JOB POSTING: Programs Director for a Democracy Nonprofit

Richmond, VA

Contract position, through March 2024 with option to renew

About UpVote Virginia:

UpVote Virginia is a nonprofit organization. We are nonpartisan and committed to improving the health of Virginia’s democracy through foundational, good-government reforms. Our primary focus at this point is Ranked Choice Voting, but our mission extends beyond that issue and will evolve and broaden in coming years. We strive to take crucial policy issues that are not generally at the forefront of political discussion and elevate them in voters’ minds. Our goal is to synthesize complex policy issues for a diverse audience of Virginia voters and lawmakers.

Position Overview:

This person will work closely with the Executive Director to educate voters and lawmakers about democracy reform issues (specifically Ranked Choice Voting) and strategically advocate for expansion of these policies on both a state and local level. They must be able to organize and effectively communicate at all levels - with grassroots communities as well as established community leaders, donors, and elected officials. Must be organized, a confident public speaker, self-motivated, and passionate about nonpartisan election reform. Due to our small staff size, this person will also need to wear many hats and participate in social media, legislative advocacy, and administrative tasks.

The person in this position can often work remotely but will need to be available to be in Richmond for in-person events and meetings.

Responsibilities: Your primary responsibility is growing UpVote Virginia’s supporters, volunteers, leaders, and donor base.

• Recruit, manage, develop, and support local volunteer groups.
• Drive communications through multiple channels to educate the electorate about Ranked Choice Voting and other policy issues.
• Help develop educational and training materials for volunteers and grassroots advocates.
• Build and manage relationships with elected officials, key public figures, partner organizations, and volunteers.
• Develop and give presentations and training sessions about UpVote Virginia, and our policy issues.

Other considerations: The job involves a “non-traditional” schedule in terms of which hours to work. With responsibility for coordinating and training volunteers and running outreach at public events, etc., there will be evening and weekend work as necessary to execute the duties of this role. UpVote Virginia is very committed to healthy work/life balance. There will be the flexibility to take time off at other times (such as regular business hours, weekdays) to compensate and maintain an overall reasonable and appropriate number of hours per week for a full-time position.

How to apply: Send a resume detailing relevant experience, work history, education, and accomplishments to liz.white@upvoteva.org. Please include a writing sample.

Hours: Full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), some nights, weekends. Travel within Virginia required.

Location: Staff is based in the Richmond-area. We currently work in a hybrid structure, including both office time and work-from-home time. Vaccinations required for this position.

Salary: $4,000/month

Reports to: Executive Director

APPLICATION OPEN UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED.