Position Title: Political Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Duration: Limited Duration Position (with potential for permanent) January 2025 – January 2026
Position: Full-time, exempt
Compensation: $85,000 – $103,000 DOE, full benefits and paid time off
Summary
Our Oregon is looking for a strategic and inspirational leader to join our team and lead our political and coalition efforts to advance social and economic justice for all Oregonians. The ideal candidate has experience leading teams and working collaboratively in a diverse coalition with community partners.
The ideal candidate brings direct experience working on a political or advocacy campaign and experience advancing gender and racial equity.
About Our Oregon
Our Oregon is a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to advancing economic, racial and social justice for all Oregonians – with a focus on ballot measures. Our Oregon is a key part of the progressive infrastructure in Oregon. Our work for the past twelve years has preserved and increased funding for schools, expanded resources for critical services in our state, defeated attacks on working people, and brought together a coalition committed to expanding access to democracy.
We Are:
Committed to winning elections. We know that winning and losing at the ballot box sends a signal so we need a slam dunk every time.
Clear on the long term. While we have to win elections every cycle, we need to do it in a way that builds a strong coalition, durable power in our communities, creates tangible changes, grounds us in hard conversations when needed, so we can move together.
Justice focused. For too long, politicians have only listened to some Oregonians. We are committed to making sure that the voices of Black, indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA communities, workers and other groups in our state historically left out of decision making are at the table and heard.
Position Overview
The Political Director will lead our Political Department work and provide strategic direction, direct electoral organizing and year-round civic engagement leadership for Our Oregon.
The Political Director will be responsible for developing and leading Our Oregon’s political and field strategy in collaboration with coalition partners. This work will include coordination with political allies, elected officials and staff, and serving as a liaison with formal and informal coalitions.
The Political Director will also serve as a leader and resource for coalition partners on Oregon’s initiative, referral and referendum process. During an election year, they will lead Our Oregon’s Progressive Ballot Measure Coordination Table and will play a central role in key ballot measure campaigns.
In 2025, the Political Director will manage and execute our goals related to preparation for campaign finance reform implementation in 2027 & 2028.
The Political Director will help build political power, ensure we win at the ballot, and sustain successful grassroots campaigns beyond Election Day.
They will report directly to the Executive Director, serve on the senior leadership team and manage staff on a seasonal basis.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute Our Oregon’s political strategic plan – including the systems, and processes required for successful implementation, with a specific focus on campaign finance reform related goals and workplan.
- Provide content and skills-based organizing trainings and on-going consultation for partners and staff
- Serve as a liaison to and/or lead various coalition tables
- Work with Our Oregon’s Data Director and associate to inform and evaluate a comprehensive and coordinated advocacy and/or ballot measure campaign
- Manage staff and coordinate community partners to execute paid and volunteer field efforts if need arises.
- Track and report program activities
- Support the Executive Director with advocacy and coalition activities in keeping with organizational mission and multi-year program goals, including creating and maintaining relationships with key community and elected leaders
- Provide political and strategic direction, consultation for electoral ballot, GOTV, legislative and advocacy campaigns with staff and coalition partners
- Conduct all hiring-related and staff training activities of seasonal political and/or field staff, if need arises
- Maintain irregular and long hours, and attend weekend and evening activities and be willing to travel
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity and track record of success working with communities of color, immigrants, women, low-income people, rural communities, LGBTQIA individuals, and other historically oppressed communities
- Understanding of the principles of grassroots community and field organizing
- Experience in creating and implementing an organizing/field plan for either electoral or issue campaigns
- Experience directly managing or leading a diverse team
- Ability to thrive under pressure
- Excellent communication, reading, research, writing, and analytical skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to interpersonal and political dynamics
- Ability to work well independently and with a team
- Dedication and ability to work flexible hours
- Knowledge of Oregon’s political and electoral landscape and process
- Experience in leadership roles such as training, organizing, and coalition building
Preferences:
- Bilingual or multilingual
- Experience in issue research, analysis and advocacy
Equity Expectations
- Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture and relationships based on collaboration, innovation and respect
- Ability to establish effective working relationships in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment
- Engage in equity trainings
How to Apply:
Candidate must submit the following to michele@ouroregon.org
- A cover letter
- A resume
Please include the following in the email subject line: Political Director Job
The position will remain open until filled.