About We The People:We The People Action Fund (WTPAF) (501c4), along with and through its sister organization, We The People Michigan (WTPMI) (501c3), works to build a multi-racial, working-class constituency across the state that is engaged in community organizing, the development of leaders, and the building of a unified, proactive agenda rooted in economic, racial, and social justice for all Michiganders. In 2018, people from all corners of Michigan came together to outline, a vision for a Michigan in which all people have dignity, that is safe and sustainable, and that protects our democracy and acknowledges our history. Since then, We The People Action Fund and We The People Michigan have been organizing across the state in support of this living, evolving vision and values.
About the Position: WTPAF seeks a full-time staff member that will work to develop organizing skills and support organizers to build a large power base, this role would not be responsible for building their own base.. This role will report to the Managing Director.
Primary responsibilities:
Teach, supervise, coach and develop 3-5 new and existing organizers.
Work with organizational leadership to build and launch a development structure and curriculum that trains and coaches developing organizers.
Quickly evaluate organizers and assess whether an organizer can build a base, and invest in volunteers’ leadership.
Ensure that our organizers are developing a large and powerful base of community members and leaders.
Supervise and lead reports in their administrative duties.
Understanding of how local, state and national political landscapes operate and work with organizers to develop campaign strategy.
Help develop strategy that leverages local campaigns for state level transformation.
Attend to administrative details like data and hours tracking, allowing us to learn from our work and be compliant with legal requirements. Supervise and lead reports to do the same.
When in the role, a willingness to deeply learn, teach, and apply our training material.
Work closely with the Organizing Director and both Executive Directors to develop this role, and its workplan and strategy.
Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate would have these knowledge, skills, and abilities:
A seasoned organizer, with a track record of building large bases of everyday people who win campaigns together.
A seasoned trainer, with a track record of teaching and developing the leadership of other organizers quickly.
5+ years of experience doing relational organizing and growing bases to at least a 1,000 people.
Past experience winning local and electoral campaigns, led by a base of people who have long term commitment to the organization or cause.
Experience doing some of the above work in the Midwestern US.
Ability to take complex organizing concepts and teach them to people with a wide variety of backgrounds (second language learner, working class, high school educated, etc).
Proven track record of building teams of diverse groups of people that can work together to accomplish a shared goal.
A sense of curiosity about people and the ability to relate to them. Being an active listener to hear about organizers stories, hopes, fears, and challenges.
Ability to pay attention to the details, be vigilant about tracking goal progress, and meeting deadlines.
Willingness to experiment, try untested things, fail, learn, and pivot; a learning mindset
Willingness to speak up, suggest new ideas, receive feedback, adjust plans to ensure successful completion of goals, and be part of the solution.
A deep commitment to the values and vision of WTPAF.
Ability to frequently work evenings and weekends.
Frequent travel throughout the state is also required to coach, train, and attend in-person events with staff members.
WTPAF is a diverse team of people, and we believe that our diversity makes us stronger. As we work to build a multi-racial, working-class constituency across the state, we believe that representation from diverse communities is crucial to our shared success. We also recognize that people who identify as women, trans, non-binary folks, and BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet all qualifications. We believe in leadership potential and development and encourage people from these groups to apply if you meet some but not all of these qualifications.
Position Location: Employee must be based in Michigan with the ability to travel in Michigan
Work Schedule and Conditions: Our work schedule is 40 hours per week with flexibility, and adjustments to account for very busy weeks. Weekend and evening work is frequent and necessary. There can be frequent reimbursed travel around the State of Michigan, and prolonged periods of sitting in a car and driving, and at a computer. Short walks and occasional stairs required.
Compensation: This is a full-time permanent position with a salary of about $72,000 annually. Salaries are adjusted based on federal COLA at the end of each year, not to exceed 2.5% (budget permitting).
Additional Benefits include:
100% coverage of health insurance for employees and 75% coverage of eligible family members
100% coverage of dental and vision for employees and eligible family members
401(k) with up to a 5% employer match
About 30 paid days off per year for holidays and observances, including one week off for Summer Shutdown and two weeks off in December for Winter Break
Paid parental and bereavement leaves
Additionally 80 hours PTO, 80 hours of sick time off, in first year additional time in subsequent years
Paid sabbatical after 5 years of service
How to Apply:
A resume and a cover letter are required to be considered for the role.
Internal Candidates apply directly to the HR Manager.
External candidates apply through our jobs page.
We The People Action Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged to apply.