Director of Metro Violence Prevention

About the Alliance for a Safe Oregon

The Alliance for a Safe Oregon is a great statewide organization focused on preventing gun violence. We're all about building safer, healthier communities across Oregon through policy, advocacy, public education, and implementation.

Gun violence hits hard, especially in Black, immigrant, refugee, and other communities of color. In Portland, young people are facing increasing risks from firearm homicides, shootings, and threats involving guns.

We believe that homicides and acts of gun violence are preventable. The people most affected by violence should lead the way in creating solutions.

About the Role

The Director of Metro Violence Prevention will guide our strategy in the metro area to reduce firearm homicides. You'll work with community partners, advocate for change, educate the public, and support effective violence prevention strategies.

You'll build trusted relationships with community members, survivors, and various stakeholders. Working closely with the Executive Director, you'll help shape policies and public investments that reflect community needs and boost prevention efforts.

This role is all about collaboration and community engagement. We're looking for someone who can turn community priorities into real action.

Responsibilities

Program Planning and Leadership

• Develop goals and work plans for our metro violence prevention and Safe Communities initiatives with community partners.
• Make sure those impacted by gun violence have a say in shaping solutions and policies.
• Focus on community resilience and upstream solutions in program development.
• Track progress and suggest adjustments as needed.
• Stay updated on research and best practices in violence prevention.

Community and Stakeholder Relationships

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with organizations and leaders in the Portland area.
• Develop strong partnerships with Community Violence Prevention/Intervention organizations.
• Connect with survivors, youth-serving organizations, educators, healthcare professionals, and neighborhood groups.
• Listen to community priorities and help identify opportunities for collective action.
• Represent the Alliance as a trusted partner in local violence prevention efforts.

Advocacy and Public Policy

• Build relationships with state and local elected officials.
• Work with the Executive Director to boost public investment in violence prevention.
• Advocate for sustainable funding for Community Violence Intervention and other effective strategies.
• Push for violence prevention strategies that meet the needs of BIPOC communities.
• Advocate for policies and investments that reduce firearm homicide and enhance community safety.
• Join coalitions and represent the Alliance in meetings with policymakers.

Communications and Public Education

• Educate the public about an equity-centered approach to gun violence prevention.
• Build support for Community Violence Prevention and investment in communities.
• Work with BIPOC-led and immigrant/refugee-led organizations to create culturally appropriate materials.
• Help explain the links between firearm homicide, suicide, and community conditions.
• Represent the Alliance at community meetings and events.

Survivor Engagement

• Build authentic relationships with gun violence survivors.
• Ensure survivors can inform the Alliance's priorities.
• Find ways to increase support and resources for survivors.
• Support survivors in sharing their experiences respectfully and empowering.
• Engage with survivors empathetically, understanding trauma and grief.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

• Understand evidence-backed and locally led violence prevention strategies.
• Identify gaps in resources and technical assistance for local organizations.
• Connect organizations with expertise, training, and resources.
• Help expand access to effective violence prevention strategies.

Organizational Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director and staff to align metro-area work with our mission.
• Collaborate across our 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PAC organizations as needed.
• Represent the Alliance in coalitions and public events.
• Participate in occasional evening and weekend meetings.

About You

You care about Oregon and want to help create safer communities. You believe gun violence is preventable and know that real change needs effective interventions and long-term investment in affected communities.

Ideally, you:

Understand Historic and Structural Racism

You know that firearm homicide disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, linked to historic and structural racism and inequitable access to resources.

Are Focused on System-Level Change

You get that reducing homicides is about more than just reacting to incidents. You're interested in the policies and community conditions that shape violence and safety.

Build Trust Across Differences

You're a strong relationship builder who works well with people from diverse backgrounds. You listen, follow through on commitments, and know that trust takes time.

Communicate with Purpose

You're a great writer and speaker who can explain complex issues in relatable ways. You can facilitate tough conversations and adapt your style for different audiences.

Are a Collaborative Advocate

You're comfortable advocating for change while recognizing that communities know their own experiences best. You can build coalitions and turn shared priorities into action.

Represent the Alliance with Integrity

You'll represent the Alliance in various settings, knowing that relationships are key to effective advocacy. You're okay with occasional evening and weekend activities.

Valued Experience

We know that people from communities most affected by gun violence might hesitate to apply if they don't meet every qualification. We encourage those with relevant lived and professional experience to apply.

A degree isn't required for this position. We value experience gained through work, community leadership, organizing, and other paths.

We particularly value:

• Direct experience with communities impacted by firearm homicide and gun violence, including Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, immigrant and refugee communities, and young people.
• Experience in Community Violence Intervention, violence prevention, public health, community organizing, or related fields.
• Experience bringing people together to identify shared priorities and develop solutions.
• Experience building relationships with community-based organizations, especially BIPOC-led and immigrant/refugee-led groups.
• Experience advocating with or working alongside local or state government.
• Experience developing or implementing community-based programs.
• Experience communicating about complex issues to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of the Portland area and its communities.
• Understanding of firearm homicide prevention and related public health issues.

We'll provide onboarding and support to help you understand our structure, policy priorities, and approach to program planning and evaluation.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $78,000 to $82,500, based on experience and qualifications.

We offer a flexible work environment, generous time off for your well-being, and employer-paid healthcare.

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and references by EOD on Friday, October 9th.

Our Commitment

We're committed to building an organization that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage people from historically underrepresented communities and those with direct experience of gun violence to apply.

If you're passionate about preventing homicide and creating safer communities, we'd love to hear from you!