Reeb Project/UUSJ Voting Campaign Organizer
Description: The Voting Campaign Organizer will work with the staff and volunteer leaders of the sponsors (the Reeb Project for Voting Rights at All Souls Church in Washington, DC, and Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice, or UUSJ) to implement a non-partisan voter mobilization campaign in selected states. Through grassroots relational organizing, the Voting Campaign Organizer will mobilize volunteers to conduct voter registration, engagement and turnout actions, particularly in communities negatively affected by voter suppression.
The Reeb Project and UUSJ view increasing voter participation as one tactic within our broader justice ministry, and we seek to nurture community spirit in our work. Engagement both during and after elections is a way to build power and hold elected officials accountable. It is also critical that people feel a sense of community, solidarity, and potential.
Responsibilities:
- The primary role of the organizer is working with secular partner organizations and UU congregations/organizations in selected states (such as VA, PA, and NC) to create action opportunities for volunteers.
- The secondary role of the organizer is to support lay leaders in the Reeb Project and other congregations in the DC/MD/VA area in mobilization and capacity-building.
- Support volunteer leaders to ensure they have the resources, materials, and plans needed to be successful. This may include helping manage data and volunteer information, coordinating travel, helping organize training and plan events, and developing and coaching leaders.
- Develop and implement reporting protocols and submit a final written report.
- Work closely with Reeb Project and UUSJ leaders by facilitating regular team meetings and providing regular reports of questions, decisions, and actions.
This is an exciting opportunity to expand a voter mobilization program that already has a strong record of success. In Fall 2018, our volunteers completed more than 500 shifts through 12 events with partner organizations in 4 states. Voter turnout was 20% higher than the previous election in the Virginia precincts we worked (in partnership with VOICE, Virginians Organizing for Interfaith Community Engagement).
Location and Report: The consultant will report to the Minister of Social Justice of All Souls Church and must be available for regular in person meetings/events in the DC/MD/VA area.
Contract Term: April 13 (Negotiable) – November 30, 2020 (Approx 33 weeks)
Schedule and Fee: Estimated 40 hours per week on average, weekly schedule and hours based on activity and proximity to the election. Some night and weekend work required, and limited travel. Hourly fee of $35-45 depending on experience.
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
- Excellent organizational, time management, oral and written communications skills
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships with organizational partners and bring people together around a common goal, program or agenda.
- Prior electoral, labor or issue organizing experience
- Knowledge of relational organizing principles
- Experience building and supporting volunteer leadership
- Experience managing volunteer recruitment and voter contact activities preferred
- Experience with organizing in multicultural communities strongly preferred
- Experience working with congregations/faith-based organizations preferred
- Experience with common campaign data tools (including NGP-VAN and Excel) preferred
All Souls Church provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or military or veteran status in accordance with all applicable laws. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of the above.
We are committed to building a diverse workforce. Women, people of color, and members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications are due by 9:00 AM Eastern time on Monday, March 16. Email cover letter and resume to rkeithan@allsouls.ws.
The All Souls Church Reeb Project for Voting Rights is dedicated to increasing voter participation. We work in solidarity with other UU congregations and progressive partner organizations that center the leadership of people of color, work in communities with historically low voter participation, and advocate for changes to oppressive voting laws. It is named in honor of former All Souls Associate Minister Rev. James Reeb, who was killed in Selma, Alabama, in 1965 while working for voting rights.
The mission of Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice is to mobilize and amplify the voice of Unitarian Universalists as we seek to change the world through acts of love and justice.
Our work is closely aligned with the nationwide UU the Vote Campaign.