Johnston County Field Organizer

Down Home NC•Smithfield, NC

12d•$63,550 - $74,741

About The Position

Down Home North Carolina (DHNC) seeks multiple temporary Field Organizers to aid in our 2026 field program. This year, Down Home North Carolina is planning the largest field program our organization has ever attempted. We plan to expand into multiple new counties from the mountains in the West to the coast out East to grow our movement of working-class people. Down Home is working to engage voters in small towns and rural areas through base building, leadership development, and direct voter contact. We are committed to building a long-term base of working-class power through both community organizing and civic engagement. The 2026 Field Team will be responsible for conducting a paid field operation in their respective turfs. The organizers will be tasked with building new relationships with community members and leaders, conducting paid canvasses, and gaining a fundamental understanding of our communities. The ultimate goal of these roles is to build a multiracial, working-class base of supporters that will continue to organize in their communities long after the 2026 elections. The ideal candidate is a people-person who is motivated to build a powerful multiracial base that wins changes for poor and working-class people in rural North Carolina. They have an organized mindset, a willingness to learn, strong interpersonal skills, are team players, are able to work independently, and are mission-aligned. Previous experience as an organizer or a grassroots leader is preferred but not required. About Down Home North Carolina Down Home North Carolina is a growing statewide organization of rural and small-town communities that advocate for an economy and democracy that works for all of us, not just the wealthy few. We move North Carolina toward the values of dignity, safety, and justice through leadership development, strategic campaigning, multiracial movement building, and civic engagement that advance positive, life-changing reforms for rural communities. Founded in 2017, Down Home has built a strong organizational track record, including: Establishing 13 member-led county-based chapters from the high country to Eastern North Carolina Winning campaigns and helping elect officials who represent and move our working-class agenda at every level of the ballot. Running and winning member-led, local issue campaigns, including new reconstructions of public parks, expanding opportunities for affordable housing, and fully funding local school systems. Led a years-long statewide campaign to expand Medicaid and anchored the statewide public school advocacy group, Public School Strong

Requirements

Organizer mindset: Committed to grassroots organizing and is grounded in the importance of building a multiracial movement. Is willing and able to build relationships quickly, have strong follow-ups, and move people to action. Is willing to take chances, solve problems creatively and independently. A determination to succeed and build power.
Willingness to learn: Be willing to learn and/ or adjust organizing techniques. Be able to receive coaching from managers and effectively integrate their advice into your work areas. Listen to community members and leaders to better understand their communities and ensure that the program is as effective as possible at the local level.
Strong interpersonal skills: Be able to build relationships with community members and leaders. Have deep conversations built around self-interest. Be disciplined in accountability and follow-up conversations. Be able to manage relationships between members and volunteers. Resolve conflict and find consensus when necessary.
Team player: Be able to contribute to a growing and fast-paced team. Be able to follow directions well and be willing to contribute by offering feedback and suggestions to coworkers and management. Offer support to teammates and be able to ask for help when needed.
Independent worker: Be able to manage multiple projects at one time. Meet deadlines and hit metric goals. Ensure that numbers are reported on time, with data integrity at the forefront. Attention to detail and the ability to provide thoughtful solutions to problems that arise. Be able to work in a fast-paced environment where work areas are expected to change frequently.
Mission alignment: Committed to the vision of a powerful, inclusive, rural, multiracial, working-class movement-building as a path towards liberation for all people. Is aligned with the idea that building power takes both election programs and long-term base building and investment in communities.
Some irregular hours are required, including nights and weekends.
Applicants must be able and willing to travel regularly for work.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as an organizer or a grassroots leader is preferred but not required.
Personal or professional experience living in rural communities, living in the South, rural organizing, and/or organizing in the South are a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Build a rural, multiracial, working-class base of supporters
Recruit new members and volunteers
Build relationships and conduct one-on-ones with community members and leaders
Introduce Down Home to new communities by holding special events, door canvassing, and site canvassing
A commitment to learning and understanding new communities
Create a collaborative, diverse team of working-class members
Implement and lead Down Home’s 2026 Field Program
Recruit, train, and manage a team of local community members to launch a paid canvass
Lead programming in alignment with statewide goals; adjusting programs as needed
Ensure that key field metrics for volunteers, paid canvass shifts, and voter contacts are met
Recruit volunteers to complete various types of direct voter contact shifts
Plan and successfully execute a series of election-related events
Represent and embody Down Home’s mission and values
Represent Down Home with coalition partners, as a media spokesperson, and with other key stakeholders
Play a part in our diverse, dynamic, and inclusive team of organizers and fellow Down Home staff; contribute positively to the culture of the organization
Be dedicated to building power with the multiracial, working class of rural North Carolina