Campaign Coordinator – Home Rule Campaigns

Job Title: Campaign Coordinator – Home Rule Campaigns

Location: Virginia

SALARY RANGE: $100,000 - $120,000 FULL-TIME salaried position, with benefits

FLSA Classification: Exempt

About the Home Rule Education Project

The Home Rule Education Project aims to expand and deepen awareness and understanding of abusive preemption, specifically in Michigan and Virginia. Preemption occurs when a higher level of government restricts the authority of a lower level of government. With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the SEIU Education and Support Fund (ESF) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) will educate stakeholders to bring the issue of preemption to life, and engage community members and activists to connect preemption to specific issue campaigns in these states.

The SEIU Education and Support Fund (ESF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded for the purpose of developing and managing worker-centered education, training, and professional development programs that empower workers, raise standards, and promote high quality jobs.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is a 2 million-member organization dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families and creating a more just and humane society. We are united by our belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the essential services they provide.

Position Overview

The Home Rule Education Project is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Campaign Coordinator to lead efforts in both challenging abusive state preemptions and building proactive home rule reform campaigns in key states, particularly Michigan and Virginia. This position focuses on addressing the root problem of preemptive state legislation that strips local governments of their decision-making power while advancing bold solutions to restore and expand home rule authority. The coordinator will work closely with SEIU Virginia - the Virginia State Council executive director, VA leaders and staff to drive policy development, legislative advocacy, and public education efforts that safeguard local governance and empower communities.

They will have a counterpart working in Michigan on this project.

Key Responsibilities

• Campaign Strategy & Leadership:
  • Develop and implement strategic campaigns aimed at both challenging abusive preemptions and advancing home rule reforms. Develop an 18-month plan to raise the issue of home rule and impact on VA workers and communities Lead efforts to protect local democracy by ensuring that local communities retain the power to govern and make decisions that affect their residents. Coordinate with state-based coalitions, SEIU local affiliates, and partner organizations to align efforts and maximize impact.
• Coalition Building:
  • Build, coordinate and drive strong coalitions of stakeholders and organizations to educate community and worker leaders, politicians, and the public the issue, history and impact of Home Rule. Facilitate the development and leadership of a state-based home rule reform table in Michigan and Virginia, ensuring alignment between coalition partners.
• Policy Development & Advocacy:
  • Research, develop, and advocate for policies that combat abusive state preemption and strengthen home rule authority. Collaborate with national partners such as the Local Solutions Support Center (LSSC), State Innovation Exchange (SIX), Local Progress, and others to ensure coordinated efforts that address both the problem of preemption and the opportunity for local empowerment through home rule reform.
• Legislative Engagement:
  • Work with state legislatures and local governments to advance legislative reforms that overturn harmful preemptions and restore local governance power. Monitor legislative developments, build relationships with key policymakers, and coordinate lobbying efforts to achieve meaningful policy changes.
• Public Education & Communications:
  • Lead public education efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of abusive state preemption and the critical need for home rule reform. Organize events in VA that bring together union members and allies for training and education on the issue of home rule and how it connects to communities and workers. Work closely with the digital and communications team to develop and implement communication strategies, including media outreach, public campaigns, and educational materials, to engage and mobilize community members and key stakeholders.
• Coalition Coordination:
  • Facilitate and coordinate coalition meetings, working groups, and task forces that focus on both resisting preemptive policies and advancing home rule reforms. Ensure strong communication and collaboration between coalition partners, including agenda setting, meeting facilitation, and ongoing follow-up.
• Data & Reporting:
  • Track and report on campaign progress, coalition activities, and legislative outcomes related to both preemption challenges and home rule reforms. Maintain detailed records of campaign activities and partnerships to support future planning and evaluation.

The project retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Qualifications

• Experience:
  • At least 5-7 years of experience in community organizing or organizing
  • Experience leading and directing issue campaigns
  • Demonstrated success in building relationships with key allies and partners in Virginia
  • Experience working with national partners such as LSSC, SIX, and Local Progress is a plus.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing policy briefs, public education materials, and strategic communications that highlight both the problems and solutions related to preemption and home rule.
  • Ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including labor unions, community organizations, policymakers, and the media.
• Knowledge:
  • Deep understanding of home rule governance, state preemption, and state and local government dynamics.
  • Familiarity with legislative advocacy, campaign strategy, and grassroots organizing.
  • Has experience with 501(c)(3) nonprofit issue-based advocacy and awareness of rules around nonprofit lobbying
• Attributes:
  • A passion for social justice, labor rights, local democracy, and empowering communities.
  • Self-starter with a collaborative approach and strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team.
  • Willingness to travel for campaign work, as needed.

This role is a full time exempt position, funded by an 18-month grant. It is our hope to raise additional funds so that this role may exist beyond the initial grant period and depending on program need.

Extensive travel and in-person work in Virginia is required. Candidates who reside in Virginia strongly preferred. Regular travel throughout Virginia is required.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to homeruleproject@gowoteam.com. In your cover letter, please detail your experience with campaign coordination, coalition building, and legislative advocacy, particularly in the context of preemption and home rule reform efforts.

Applicants and employees with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under federal, state, and/or local law. Please contact homeruleproject@gowoteam.com if you require disability accommodation to participate in the application process or if you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying for this position.

ESF is an equal opportunity employer and believes a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is one where all employees are valued and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, including persons with disabilities and individuals from historically marginalized identities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, family responsibilities, or any other protected basis under applicable law. Hiring and employment decisions are based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications.