State Director, Wisconsin

Common Cause • Wisconsin, WI

21h

About The Position

Common Cause seeks a collaborative, visionary leader to direct its work in Wisconsin and promote the organization’s nonpartisan democracy agenda at the state and national levels. The State Director will develop a strategic approach for the state, lead policy and organizing programs, build a sustainable and diverse team, expand membership, and serve as a leading voice on democracy reforms. The position oversees work on voting and fair representation, accountability and anti-corruption, and media and technology, using policy analysis, research, lobbying, litigation, grassroots organizing, communications, and coalition building.

The State Director manages Wisconsin team operations and budget, develops staff, supervises consultants, volunteers, and interns as needed, and coordinates with teams and staff across Common Cause. The role also builds and engages a state advisory board and works with national colleagues on fundraising, donor relationships, and program funding. This is a full-time supervisory position based in Wisconsin, reporting to the Vice President of States. Travel within Wisconsin is expected at least four times per month and more frequently during legislative sessions, as well as nationally one to two times per year. Evening and weekend work may be needed, particularly during legislative sessions. The anticipated start is February; no year is specified.

Requirements

• Strong commitment to Common Cause’s nonpartisan mission and advancing civil rights through a pro-democracy agenda.
• Commitment to equity in work goals and in collaboration with others.
• Ability to navigate organizational and power dynamics, respectfully manage conflict, maintain personal values, and influence others toward shared goals.
• Demonstrated collaborative track record and ability to build rapport, trust, and credibility with stakeholders with diverse interests.
• Innovative and strategic thinking, ability to navigate ambiguity, and resourceful problem-solving.
• Ability to manage multiple short- and long-term priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, with strong attention to detail, organization, and independent time management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining complex concepts to broad audiences and tailoring communications to different audiences.
• Openness to feedback and awareness of strengths and areas for growth.
• Familiarity with office productivity tools, including Microsoft Office, Slack, and Zoom.
• Experience leading successful local- or state-level public advocacy campaigns concerning democracy, elections, voting rights, and civil rights, including developing and managing campaign or annual plans from conception through implementation.
• Experience drafting, analyzing, and advocating for legislation in Wisconsin.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Wisconsin’s political dynamics, funders, and decision-makers.
• Experience building, participating in, and leading coalitions or groups representing stakeholders with diverse interests.
• Track record of leading organization-wide change initiatives.
• Experience managing and developing a team, setting strategic direction, and building a unified approach to achieve goals.
• Ability to travel within Wisconsin at least four days per month and up to multiple times per week during legislative session, and nationally one to two times per year for team or all-staff retreats.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, especially during legislative sessions.
• Must not currently hold elected office or be running for office, serve on a political candidate’s Steering or Finance Committee, or be affiliated with the leadership of a political party.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; Common Cause cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with the media and/or serving as an organizational spokesperson.
• Existing relationships with Wisconsin funders, decision-makers, people, and organizations.

Responsibilities

• Set and lead strategy for policy advocacy and organizing, centering racial equity.
• Develop proactive and defensive policy campaigns that center racial equity.
• Advocate for campaigns in alignment with Common Cause’s agenda and nonpartisan mission.
• Develop and execute lobbying strategies to advance reforms or stop anti-democratic initiatives, and hold decision-makers accountable.
• Oversee Common Cause’s work in Wisconsin, including voting and fair representation, accountability and anti-corruption, and media and technology.
• Produce timely, high-quality policy research.
• Collaborate with staff across the organization to advance and support priorities.
• Drive work through public outreach and strategic partnerships.
• Build, lead, and participate in effective, diverse coalitions.
• Serve as Common Cause’s spokesperson with media, government officials, and others.
• Engage members and the public through social media, website updates, and email communications.
• Develop and implement grassroots organizing strategies to build support for the Common Cause agenda.
• Expand and diversify the state membership base.
• Manage the Wisconsin team by collaboratively setting goals, coaching and developing staff, and supporting career progression and retention.
• Supervise consultants, volunteers, and interns as needed, following Common Cause management standards and procedures.
• Lead collaboration between the Wisconsin team and other organizational teams to coordinate shared work and priorities.
• Manage Wisconsin team operations, including the budget.
• Build and engage a diverse state advisory board that supports policy, organizing, and fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with Common Cause staff across the country.
• Work with national staff to achieve Wisconsin fundraising goals.
• Develop fundraising strategies for Common Cause programs, including lobbying efforts.
• Raise funds from foundations, major donors, members, and special events.
• Cultivate and grow relationships with Wisconsin donors.

Benefits

• Healthcare plan covering 97% of employee medical care, 100% of employee vision and dental benefits, and 75% of family medical care and 100% of family vision and dental benefits.
• Long-term disability and life insurance.
• 20 days of vacation, 10 observed holidays, and additional days off for Thanksgiving and winter break.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with immediate employer match.
• Dependent care and pet care support when traveling for work.
• Professional development funds.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed