Civic Engagement Director

Pennsylvania Voice•Philadelphia, PA

4d•$83,000 - $91,000•Remote

About The Position

About Pennsylvania Voice: Established in 2010, Pennsylvania Voice is the 501c(3) table for more than 55 state and local-based organizations, working year-round to create a more accessible, inclusive, and representative democracy by amplifying the voices, leadership, and expertise of communities that have historically experienced deliberate barriers to civic participation. Our partnership is grounded in the belief that a fair and just society will be achieved through collective power; that democracy requires full participation and equitable representation; and that the pathway to power in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must include Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and AAPI communities. Together, we win shared policy and civic engagement victories to build long-term power. A team of experienced organizers/strategists staff Pennsylvania Voice. We coordinate, support, convene, and co-create with a diverse community of statewide and local leaders, each representing distinct organizations, around three program areas: Civic Engagement: Year-round integrated voter engagement campaigns that increase voting, voter registration, and participation in civic life among all Pennsylvanians and specifically Black, Indigenous, and communities of color Voting Rights and Access: Modernizing elections to make voting more convenient and fully accessible to all Reflective Democracy: Investment in community leadership and governance that is accountable to community interests and needs An explicit commitment to racial equity frames our partnership, our programs, and our culture. Position Summary: Pennsylvania Voice is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and field-experienced leader to serve as Civic Engagement Director. This role is responsible for leading the Civic Engagement Department and advancing integrated voter engagement efforts in partnership with member organizations. The Civic Engagement Director will bring experience in voter registration and field canvassing, a strong background in community and or political organizing, and a demonstrated commitment to progressive politics. The Civic Engagement Director will provide strategic leadership for departmental planning and budgeting, oversee processes for distributing grants to member organizations, manage special projects, and support fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Executive Director and Development team. The department is grounded in a workgroup model in which partner organizations collectively set goals and standards across election cycles while developing long term power building strategies. The ideal candidate is analytical and data informed, with experience using field technology tools, spreadsheets, and database programs to support program development and decision making. This position reports to the Deputy Executive Director of Programs and Partnerships and manages a team that includes a Civic Engagement Manager, a Data Manager, and consultants to ensure civic engagement strategies are effectively planned, coordinated, and executed in alignment with the organization’s mission and values. Central Responsibilities of the Civic Engagement Director: Provide strategic leadership for goal setting, structure, processes, and planning for the Civic Engagement Department and the Integrated Voter Engagement Work Group. Develop the annual integrated voter engagement plan with partners, including program design, training plans, outreach costs, outreach tools, calendars, and coordinated program budgets. Ensure plans and budgets reflect the contributions, needs, and division of labor across staff and partner organizations. Oversee systems, metrics, and processes that support effective civic engagement programming across election cycles. Participate in and support internal and external activities in collaboration with staff, partners, and stakeholders. These central responsibilities are embedded throughout all of the following responsibilities listed below.

Requirements

6+ years of relevant experience in civic engagement or electoral programs , including voter registration, turnout, and field-based campaigns.
3+ years of supervisory experience , ideally in voter registration programs and/or field canvassing.
Proven success designing and leading field strategies across one or more cycles –including universe development, targeting models, staffing plans, and performance management – to hit participation and other goals.
Experience building, managing, and scaling field teams, including hiring, training, and supervising managers and frontline staff.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, evaluate program performance, and adapt strategy using data, reports, field conditions, and partner capacity to inform decision making.
Experience with VAN or other civic engagement platforms, with an aptitude for learning new systems and related technical skills.
Demonstrated people-management skills, including prior experience with supervising individuals and groups, project management, delegation, and staff development.
Experience developing, managing, and adjusting program and departmental budgets.
Demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, with a record of success working with communities of color, women, low-income people, LGBTQIA individuals, and other historically marginalized communities.
Demonstrated understanding of state-level electoral landscapes and how progressive infrastructure operates in relation to government and national politics.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences, communicate with cultural competence, and present ideas effectively to varied communities and groups.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion with great attention to detail while minimizing complications, maximizing effectiveness, and keeping the team informed and engaged.
Excellent relationship building skills, including the ability to connect with and engage varied internal and external stakeholders. Ideally with experience building and managing strong, positive relationships with stakeholders, including underrepresented and/or diverse communities.
A diplomatic and professional approach to problem solving that considers multiple perspectives, shows empathy for those impacted, and supports the long-term health of the organization.
Proven ability to analyze situations through a racial justice lens and apply effective organizing strategies.
A high amount of emotional intelligence along with a strong competency in giving and receiving regular, constructive feedback.
Ability to facilitate gatherings with diverse participants.
Proven experience building consensus and a demonstrated entrepreneurial ability to develop alliances and coordinate the shared interest of all parties.
Willingness to work long, irregular hours when needed, as well as to travel monthly within Pennsylvania and sometimes nationally.
Passion for and commitment to the goals of Pennsylvania Voice, including civic engagement and economic, social, and racial justice.
Deep knowledge and understanding of the challenges to justice related to race, gender, LGBTQ identity, age, class, and religion – in both internal and external settings.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with Pennsylvania electoral landscape a plus.
Experience working with funders and foundations and/or creating equitable and participatory grantmaking processes a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead department wide program planning, budgeting, and annual timelines with staff input and final approval from the Executive Director.
Approve program metrics and reporting formats in consultation with the Civic Engagement Manager and Data Manager.
Oversee special projects including development of new tools, experiments, fellowships, and short-term education campaigns.
Identify opportunities for research and experimentation and work with key stakeholders to develop and execute projects.
Manage civic engagement grant decision making based on program goals and plans in consultation with the Deputy Executive Director and Civic Engagement team.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Development Manager to build and sustain funder relationships, including writing plans and reports and participating in meetings and calls.
Apply data and analysis to program design, fundraising, and communications.
Directly manage the Civic Engagement Manager and Data Manager.
Support the Civic Engagement Manager in developing and delivering partner training, including one-on-one support, site visits, and group trainings.
Work across the Pennsylvania Voice team on shared priorities and participate as a member of the Leadership Team.
Serve as the primary point of contact for select funders as needed.
Develop and write the annual integrated voter engagement plan with partners, including program design, training plans, outreach tools, calendars, and coordinated program budgets.
Develop and maintain an understanding of the demographic, voting, and political landscape using internal analysis and external data sources.
Support monthly workgroup preparation and facilitation in collaboration with the Civic Engagement Manager.
Manage onboarding of new partner organizations.
Perform other duties as assigned.