Title: Upstate Regional Political Organizer
Department: Organizing
Location: Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, Binghamton, Utica, or Plattsburgh, NY
Department: Organizing
Location: Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, Binghamton, Utica, or Plattsburgh, NY
Reports To: Upstate Regional Political Director
Supervises: Field staff, interns, and volunteers (occasionally)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervises: Field staff, interns, and volunteers (occasionally)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Working Families
Working Families is a progressive independent political organization that fights for social, economic, and racial justice -- and wins. Formed by labor unions, community organizations, and grassroots activists, our aim is to advance bold policy goals that support dignity and justice for working class communities, communities of color, and the unemployed. Working Families combines issue advocacy campaigns with year-round electoral engagement to win ground breaking policies and elect strong progressive champions. If our brand of common sense progressive politics is for you, please consider the following opportunity.
Upstate Political Organizer
Working Families is searching for a Political Organizer who can be the core driver of our strategy to recruit and support progressive champions to run for elected office. Our goal is to inspire, identify, and train hundreds of progressive activists in New York to consider running for office each year. We will then recruit and elect these progressive champions who will lift up workers, families, farmers, retires and all New Yorkers once in office.
The Political Organizer will recruit and support members and leaders who in turn support issue and electoral campaigns that advance the interests of NY Working Families. The Political Organizer will assist in the development of the strategy and tactics for elections and campaigns working closely with allies, coalition partners, candidates, elected officials and WFP staff.
This position represents an opportunity for a candidate who wants to gain the experience, skills and relationships needed to build a career in politics, government and/or the labor movement.
Primary Responsibilities
-Community outreach to unions, groups, and organizations to conduct presentations about running for office
-Organize panel discussions led by candidates to inspire others to run for office
-Coordinate trainings on the skills needed to win elections
-Work with WFP leadership and Political Director to identify priority electoral races
-Participate in candidate recruitment and vetting
-Coordinate and participate in the nomination petitioning process, which includes door-to-door canvassing to collect nominating petition signatures
-Coordinate candidate and district research
-Coordinate labor and community support for priority candidates
-Staff candidate call time to recruit supporters and raise money for their grassroots electoral campaigns
-Staff electoral campaigns in various roles: volunteer coordinator, call-time manager or campaign manager
Secondary Responsibilities
-Build and maintain strong relationships with local and state elected officials
-Participate in lobbying elected officials on core WFP legislative issues
-Provide occasional support for WFP affiliates and allies on legislative campaigns
-Work with development staff to coordinate WFP local fundraising events
-Participate in the development and facilitation of diverse and powerful coalitions working on legislative campaigns
-Build durable relationships with key leaders of allied organization to ensure alignment around campaign goals as well as larger, long-term vision
-Participate in the development of compelling narratives around our campaigns and ensure all actions and messaging reinforce our brand and values
-Draft campaign plans for specific projects
-Work closely with any paid or volunteer canvass to train and prepare them for the field
Requirements
-A passion and commitment to social, economic, and racial justice
-Excellent written and verbal communications skills
-Proven organizing ability, plus effectiveness in engaging potential activists and supporters
-Critical thinking and problem solving skills
-Drive and tenacity to advance our mission and values
-Attention to detail and the ability to manage the technical aspects of a project such as paperwork, deadlines, etc.
-Strong follow-through and self-direction on assignments
-Ability to work effectively with strong personalities, peers, public officials, and allies
-Driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness for regular in-state travel
-Experience in grassroots non-profit, labor, or political organizing a plus
Salary
Salary for this position is commensurate with the candidate's level of relevant professional experience. A competitive benefits package includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance and matching contributions into a 401(k) retirement plan, plus paid holidays, vacation, and sick time. Opportunities for advancement, travel, and additional training are available.
To Apply
Please email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Organizer@workingfamilies.org with "Upstate Political Organizer" in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Working Families Party and the Working Families Organization are equal opportunity employers with a commitment to economic and social justice. Women, people of color, LGBTQ people, and members of other historically disenfranchised populations are strongly encouraged to apply.