Strategic Engagement Manager

Full-Time (40 hours per week, full benefits)
Reports to: Director of Strategic Engagement

Salary Grade: Manager I

Salary Range: $60,000-$80,000

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid work environment; in-office preferred Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

About Us:

At Issue One, we’re dedicated to protecting democracy—period. We champion pro-democracy campaigns, mobilize grasstop councils, and work with powerful validators to move the needle on reform. We’re a collaborative, high-energy team operating at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and civic engagement. Now, we’re looking for a dynamic Strategic Engagement Manager to join us!

Position:

The Strategic Engagement Manager plays a key role in supporting and managing the direction, activities, and events of Issue One’s grasstop councils, such as the ReFormers Caucus and Faces of Democracy. This position also assists in the creation and implementation of strategic advocacy campaigns and rapid response efforts to support Issue One’s pro-democracy mission. The Strategic Engagement Manager works closely with the Director of Strategic Engagement, manages relationships with external validators, and collaborates across teams to execute Issue One’s legislative and advocacy strategies.

Responsibilities:

Grasstop Councils Management (25%)

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day activities of Issue One’s grasstop councils, including Faces of Democracy and the ReFormers Caucus.
• Coordinate communication, scheduling, and meetings, as well as general strategy for grassstop councils

Advocacy Campaign Strategy and Implementation (25%)

• Support the Director of Strategic Engagement with strategic planning and implementation of advocacy tactics that advance Issue One’s legislative and policy agenda.
• Identify opportunities for engagement and coordination of rapid response campaigns that align with Issue One’s pro-democracy mission.

Validator Engagement and Event Management (20%)

• Lead the planning and execution of validator events, outreach efforts, and grasstops organizing with policy experts, former elected officials, and other influential voices to advance Issue One’s strategic goals
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with external validators.

Grassroots Engagement and State-Level Strategy (20%)

• Assist with the strategic planning of in-district tactics for grassroots engagement in key states to move congressional targets.
• Support coordination of validator participation in advocacy meetings, op-eds, and events.

Campaign Communications and Research (10%)

• Develop outreach messaging and issue-specific language to effectively communicate the goals of Issue One’s advocacy campaigns to specific audiences.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Other advocacy campaign duties as determined by the Director of Strategic Engagement.

Job-Related Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, or related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience (including internships) in issue advocacy, policy research, communications, or campaign strategy.
• Preferred background in advocacy campaign strategy and execution, with demonstrated knowledge of public engagement tactics.
• Legislative experience is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior leadership, manage relationships with external validators, and navigate high-stakes advocacy environments.
  
  

Job-Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in advocacy campaign management, coalition building, and coalition management.
• Proficiency in legislative and policy-making processes
• Competence in social media and digital mobilization.
• Event hosting and management skills.
• Understanding of rapid response communication tactics.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Skill in using qualitative and quantitative research for advocacy.
• Event hosting and management capabilities.
• Dedication to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  
  

Development and Career Growth

This position offers significant growth opportunities in campaign management, stakeholder engagement, and rapid response strategy.

Transferable skills include:

• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Coalition and campaign management expertise.
• Grassroots and grasstops mobilization and strategy.
• Rapid response advocacy.
• Cross-team collaboration and project management.
• Leadership and managerial skills.
  
  

Potential future roles may include:

• Manager II role within Issue One, with increased responsibility and decision-making authority.
• Leading a large-scale advocacy campaign or overseeing strategic program development.
  
  

Location

This role is a full-time, fully benefited position requiring 40 hours per week. The candidate must reside in the Washington, DC area and participate in IO’s hybrid work environment. This arrangement allows staff to come to the office two days a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and work the other three days remotely. While the opportunity to work outside of the DC area is possible, it would require additional conversations between the hiring manager and applicant before an employment offer is made.

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance.

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan, with Issue One paying 100% of the premium. The organization also covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff.
• Staff receive over 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures.
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home but establishes regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.
• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. In addition, all staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship.
  
  

Physical Demands

• Most work is done in an office-like environment, completing projects at a desk for extended periods and working with a computer.
• The employee may sometimes have to lift, push, and/or carry items above ten (10) pounds.
• The Manager may need to move and/or stand for extended periods, especially when on Capitol Hill.
• Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.
  
  

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

• June 11-25: The position is posted, and resumes are collected
• June 26-30: Resumes are screened and top candidates are identified for interviews.
• July 7-11: First-round panel interviews take place.
• July 14-18: Second-round panel interviews and potential paid assessments with finalists take place.
• July 21-25: Preferred candidate named and the role offered (contingent on a background check and verification of all educational credentials).
• September 2: New candidate begins (flexible start date)
  
  

Special Note: While our organizations will do their best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organizations will do their best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after June 25, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate each individual's unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to complete our self-identification questionnaire voluntarily. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring everyone has equal success opportunities.

Due to the volume of applications, we will, unfortunately, be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.