THE ORGANIZATION: TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide people’s network that brings democracy alive in communities across our state. We connect individuals and organizations to each other, creating a powerful force that makes change happen where it wasn’t possible before. Since its founding twelve years ago, TakeAction Minnesota has grown its breadth and depth. Our membership has grown 10-fold and touches every legislative district in the state. Our social media presence is robust. Our grassroots leadership is well-trained and shapes and implements the strategy of our various campaigns. As a result, TakeAction Minnesota has a track record of increasingly bold victories that change people’s lives for the better: the defeat of a photo ID constitutional amendment, massive public health care expansions, ban the box legislation, winning back $100million from HMOs, more than $400 million in corporate tax loopholes now closed, grassroots leaders running for – and winning – elected office.
POSITION SUMMARY: TakeAction Minnesota is seeking a Political Director to build durable and independent progressive political power. The work of this position is highly integrated and connects issue campaigns, electoral politics and grassroots organizing. We seek a long-term strategic thinker who understands politics as a means to social change and an implementer who can run and win volunteer driven campaigns to elect progressive champions to office and advance a bold issue agenda.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Movement Political Strategy and Planning – Lead senior staff, political department staff and member leaders to develop long-term movement political strategy that advances issue and organizing priorities, advances a year-round movement politics program, and wins structural change over the course of multiple election cycles. Write an annual program plan and identify targeted areas & constituencies to build long-term power.
- Electoral and Civic Engagement Program – Lead the development and implementation of TakeAction Minnesota’s organization-wide electoral and civic engagement programs including but not limited to targeting key electoral races, candidate endorsements, and non-partisan voter education. Part of these plans will be to organize TakeAction’s greatest asset – our member leaders – to lead large-scale direct voter contact campaigns and work closely with communications, digital, organizing, and data staff.
- Political Committee – Support the Political Coordinator in staffing and leading our Political Committee, the member leaders appointed by our Board of Directors who set and implement the strategic direction of our political program.
- Candidate and Political Leadership Development — A top priority for TakeAction Minnesota is to develop candidates who can run for – and win – elected and appointed office. The Political Director supervises the Movement Political Leadership Program Manager, who will develop a program that gives individual grassroots leaders the development support, political experience, and leadership opportunities to be successful champions of progressive causes.
- Management – This is a management position and will supervise the Political Coordinator and Movement Political Leadership Program Manager
- Coalition Building & Representation — Represent TakeAction Minnesota at all relevant political and electoral coalitions, and maintain strong relationships with local, state and federal elected officials
- Compliance & Budget Management — Develop and manage an annual political program budget to ensure political program is compliant with all local, state and federal laws and meets all deadlines for reporting activities and expenditures. Train, support, and work with other staff to ensure compliance.
- Reporting & Development – Coordinate with organizing and data staff leaders to develop and ensure strength of robust data collection and analysis. Develop timely reports for key stakeholders communicating program progress and outcomes. Work closely with the Director of Membership & Development and the Executive Director to develop and execute a fundraising strategy.
You will be joining a highly strategic, results-driven, good-humored organization that cares as much about our people as we do about the work.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
- A strong commitment to social, racial, and economic justice and progressive political change.
- Enthusiastically promote TakeAction Minnesota’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
- Complete and coordinate special projects and research assignments as needed.
- Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis.
- Flexibility to work outside normal business hours that include evenings and weekends and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- 4 to 6 years of professional experience in community organizing, electoral politics, issue advocacy, or a closely related field.
- A strategic thinker with a proven ability to think, plan and act over multiple election cycles (beyond 2 to 4 years) to build enduring political power.
- Excellent written communications skills through a variety of channels.
- A proven and effective implementer with deep experience organizing and leading volunteer driven field campaigns
- A relational leader and good team player, able to build and lead a team of staff and grassroots leaders and work well with others in a coalition setting.
- A general understanding of 501 c3 and 501 c4 tax status and rules around electoral activity.
- Proven track record of delivery and ability to work in a fast pace work environment.
- A demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice and commitment to progressive political change.
- Ability to motivate diverse groups of people and work well as a team member.
- Computer literacy and experience with MS Office Suite and basic knowledge of the VAN
PREFERRED SKIILS:
- Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, or Somali
- Experience with campaign planning
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION: A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting articles such as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: This is a full-time job. Salary starts in the mid $60,000, and is commensurate with experience. Full medical insurance, dental insurance, and retirement package provided, as well as ongoing leadership development of staff, including access to relevant trainings and conferences.
REPORTS TO & LOCATION: This position reports directly to senior staff at TakeAction. Position is located in our St. Paul Office.
HOW TO APPLY: Send electronic cover letter, resume and three references attention Elizabeth Lienesch, OMF Organizing Director, at workwithus@takeactionminnesota.org with the subject line POLITICAL DIRECTOR. Applications will be reviewed starting December 3, 2018.
TakeAction Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBT individuals, and women.
