Director of Civic Engagement

“You can't fight these big fights on your own. You need to work with others, and you need others if you're going to take care of the places that you love.” -Jeanie Alderson, Northern Plains Chair ‘19-‘21

DIRECTOR OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Northern Plains Resource Council seeks a Director of Civic Engagement who will lead our civic engagement efforts, support the development of strong organizing and campaign strategy, and help our members and staff build grassroots power to win.

WHO WE ARE

Northern Plains is a grassroots organization of people from the plains and mountains, cities and towns. We are everyday Montanans who love where we live. We stand up, shoulder-to-shoulder, to protect this place we all call home.

We believe that true prosperity begins with healthy land, water, and air. We believe that our families, farms, ranches, schools, businesses, governments, and communities thrive when we are good stewards of these resources. We believe that if we look beyond our fences, listen to one another, and keep our minds open, we will find creative solutions to secure a clean, healthful environment for all.

We are working toward a future where we live in harmony with nature, where our economy serves the people rather than the people serving the economy, where neighbors work side-by-side to build a world that lives up to our ideals of fairness, inclusion, and justice.

For 50 years, Northern Plains Resource Council has helped Montanans organize to protect water quality, family farms and ranches, and our unique quality of life.

LOCATION: This is an in-person position located in Billings, Montana with flexible working arrangements available within Billings.

We are a team of hard-working, dedicated individuals who honor and promote a healthy work/life balance. Our LEED Platinum certified office is full of natural light, outbursts of laughter, and is frequently visited by our furry, four-legged friends.

You will be directly supervised by the Executive Director and work with members from all over the state. Northern Plains has an agreement with Montana Rural Voters and Montana Rural Voters Action Fund, and this position will require work with these organizations subject to this agreement. More details on these responsibilities will be provided during interviews.

What you will do

• Design and lead non-partisan civic education processes and trainings for Northern Plains staff and members;
• Identify and train potential Northern Plains members to run for and serve on boards or commissions around the state;
• Lead our campaign work related to rural electric co-operatives, and support Northern Plains members who are running for non-partisan rural electric co-op board seats;
• Work closely with staff organizers to conduct ongoing research and analysis to support the development of winning organizing or issue campaign strategies;
• Act as a strategic thought partner to staff leadership and organizers;
• Lead non-partisan canvass trainings and programming for staff and members;
• Participate in our staff management team;
• Supervise one or more staff as needed;
• Participate in grassroots fundraising efforts;
• Organize, facilitate, and lead meetings, trainings, and events that are relevant to their role;
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing;
• Travel 3-4 days per month to lead trainings, meet with allies, and prospective leaders;
• Represent Northern Plains in ally spaces;
• Uphold our member-led model of grassroots and democratic decision-making.

Who you are

• 3+ years of organizing experience;
• 1-2 cycles of electoral experience, either on political campaigns, ballot initiatives, or nonpartisan civic engagement programs;
• Knowledgeable on IRS nonprofit tax statuses and campaign finance laws and reporting systems;
• Some management-level experience is preferred but not required;
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including experience developing and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse group of individuals;
• Highly motivated, proactive work style with excellent organizational skills and follow through;
• Ability to work effectively with teams of both staff and volunteer leaders, build trust, and facilitate decision making processes amongst them;
• Strategic thinker with a flexible and agile approach to achieving program goals and tactics;
• Committed to building long-term grassroots power through member-led community organizing and embraces Northern Plains’ mission.

We understand that the right candidate may have experience in different areas. If you don’t meet all the requirements above but have an interest in learning, we still encourage you to apply.

Also helpful:

• Experience participating in or leading door-to-door canvasses.
• Experience supporting or leading the development of mail and digital programs for campaigns.
• Familiarity with environmental and agricultural issues.
• Familiarity with broader movements for social, economic, and environmental justice.