Organizing Program Director

Wisconsin Conservation Voters

2d•$78,986 - $93,986•Hybrid

About The Position

Wisconsin Conservation Voters is hiring a full-time Organizing Program Director to lead its statewide team of community organizers. The role builds political power to elect conservation and democracy champions and hold them accountable for protecting Wisconsin’s air, land, water, and democracy and advancing climate justice. The position may be based anywhere in Wisconsin and combines remote staff management, community organizing, and in-state travel. The organization has offices in Madison and Milwaukee; employees near an office may work there, and a hybrid office/work-from-home schedule is available if desired. The director manages and coaches up to five organizers, develops and implements legislative and election campaign field plans, and supports campaigns that mobilize volunteers and voters. The role works closely with the Campaigns Director, government affairs, communications, development, other staff, and the board. It also involves managing the organizing program across WCV’s 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, with an understanding of the legal distinctions between their activities. The position is full-time, salaried, and exempt, with a 36-hour work week. The salary range is $78,986–$93,986, depending on experience. The director reports to the Campaigns Director. The start date is flexible in Spring 2027.

Requirements

At least five years of issue, electoral, or other community organizing experience; candidates with fewer years may apply if they have strong staff-management or community-organizing ability and the required skills.
At least two years of staff management experience is preferred.
One cycle of electoral organizing experience is preferred.
Ability to manage, coach, teach, give feedback, and hold a team accountable for reaching goals.
Strong in-person and written communication skills, including comfort speaking with new people in varied settings, addressing groups, participating in public events, canvassing, making calls, and holding one-on-one meetings.
Ability to develop organizer materials, including scripts and presentations.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects and help others do the same.
Ability to develop and implement organizing approaches that build long-term local leaders.
Personal commitment to anti-racism and racial and social equity.
Attention to detail and thoroughness.
Resilience and thoughtful, timely problem-solving in response to unexpected outcomes, emerging issues, and changing circumstances.
Collaborative approach and willingness to lead or support others as appropriate.
Ability to value lived experience and work effectively with people from backgrounds different from one’s own, including differences in race, gender identity, age, political ideology, and socioeconomic background.
Enthusiasm for WCV’s mission and commitment to its values of leadership, action and results, and building power and community with partners and people most affected by environmental injustice and voter suppression.
Awareness of how personal experiences influence biases and assumptions, commitment to continual learning, and commitment to equity and inclusion as organizational practice and culture.
Understanding of how environmental and voting rights issues intersect with racism and economic and social inequality in the United States, and passion for working to dismantle these systems.
Willingness and ability to work remotely and in communities and travel regularly within Wisconsin to work with organizers.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel across the state.
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule that includes some evenings and weekends.
Ability to perform routine office duties, including typing and using a phone.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of staff management experience.
One cycle of electoral organizing experience.

Responsibilities

Manage and coach up to five organizers, including hiring, onboarding, training, and evaluation; provide remote management and regular site visits.
Assist organizers in carrying out WCV’s paid internship program.
Develop and implement field plans for legislative and election campaigns to mobilize volunteers and voters.
Work with the Campaigns Director and organizing team to create and implement collaborative programs.
Ensure WCV programmatic pillars, such as listening sessions and Conservation Lobby Day, are carried out.
Communicate with the Campaigns Director and government affairs team to transfer information between organizers and the Capitol, monitor campaign tactics, and adjust tactics when appropriate.
Collaborate with the communications team to ensure organizing staff have campaign materials and media.
Develop campaign metrics, ensure organizers track and report metrics and progress, and assess results to make strategic and tactical changes.
Use member and voter databases and project management platforms to help the team meet its goals.
Split time between the 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations and observe the legal distinctions between their programming.
Work with the Campaigns Director and organizers to recruit community members to run for local office.
Help build a supportive, inclusive, and effective organizational culture by seeking input, leading by example, collaborating across departments, and building strong working relationships.
Partner with staff and the board to make the organizing program anti-racist and build relationships with under-represented individuals and groups.
Represent WCV in local, regional, and statewide coalitions.
Develop and maintain relationships with key individuals and organizations in parts of Wisconsin without existing organizing capacity.
Support fundraising by identifying prospective donors and members through organizing work, building relationships with them, and sometimes making fundraising asks.

Benefits

36-hour work week.
44 days of paid time off per year, including vacation, holidays, and two weeks of communal rest.
12 sick/personal days per year.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Paid medical/emergency leave policy.
Paid sabbatical after five years of employment.
Health and dental insurance with a generous employer contribution.
401(k) retirement plan with WCV matching contribution after one year.
Flexible Spending Account for medical, dependent care, and transit expenses.
Life insurance and short-term disability insurance.
Phone stipend.
Flexibility in working hours.
Hybrid office/work-from-home schedule if desired and near a WCV office.
Professional development support.