Employment Opportunity

EITC Coordinator / Camden Territory

New Jersey Citizen Action, the state's largest citizen watchdog coalition, with 60,000 family members and 100 affiliate organizations, is accepting applications for Coordinator of Marketing & Outreach for our Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Initiative Program.

New Jersey Citizen Action's mission is to secure economic and social justice for all. NJCA works to protect and expand the rights of individuals and families, and to ensure that government officials respond to the needs of people rather then the interests of those with money and power. NJCA seeks to advance a progressive political agenda, through collective action and individual empowerment in communities around the state. NJCA makes a difference for New Jersey by winning real improvements in people's lives.

We are seeking an EITC Coordinator for the Camden territory to oversee all operational and technical aspects of our Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, including identifying a free tax preparation site, coordinating recruitment and staffing of consultants and volunteers, and preparing, collecting and analyzing tax data. Other major responsibilities will include education and outreach for the project, as well as supervision of all aspects of our Camden site from start up and training through tax return preparation to shut down after the tax filing season. This position will be based out of our Camden office.

Responsibilities

Lead the programs paid preparers/consultants and volunteers in the delivery of high quality, free tax preparation and tax representation services for low income clients.
Develop and implement project strategies for increasing the number of eligible New Jersey residents who receive the EITC and free tax preparation.
Identify optimal site location.
Negotiate leases and working agreements with landlords/partners for space to provide free tax preparation services.
Oversee day-to -day operational and technical activities including the following:
- Schedule dates and times of operation, and provide that information to the IRS.
- Develop and maintain schedule for the volunteers & staff on site.
- Ensure that the sites are adequately staffed and that sufficient supplies and equipment are available for efficient site administration.
- Monitor the quality of the returns prepared on site.
- Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of tax returns prepared at the site.
- Work collaboratively with site staff to meet clients' needs (e.g. language interpretation, needs of individuals with disabilities, etc.)and to resolve problems.
Work with the IRS and key partners on collection and dissemination of computer hardware/software for tax preparation services.
Coordinate recruitment, staffing and training of consultants and volunteer.
Develop, produce and update all printed materials relating to EITC project.
Provide guidance to and ensure collaboration with other agency programs and external partners to promote and develop the program.
Work closely with key partners, including the IRS, elected officials, government agencies, community organizations and advocacy groups.
Develop and implement a quality review process to monitor the quality of returns prepared at the site, and ensure that the quality reviews are performed and that problem returns (i.e. IRS processing rejects) are resolved in a timely manner.
Maintain a high level of quality in all tax returns and other services as well as a high level of customer service and satisfaction for all project activities.
Collect and organize tax data for IRS, key partners and program funders and internal purpose.
Assess the impact of the campaign through data collection and analysis.
Develop and implements strategies for future project expansion and improvement.
Participate in NJCA organizational activities.
Adhere to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and other pertinent Civil Rights statutes by not denying service to anyone on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, or disability.

Citizen Action engages in direct action organizing activities around issues and elections. All NJCA staff may be asked to participate in rallies, lobby days, demonstration, voter registration and education activities, get out the vote activities, and other work related direct action organizing and non partisan political activities that further NJCA's goals and mission, provided such activities are not prohibited due to specific state or federal funding.

Knowledge & Abilities

Committed to organization's mission.
Flexible hours including nights and weekends required.
Excellent writer and communicator.
Ability to be self-directed, develop and maintain priorities and conduct multiple tasks.
Strong interpersonal skills including excellent relationship building skills.
Ability to deal with volunteers, VITA site staff, and partners in a helpful and supportive manner.
Organizational and leadership/management skills.
Friendly, dependable and flexible. Willing to work additional hours and undertake additional duties at the VITA site, when necessary.
Versatile, quick learner. Ability to complete assignments in fast paced-environment.
Knowledge of individual income tax (Forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ). Basic tax law training will be provided and a certification test must be successfully completed.
General computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel. Knowledge of computer-based tax preparation software. Knowledge of Tax Works preparation software desired, but not required.
Familiarity with Camden area.

Required Education and Experience

A Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or University. Experience may be substituted for education on a year to year basis.
Spanish, Vietnamese a plus
Must have a car, a valid New Jersey Driver's License and insurance.
Women and people of color are encouraged to apply!

Compensation

Salary range: $45,000–$50,000. Attractive benefits package.

To Apply

Fax or email resume, writing sample and cover letter to:

Crystal Vila
New Jersey Citizen Action
EITC Program Coordinator
744 Broad Street, Suite 2080
Newark, NJ 07102

Fax: 973-643-8100
E-mail: crystal@njcitizenaction.org

NJCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.