Wisconsin Voting Rights Program Manager - Cycle Position

Wisconsin Voting Rights Program Manager - Cycle Position

Organization Overview

America Votes is the coordination hub of the progressive community, leading collaborative efforts among a diverse coalition of more than 400 state and national partner organizations to advance progressive policies, win elections and protect every American’s right to vote. America Votes works nationally and in more than 20 states to provide a range of services to partners, including strategic planning, advocacy and electoral campaign coordination, data tools and targeting services, and on-the-ground leadership in key states. For more information about America Votes, visit www.americavotes.org.

Commitment to Racial Equity

America Votes is committed to advancing racial equity through organizational systems and policies that are consistently tested, evaluated and updated. Some organizational priorities include:

• Building reflective and equitable state and national networks and partnerships.
• Increasing engagement of state-based groups building power in communities of color in the planning process.
• Expanding the Community Power Builders program, designed to support organizations led by and working in communities of color as they emerge into the 501(c)(4) space.

America Votes sees its commitment to racial equity as an integral part of its success. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on how they see themselves contributing to America Votes’ work on advancing racial equity.

Position Description

America Votes is seeking a highly motivated self-starter to serve as the Wisconsin Voting Rights Program Manager as a part of a growing team focused on voting rights in Wisconsin. This position will require flexibility, creativity, and a sense of humor. 

The Voting Rights Program Manager will work with the America Votes coalition, the Wisconsin Voting Rights Coalition (WVRC), and the Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Working Group (WMCWG) to organize municipal clerk engagement, recruitment, training, and other relevant voting rights issues. The Program Manager will build relationships with municipal clerks, and some  mayors and council members and other government leaders responsible for election administration. The Program Manager will bring key organizations and stakeholders together to execute the larger coalition strategy around this work that focuses on municipal clerks and their role in Wisconsin elections. This position may require a lobbyist registration. This position runs through December 31,  2022. 

Location

This position is based in Wisconsin with regular meetings expected in Madison and Milwaukee  and may require travel around the state. America Votes has offices located in DC and CO, FL, GA, MI, MN, NC, NH, NM, NV, OH, PA, and WI. America Votes is currently working remotely, however if you are based in a state with an America Votes office, a hybrid approach may be possible depending on local guidance. 

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with current coalition members, municipal clerks, some mayors and council members, and other key government officials.  
• Design and support implementation of engagement programs around: 
  • Recruitment and Retention for Municipal and County Clerks.
  • Training program for best practices for advancing access to the ballot at a municipal and county  level.
• Gather, organize, and communicate to local and national partners all necessary information about voting rights efforts, training plans, challenges, needs, opportunities, etc.
• Work closely with America Votes National staff, including providing regular updates on the program, federal legislation related to election administration, and voting rights. 
• Work with coalition partners to maintain a nonpartisan bank of messengers on voting issues.
• Produce weekly reports and updates for various stakeholders on campaign goal progress and other relevant information. 
• Create materials around the clerks program to disseminate to key stakeholders, such as government officials, around advocacy asks, program goals, and opportunities to expand election administration.
• Co-develop communications materials for various internal and external audiences and stakeholders.
• Represent the work to various audiences, including giving presentations to stakeholders and conducting trainings. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• A minimum of five years of organizing, nonprofit, project management, or government experience.   Standout candidates will have at least two cycles of work on electoral or voter registration campaigns.

• Experience running or co-leading projects and/or advocacy or electoral campaigns. Stand out candidates will have experience developing new projects or campaigns.  
• At least two years of experience  working within coalitions.
• Experience working with underrepresented and/or historically marginalized communities, preferably in campaign or organizing settings.
• Excellent communication and time management skills, with attention to detail.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment.
• Candidates must have a willingness and aptitude to seek out and learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments.

• Past work in implementing an election or advocacy campaign. Ideal candidates will have experience in voter mobilization including absentee vote, early vote, voter registration, or Election Day voter mobilization.

• Must be a self-starter willing to work irregular hours as needed and to travel as needed.

• Proficient in Google Suites or Microsoft Office  with emphasis on using Excel, Powerpoint, Google Slides and Google Sheets. Comfort with designing presentations in Powerpoint, Google Slides, and Canva.
• Ability to work independently and to drive and manage own workload; ability to manage several tasks/projects concurrently and prioritize work effectively by making and meeting team goals.
• Excellent writing, communication, presentation, and time management skills, with attention to detail.  Experience developing and delivering trainings to various stakeholders. 

• Experience creating reports and presentations for various audiences. Leading meetings of diverse stakeholders.
• Able to work independently.

Preferred

• Familiarity with Wisconsin election laws and administration of election systems. Ideal candidates will have expertise in election administration.
• Previous local or state lobbying experience or willingness to learn.
• Experience working with election administration officials.
• Knowledge of and experience with Wisconsin political and community organization landscape.

• Experience or training in race equity/anti-racist frameworks; a general understanding of how power intersects with gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and class in organizing and electoral settings.

Compensation

This position runs through December 2022 with the potential to extend. The salary will be between $5,300 - $6,000 per month, depending on the applicant's experience. Benefits for this position include health, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation, paid sick days, and parental leave, as well as 401(K) after six months of continuous service with the organization. 

To Apply

Please submit a copy of your resume, a cover letter and three references to the application form.

If you experience any technical difficulties with our application form, please email recruiting@americavotes.org. Please note that only applications received through the application form will be considered; please do not email us your application materials.

America Votes is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. America Votes does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under local, state or federal law. People of color, LGBTQ candidates, individuals with disabilities, and neurodivergent individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

https://americavotes.org/jobs/?job_id=b87f0e49-c9db-48e4-ac8d-26a762e83987