Civic Engagement Lead -- Job Description
(Las Cruces)
Job title: Civic Engagement Lead
Position Type: Full Time, Exempt
Salary: $50,000 - $65,000, dependent on experience.
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Organization Overview: NM CAFe is a network of diverse religious institutions and community-based organizations across Southern New Mexico committed to building relational power with and for New Mexicans who have been directly impacted by systems of injustice. We are working toward building an inclusive economy that centers working people and families and treats those people with dignity. This means building power to shape public policy at the local, state, and national levels and teach our leaders how to be effective public people.
Position: NM CAFé’s Civic Engagement Lead will guide the organization’s work on education and outreach to voters and residents of Southern New Mexico. This work will be grounded in our guiding principals and relational organizing.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement data-driven strategies for the organization’s civic engagement programs in alignment with the organization’s advocacy objectives.
- Manage voter engagement initiatives, GOTV and legislative advocacy efforts across all levels of government.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with stakeholders, policymakers, and advocacy groups to advance CAFe’s policy agenda.
- Monitor legislative developments, policy changes, and political landscapes relevant to CAFe’s areas of focus, including economic, racial, immigration, environmental and LGBTQIA+ justice, providing analysis and recommendations.
- Collaborate with organizing teams and community partners to integrate political strategies into broader advocacy campaigns and community-based initiatives.
- Support grassroots organizing efforts to engage and mobilize communities for collective action.
- Mentor program staff to facilitate constructive teamwork, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
- Develop and manage program budgets, allocate resources effectively, and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
- Assist executive director on campaign fundraising initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experiences:
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or a related field, and/or 3-5 years of experience in political advocacy, campaign management, or government relations, preferably within a nonprofit or advocacy organization.
- Strong understanding of political processes, legislative procedures, and advocacy strategies at local, state, and federal levels.
- Proven track record in designing and implementing successful political campaigns, at least one cycle, or advocacy initiatives.
- Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Effective communication, negotiation, and public speaking abilities to represent CAFe’s interests in various forums.
- Strategic thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to navigate complex issues with empathy and confidence.
- Experience in working with immigrant communities, communities of color, political organizing, union organizing, or related work (highly preferred)
- Written and spoken proficiency in English and Spanish. (preferred)
- Adaptable to flexible schedule, which includes evening and weekends.
- Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel throughout Southern New Mexico and occasionally out of state.
Competitive benefits package including:
- Generous paid time off policy
- Health, Dental, Vision insurance
- Mileage reimbursement for out of town work-related travel.
- Simple IRA (matching)
NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fe provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.