Description

 “You can't fight these big fights on your own. You need to work with others, and you need others if you're going to take care of the places that you love.”  -Jeanie Alderson, Northern Plains Chair’19-‘21

POLITICAL MANAGER

The Political Manager leads the organization’s political program, connecting the year-round organizing efforts to long-term political power building. This includes developing a political and power lens across the staff and leadership to complement their organizing work.  This will entail developing and implementing strategies with the organizers and leaders to identify and recruit candidates to run for office, endorse candidates, and run electoral programs. 

WHO WE ARE

Northern Plains is a grassroots organization of people from the plains and mountains, cities and towns. We are everyday Montanans who love where we live. We stand up, shoulder-to-shoulder, to protect this place we all call home.

LOCATION: This is an in-person position located in Billings, Montana, however flexible arrangements will be considered under special circumstances. 

We are a team of hard-working, dedicated individuals who honor and promote a healthy work/life balance.  Our LEED Platinum certified office is full of natural light, outbursts of laughter, and is frequently visited by our furry, four-legged friends.    

What you will do

•        Lead Northern Plains’ Billings-based political program, including endorsements and electoral work;
•        Work closely with a team of staff and leaders to develop strategy and advance goals and tactics;
•        Develop and manage program budgets;
•        Supervise canvass teams and other staff as assigned;
•        Develop canvass plans, including writing scripts, cutting turf, and training staff on how to do those tasks;
•        Help write and edit direct mail, digital, and social content;
•        Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing;
•        Represent Northern Plains in ally spaces related to the electoral work; 
•        Uphold our member-led model of grassroots and democratic decision-making.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Our compensation philosophy and transparent salary structure flows from our belief that our people are the most important part of our organization.  The salary for this position starts at $65,000 per year depending on experience.

TO APPLY:
This position is open until filled, but we encourage applications as soon as possible.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity in all forms and in all aspects of our work. Applicants from all walks of life and identities, including persons of color, LGBTQ+, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Email the following to hiring@northernplainsaction.org in either Word or PDF format:

•        Cover letter (tell us why you want the job, where you heard about it, your most relevant experience, areas you may need to grow into)
•        Resume
•        Contact information for 3 professional references

Call (406) 248-1154 with any questions, or email us at hiring@northernplainsaction.org.

The position will remain open until filled and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. 

Requirements

Who you are

• Have worked at least one or two cycles of electoral experience, either on political campaigns, ballot initiatives, or nonpartisan civic engagement programs;
• Experience participating in or leading door-to-door canvasses.
• Experience supporting or leading the development of mail and digital programs for campaigns. 
• Knowledgeable on IRS nonprofit tax statuses and campaign finance laws and reporting systems;
• Some management-level experience, including supervision;
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including experience developing and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse group of individuals;
• Highly motivated, proactive work style with excellent organizational skills and follow through;
•  Ability to work effectively with teams of both staff and volunteer leaders, build trust, and facilitate decision making processes amongst them;
• Strategic thinker with a flexible and agile approach to achieving program goals and tactics;
• Committed to building long-term grassroots power through member-led community organizing and embraces Northern Plains’ mission.

We understand that the right candidate may have experience in different areas. If you don’t meet all the requirements above but have an interest in learning, we still encourage you to apply.

Also helpful: 

• Familiarity with environmental and agricultural issues;
• Familiarity with broader movements for social, economic, and environmental justice;
• Familiarity with Montana’s past and present political landscape.