National Field Director - Public Interest Network
The Public Interest Network is seeking a National Field Director.
Background
The Public Interest Network is a family of more than a dozen organizations working for social change throughout the United States. Our member organizations include: U.S. PIRG, the Federation of State Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs); Environment America and its state affiliates; Progressive Future; Progress Florida; Green Corps; Frontier Group; Green Century Funds; National Environmental Law Center; Environmental Action; Toxics Action Center; Pesticide Watch; Center for Public Interest Research; and Progressive Voter Network.
The Public Interest Network evolved from collaborations among the state PIRGs, which began actively sharing ideas and combining efforts in the early 1980s. Now, as then, each member organization works on its own agenda according to its own strategy with its own base of support. Member groups share a model for organizational success that emphasizes goal-setting, accountability and sustainable expansion. We work together to identify, recruit and train the next generation of leadership for the public interest movement, and when new opportunities or challenges arise, we meet them together, sharing resources, ideas and technical expertise.
The National Field Director is a new position for the network. We are looking for senior level candidates with strong field organizing experience.
Top priorities for the position
· Develop and oversee a plan to build field depth and breadth in all 50 states for Public Interest Network organizations – with the focus on building strong state campaigns and organizations.
· Develop field work models; evaluate and improve current models.
· Cultivate a deeper relationship between program and field so that the two support and enhance each other’s work.
Job responsibilities include
· Building field power in all 50 states
o Develop short and long range plans for building field power for Public Interest Network organizations in all 50 states.
o Work to coordinate the efforts of different brands within states.
o Facilitate coordinated field efforts of the network organizations through conference calls, emails, sharing of strategies.
o Represent the Public Interest Network for coordinating field efforts with other organizations and seeking out opportunities for collaboration.
o Maintain the organizations’ legislative and electoral field target chart.
· Developing models for field work
o Maintain expertise on all of the Public Interest Network’s models of field work. These models include but are not limited to: grass-tops field organizing, grassroots field organizing, voter registration, voter contact, student organizing, and all other forms of citizen outreach that generate field campaign product.
o Evaluate and update Public Interest Network field models each year , using cost/benefit analysis and developing other tools to assess the programs in terms of management, product, and expense.
o Track developments in field work from other organizations and campaigns. Aggressively test good ideas and find ways to implement them in our models.
o Develop new and better models for self-sufficient field campaigns.
o Train staff within the network on best field practices.
· Expanding relationships between program and field
o Work with program staff to develop program campaigns that will translate into effective field campaigns – ensure that we are working on programs that will stir people up and excite them.
o Establish feedback loops between the field and program staff to enhance the work of both.
o Provide ongoing support to the network’s national and state field directors and advocates in developing field campaigns.
· Fundraising from foundations, donors, and coalition partners to support existing and new field work to help us reach these goals.
Job Qualifications
Candidates should possess a track record of success managing staff and implementing field campaigns; excellent strategic thinking skills; and a strong commitment to progressive issues and grassroots organizing.
The position offers entrepreneurial challenges with considerable opportunities for professional growth and to contribute meaningfully to building the progressive movement. The successful candidate will bring the following skills and attributes to the position:
l Strong management skills and experience;
l Keen sense of political strategy and ability to quickly adapt to a changing political environment;
l Goal-orientation and willingness to hold self and others accountable;
l Willingness to travel for site visits and desire to engage in front-line evaluating;
l Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including attention to detail;
l Experience with grassroots organizing and issue advocacy campaigns;
l Experience with voter persuasion, early-vote and get-out-the-vote drives;
l Ability to work quickly and cooperatively under pressure;
l Energetic outlook and commitment to the network’s progressive mission and grassroots approach to change;
l A team orientation that combines collegiality and creativity to drive and motivate others.
Candidates for this position should have five or more years of relevant professional experience, including political campaign experience in support of a candidate or initiative campaign. Advanced degrees, including a JD or masters in related fields, may count toward a candidate’s professional experience. A two-year commitment is required.
Salary and Benefits
Salary for this position is commensurate with the successful candidate’s relevant professional experience. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health care coverage, educational loan assistance, retirement plan, dependent care assistance program, paid vacation and sick days, and parental leave. Opportunities for advancement, travel, and additional training are available.
Location
Boston, MA, Denver, CO or Washington DC
Application
Send cover letter, resume, and salary requirement to Hiring Director Jeff Sprague at careers@publicinterestnetwork.org [1]. Please specify which position you are applying for in the subject line of the e-mail, and be sure to mention where you saw our job advertised.
The Public Interest Network is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or veteran status.