WHO WE ARE
Close the Gap California (CTG) is a 527 non-PAC campaign launched in 2013. By recruiting accomplished, progressive women in targeted districts and preparing them to launch competitive campaigns, we are changing the face of the California State Legislature one cycle at a time.
Our impact is undeniable: Twenty-five CTG Legislators are serving today, 18 of them women of color. CTG women are committed to reproductive freedom, quality public education, and an end to poverty. Today, California’s Legislature stands at a record 48% women, less than a decade after sliding to a 20-year low of just 22%. We are approaching CTG’s founding goal to close California’s gender gap by 2028!
Now, CTG is looking ahead. We are exploring expansion into other states and down ballot in California. Recruiters will be on the frontlines of this next chapter, ensuring Close the Gap achieves its founding mission of parity in the legislature by 2028, and they will help us launch a down-ballot pilot with Boards of Supervisor candidates in California.
Close the Gap is made up of a powerhouse team of all women with deep political expertise, bold vision, and a track record of results. We are dynamic, collaborative, and relentless in our pursuit of gender parity. We can’t wait to meet you!
DESCRIPTION OF ROLE
We are seeking part-time staff Recruiters in California to leverage their networks, political insight, and strategic thinking to identify and cultivate outstanding prospective candidates for State Legislature and Boards of Supervisors.
This is an ideal role for mid- to senior-level professionals with strong community ties and experience in advocacy, civic engagement, or electoral politics.
You’ll play a pivotal role in our recruiting efforts—working independently and collaboratively with our team to proactively identify, engage, and guide leaders who have the potential to run and win competitive campaigns.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for this role is a seasoned professional with strong community, professional and political networks in California, who thrives at connecting people and spotting leadership potential. They have experience working in politics and understand the realities of what it takes to run for and win public office.
They are proactive, self-directed, and detail-oriented—someone who follows through on commitments and can juggle multiple conversations at once. They have the judgment and discretion to assess prospective candidates thoughtfully, and the confidence to reach out to a wide range of leaders and allies. They thrive in collaborative environments and are excited to join a badass team of other political professionals.
This person likely works at a mid- to senior-level role in their organization and has the time, energy, and passion to dedicate about 10 hours a week to advancing women’s leadership. They are motivated by reflective representation, inclusion, and the belief that diverse voices make for stronger, more responsive governance.
The role begins in January, 2026 and goes through December, 2026.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic research: Apply research on target districts and build a profile of a strong potential candidate.
Convene allies: Understand the key players in a district and convene allies for their thoughts and input on potential candidates. Leverage your personal and professional networks to expand the list of potential candidates.
Identify and recruit candidates: Proactively reach out to local electeds, community leaders, advocates, and professionals to identify strong candidates for elected office.
Candidate vetting: Assess prospective candidates for alignment with organizational values, credibility in their communities, and potential viability as candidates.
Candidate coaching: Individually coach prospective candidates towards a decision about whether or not to run for office. Alongside the CTG team, meet regularly with candidates and provide expert guidance through CTG’s tried and tested Exploration Process.
Collaboration: Participate in weekly meetings with the core team; share updates and coordinate on candidate outreach.
Documentation & follow-up: Track prospects, maintain accurate records, and ensure timely follow-up with candidates and stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum 5+ years of professional experience in advocacy, civic engagement, community organizing, electoral politics, or a related field.
Deep networks in your community and the ability to tap into them effectively.
Strong understanding of what it takes to run for and win public office.
Excellent judgment, discretion, and political savvy.
Proactive, organized, and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
Strong interpersonal skills; able to engage effectively with leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive leadership.
COMMITMENT AND STRUCTURE
Part-time staff role approximately** 10 hours per week**
Term: January - December 2026 (12 months)
California residence preferred. Particularly, we are looking for recruiters with knowledge of: Inland Empire, Central Coast, Southern California, Central Valley, and the Bay Area
Flexible schedule with some standing weekly meetings
Remote role
HOW TO APPLY
Please send: Resume and cover letter with the email subject “Recruiter Application” to Alice@closethegapca.org.
In your cover letter, please include a description of how your background and passion aligns with the position and why you are invested in the mission of Close the Gap.
Close the Gap may not be able to respond to all applicants. No phone calls, please.
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis, and strongly encourage interested applicants to apply by ** October 31, 2025**.