Leadership Development Coordinator
Contractor Position
Position Start Date: As Soon as Possible
Report to: VP of Education & External Affairs
Location: Phoenix, Arizona; hybrid. This engagement requires in-person availability approximately two days per week at Aliento's office, schools, community sites, or events. In-person days will be determined based on program needs.
🗓 Priority Deadline: Friday, September 25, at 11:59 PM
About Aliento
Aliento is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving students, Dreamers, and immigrant families to transform trauma into hope and action. Aliento is led by directly impacted individuals, youth, and supporters who strive to create an environment where human potential is nurtured and not defined by immigration status.
Our work is about cultivating power, nurturing collective action, and transforming lived experiences into a shared movement for dignity, healing, and lasting change. Through education initiatives, organizing, leadership development, healing-centered spaces, civic engagement, and policy advocacy, Aliento builds community power rooted in care, courage, and collective liberation.
We have impacted the lives of more than 80,000 people and led the efforts to pass Prop. 308, securing tuition equity for Arizona students regardless of immigration status. Aliento is a leading voice for students, Dreamers, and immigrant families locally, nationally, and globally.
Position Summary
Aliento is seeking a Leadership Development (Independent Contractor) to support and advance the organization’s organizing and base-building work within the Nurture Department. The contractor will deliver high-quality leadership development programming, build relationships with Fellows, and collaborate with the Hub & Club coordinator to help ensure community organizing efforts are grounded in healing, lived experience, and collective action.
This contractor plays a hands-on role in the day-to-day execution of Aliento’s Fellowship and in collaborating with the Hub & Club coordinator. The Leadership Contractor works closely with the VP of Education & External Affairs to implement curriculum, coach emerging leaders, track program outcomes, and support the ongoing growth and sustainability of Aliento’s organizing base. This position offers an experienced organizer a meaningful opportunity to deepen their practice and grow into programmatic leadership.
This engagement is expected to require approximately 25-35 hours per week. Hours may vary based on Fellow programming, evening activities, Saturday sessions, and organizational events.
WHAT THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE
This is a student-facing contractor role that requires regular work primarily from Aliento’s Phoenix office and at school or community sites across Arizona. Because the role supports students and Fellows, service hours will reflect student and program availability and may fall outside a traditional 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. schedule.
The person in this role should expect to:
Participate in monthly Saturday programming for Fellows as a regular responsibility of the position.
Maintain regular evening and weekend availability to facilitate programming, attend events, and meet with students or community members.
Provide approximately 25-35 hours of service per week, with hours varying based on Saturday programming, evening activities, and organizational events.
Adjust availability based on student schedules, program activities, and organizational needs.
Travel regularly to school sites, community sites, and Aliento events across Arizona.
Maintain reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
Transport program materials and equipment to and from program sites and events.
Be available in person approximately two days per week based on program and organizational needs.
Support facilitation workshops and leadership-development sessions while providing ongoing coaching, mentorship, and accountability to high school fellows.
Balance relationship-building and direct program delivery with curriculum preparation, project coordination, data tracking, and follow-up.
Collaborate closely with Aliento staff, contractors, student leaders, and community partners.
This is not a supervisory position and has no direct reports. The contractor will coordinate program activities and provide coaching and mentorship to students and emerging leaders but will not have formal people-management responsibilities.
Who are we looking for
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
Has a background in community organizing, base-building, or youth leadership development
Can motivate, coach, and develop youth, staff, organizers, and community leaders
Understands the intersection of organizing, healing, and education with both individual and systems-level approaches
Thrives in fast-paced, values-driven environments
Is deeply aligned with Aliento’s mission and commitment to immigrant and education justice
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience coaching, mentoring, or supporting youth or community members in leadership roles.
Experience working with directly impacted communities, particularly immigrant or immigrant families.
Ability to build trusting relationships and engage students consistently.
Ability to motivate others, hold accountability, and foster leadership development.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Availability to work evenings and weekends, including monthly Saturday Fellow programming and other activities based on student and program needs.
Ability to travel to schools, community sites, and events across Arizona.
Ability to transport program materials and equipment to and from program sites and events, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.
Proficiency in Google Workspace or the ability to learn it quickly.
Alignment with Aliento’s mission, values, and healing-centered approach.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At least six months of experience in community organizing, policy and advocacy, civic engagement, or youth leadership development.
At least six months of experience coaching, mentoring, or supporting youth or community members in leadership roles.
Experience building, engaging, and sustaining a student base.
Experience with power-building strategies, issue-based campaigns, or civic-engagement activities.
Demonstrated ability to effectively leverage relationships, partnerships, and available resources to advance organizational goals and collective impact.
Familiarity with the educational, social, and policy issues affecting immigrant and first-generation students and families.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
Essential Functions
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Schedule and facilitate biweekly check-ins with seven high school fellows.
Support planning and facilitate monthly fellow cohort meetings.
Coach fellows as they plan and carry out events.
Track fellow participation, activities, and program data.
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Supports Aliento Votes 2026 campaign activities as needed
Supports fellows in planning and carrying out events connected to the Aliento Votes campaign.
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Coordinates with Club & Hubs Coordinator for fellows who attend schools that have Aliento clubs/hubs or are building an Aliento club/hub.
Supports Club & Hubs Coordinator execution of events through planning, logistics, attendance, and facilitation on a case-by-case basis.
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Track Nurture program goals and deliverables in coordination with the VP of Education and External Affairs.
Provide regular updates on program progress, challenges, and opportunities.
Flag potential barriers and support follow-up steps to keep deliverables on track.
$20-25 per hour commensurate with experience
Benefits: This is an independent contractor position and is not eligible for employee benefits.
Compensation
How to Apply:
Please email the following materials to careers@alientoaz.org and copy jose@alientoaz.org:
Résumé
Cover letter describing your interest in Aliento and your relevant experience
Include “Leadership Development Coordinator” in the subject line.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time.
Note: While the position will remain open until filled, applications submitted after the priority date will only be reviewed if a finalist is not selected from the initial pool.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE HIRING PROCESS:
30-minute Virtual interview
Reference check
Final selection and independent contractor agreement
ALIENTO is an equal opportunity employer. Our team works with impacted communities, stakeholders, and institutions to co-create a place where the human potential is nurtured and not defined by immigration status. We believe our strength is centering youth, healing, truth and reconciliation, and the ability of impacted communities to co-create change and solutions that lead to equitable, inclusive, and thriving communities. Individuals who are proximate to the immigrant experience are strongly encouraged to apply.