing youth leaders, and supporting youth-led organizing and collective action.

This role is ideal for someone who believes deeply in the power of young people, enjoys building authentic relationships, and is excited by the challenge of helping an established program be reborn into its next phase.

The Youth Organizer will work primarily in Roxbury and Dorchester, reengaging partnerships with youth-serving organizations, schools, faith communities, and community groups that can serve as homes for youth leadership development and organizing. Through these partnerships, the organizer will help recruit, support, and develop young people who are ready to make a difference in their communities.

This position offers significant autonomy and responsibility. We're looking for someone who can take initiative, build trust, create opportunities, and turn vision into action while working as part of a supportive statewide organizing network.

What You'll Do
Build Community Partnerships

• Identify and cultivate relationships with youth-serving organizations, schools, faith communities, and neighborhood-based groups. Through one-to-ones. 

• Conduct outreach and relationship-building meetings throughout Roxbury and Dorchester.

• Develop and maintain partnerships that create opportunities for youth leadership development and organizing.

• Serve as a trusted representative of IHAF and MCAN within the community.

Recruit and Develop Young Leaders

• Recruit and engage middle and high school youth through partner organizations and community relationships. 

• Facilitate weekly youth organizing and leadership development sessions.

• Create pathways for young people to develop leadership skills, confidence, and ownership.

• Support youth in building relationships across lines of race, culture, neighborhood, and experience.

Support Youth-Led Organizing and Action

• Help youth identify issues affecting their schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

• Guide young people through campaign planning, advocacy, and collective action.

• Support youth-led events, public actions, meetings, and community engagement efforts.

• Connect youth organizing to broader opportunities for civic participation and community change.

Strengthen and Grow the Program

• Track participation, leadership development, and program outcomes.

• Contribute to evaluation, storytelling, and organizational learning.

• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and professional development training and/or gatherings. 

• Help shape the long-term growth and sustainability of youth organizing within MCAN alongside groups like Youth SOL.

Who We're Looking For

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Have experience in youth organizing, community organizing, youth development, education, or movement-building.

• Have a passion to learn more about community organizing.

• Are passionate about helping young people grow into leaders.

• Can build authentic relationships across diverse communities.

• Are comfortable working independently and taking initiative.

• Enjoy creating structure, solving problems, and turning ideas into action.

• Have strong facilitation and communication skills.

• Are committed to racial justice, multiracial leadership, and collective liberation.

• Have connections to or familiarity with Roxbury, Dorchester, or Boston communities.

What Success Looks Like

By the end of the first year:

• Two youth organizing teams are meeting consistently and growing.

• Young people are taking visible leadership roles.

• Strong partnerships have been established with community organizations.

• Youth have led collective actions that address issues they care about.

• IHAF is positioned for long-term growth and sustainability within MCAN.

MCAN is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We especially value candidates who bring lived experience and deep relationships within the communities we organize alongside.

This position is 20 hours per week at $30/hour. MCAN offers a flexible work environment, ongoing coaching, and leadership development opportunities. As IHAF grows and organizational resources expand, there may be opportunities for increased hours and expanded responsibilities over time.  

If you are interested in applying for the position send your cover letter and resume to MCAN Political Organizing Director Catalina Morales at catalina@mcan.us. Please make sure your email has the subject line: “IHAF Youth Organizer Position” and please title your resume and cover letter:[First & Last Initials]_[Resume/Cover Letter]