Campaign Director

The League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc. (League) seeks a well-rounded Campaign Director (exempt) to lead a campaign to pass a bill to ensure individuals detained in our criminal justice system have access to the ballot. The Campaign Director will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the coalition and partner organizations. The League currently operates on a hybrid schedule, with the Campaign Director expected to be in the Albany office 3+ days each week.

The League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation, Inc. is an organization that derives its strength from the energy and commitment of the individual members in the over 42 local Leagues throughout the state. It is a multi-issue, non-partisan, grassroots organization whose mission is to promote informed citizen participation in government. The League welcomes applications from people of all identities and backgrounds. We work to build diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization, throughout our work, and in partnership and ally ship with the communities we serve. Candidates who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply.

The Campaign Director will develop our advocacy infrastructure, strengthen and maintain partnerships with supporters and key stakeholders, prioritizing directly impacted communities and individuals, and track progress and accomplish campaign goals.

Key Results (Year 1)

• Grow the current coalition by ten organizations
• Triple co-sponsorship support for the bill in the Senate and Assembly
• Garner at least 4 pieces of earned media attention in high profile
• Create educational materials to be disseminated to impacted individuals and community organizations

Major Responsibilities

• Establish and mobilize a network of supporters, volunteers, community members, and organizations (particularly those led by people directly impacted by the justice system, incarceration, and racial injustice) to champion the legislation.
• Organize and execute statewide events of various sizes to educate and engage the public, as well as rally support for key advocacy issues. This could involve hosting community forums, presentations, training sessions, group discussions, panels, lobby days, tabling, press conferences, and rallies.
• Identify, recruit, and coordinate volunteers, potential speakers, public hearing witnesses, and clients for impact litigation. Oversee constituent outreach and facilitate meetings with key decision-makers.
• Leverage advocacy technology tools, such as volunteer management platforms, social media, and digital engagement tools (like text messaging and phone banking systems), to enhance involvement.
• Advocate with legislative leaders to secure additional support for the bill through co-sponsorships.

Critical Factors for Success

This position requires a motivated self-starter who takes initiative without prompting, consistently delivers high-quality work, is an excellent project manager, proactively and innovatively solves problems, and appreciates direct feedback. Other qualifications include:

• At least one to three years of experience in developing, coordinating, and managing successful issue advocacy, legislative, grassroots advocacy or political campaigns is required.
• Knowledge of the Albany legislature, government, and state political landscape.
• Proven experience in motivating volunteers within large, diverse coalitions and engaging with decision-makers.
• Experience utilizing policy analysis, lobbying, communications, or organizing tactics to shape and influence a policy agenda.
• Ability to foster strong, inclusive partnerships with coalition members and community organizations, particularly those led by people directly impacted by the justice system, incarceration, and racial injustice.
• Skilled at creating opportunities for input and leadership from partners and working collaboratively with various constituencies and policymakers from different backgrounds and political ideologies.
• Proven ability to manage details and follow through with minimal supervision. Strong time management skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects, supervise staff and volunteers, track progress toward goals, and monitor campaign metrics.
• Exceptional communication, writing, research, and analytical skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging communication for a variety of audiences. Experience working with various media platforms (print, radio, television, digital media) is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and various web-based platforms.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required for events and campaign activities.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Erica Smitka, Executive Director at erica@lwvny.org.