Political Director

Make the Road States (MRStates) is the national home for the second-generation Make the Road family of organizations in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Nevada, this in addition to New York, that serves to uplift the voices of working-class, immigrants, women, LGBTQIA people, and people of color across the Make the Roads umbrella. From an operational spectrum it serves as the Finance and Human Resources Compliance Officers for the umbrella at large.

Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) builds the power of immigrant and working-class communities to achieve dignity and respect through community organizing, the provision of high quality legal and support services, transformative education, and policy innovation. MRNJ is a project of Make the Road States. Founded in 2014, MRNJ operates centers and organizing hubs in the cities of Elizabeth, Passaic, Perth Amboy, and Newark, that reach thousands of immigrants and working-class people of color each year. Our member-led organizing committees -- which work on the issues named above-- implement strategies to combat shared problems and develop leadership and the capacity for civic participation. In the past four years, MRNJ has won more than 10 pro-immigrant and pro-worker policies, including the nation’s first guaranteed severance law, landmark anti-wage theft legislation, occupational and drivers’ license for undocumented immigrants and a $15 minimum wage. We also provide an array of high-quality bilingual services including ESOL, legal services in the areas of immigration and workplace rights, workplace safety training and college access.

Make the Road Action (MRA), a 501(c)(4) organization is committed to building power for justice in immigrant and low income working-class communities of color. MRA operates in five states - New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. We work to create social change, connect voters to the candidates and issues that are most important to them, and work hands-on in a fast-paced environment to create long-term impact in the communities that need it most.

Current Opening:

The Political Director shall be a member of the New Jersey Senior Leadership Team, and will be responsible for managing a department that includes 501(c4) electoral canvass capacity, as well as 501(c3) organizing around policy and legislative goals, and communications to press, elected officials, allies, members and coalition partners. The Political Director shall work directly with the Executive Director and Political Directors from allied labor, community and advocacy organizations to build power for Make the Road New Jersey, and New Jersey’s progressive advocacy community.

Key Responsibilities but not limited to:

Oversee All Electoral Work

• Develop and manage the process of evaluating candidates and organizations’ request for political endorsements
• Coordinate MRA-NJ’s involvement in federal, state and local races, including independent expenditure
• Direct the work of the Canvass Manager to support MRA-NJ’s electoral and policy goals
• Brief staff on political program and goals
• Create and oversee the organization’s electoral and policy budget
• Delegate responsibility and manage assigned staff

Coordinate Legislative Program

• Serve as the point of contact for all legislative work; engage elected officials, labor, and community to support MRNJ’s issues and campaigns
• Serve as registered lobbyist and monitor bills
• Build political support for the organization’s campaigns, including organizing political field activities
• Advocate for members in the annual budget process in state and local governments where members work and live
• Draft legislation on behalf of members and work with elected officials to pass the legislation
• Participate as MRNJ representative in strategic coalitions and strategic issue campaigns with other community organizations
• Direct the work of the Communications Manager preparing and executing communications to further strategic campaigns
• Prepare research reports as needed for background; prepare for and participate actively in campaign strategy meetings; develop messaging for political communications
• Train staff to move the political and legislative agenda of MRNJ, develop member leadership in political and legislative work, support turnout, issue development, and visibility/power

Engage Member Leaders in Political and Legislative Agenda

• Grow the MRA-NJ committee of members who vet candidates for endorsements
• Work with field staff to recruit members for lobby days and electoral work

Serve on Senior Leadership Team

Requirements:

• Eligible to work in the US
• At least 5+ years experience in issue advocacy, community organizing, labor, and/or related fields required; experience organizing with immigrant and/or working class communities is strongly preferred
• 5+ years experience managing organizing, political, professional staff, campaign, communications and organizing teams, from recruitment to retainment
• Relentless commitment to collective action and community organizing
• Knowledge of the New Jersey Legislature preferred.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic work environment
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and complete assignments under strict deadlines with minimal supervision in a fast paced environment
• Working knowledge of spreadsheets, Microsoft Office suite, and using a database to run reports
• Proficiency (fluency preferred) in both English and Spanish.
• Associate degree or higher.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage and motivate a large team
• Ability to identify, recruit, train and retain staff
• Short-term and long-term strategic planning skills
• Experience in Excel, Word, e-mail and database programs
• Must be willing and flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Desire to work collaboratively and independently
• Must be able to clearly articulate the mission and political context for MRNJ’s work.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to commute.

Job Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking
• Problem/Situation Analysis
• Problem Solving Ability
• System-Oriented
• Balanced Decision Making
• Emotional Control
• Attention to Detail
• Project/Task and Goals Focus
• Objective Listening
• Attitude Toward Others
• Flexibility
• Accountability for Others
• Respect for Policies
• Personal Accountability
• Meeting Standards
• Team Player
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Multitasking

Salary and Benefits:

MRStates offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance, 401K, and generous paid vacation, sick, personal days. The salary range for this position is from $115,000 to 130,000

How to Apply:

Please attach cover letter/resume and submit all documents to the Make the Road New States career center.

Make the Road believes that social change is best achieved through grassroots community-based organizing that flows directly from and engages the community demanding the change. As a membership-based organization, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, criminal history, or Veteran status. We strongly encourage those from historically excluded groups to apply.