Organization overview
Maine Votes (MV) is a state-based 501(c)(4) “table”, or coalition, formed to build durable progressive power in Maine through improving long-term, data-driven electoral planning, research, coordination, and communication among progressive political organizations. Maine Votes is an affiliate of America Votes: https://americavotes.org.
Maine Voices Network (MVN) is a state-based 501(c)(3) civic engagement “table,” or coalition, where partner organizations work together, particularly to leverage organizing, advocacy, and research to achieve larger gains than any one group could on its own. Our core work is supporting our partners’ efforts to increase civic engagement – through policy advocacy, movement building, voter education, and voter turnout. MVN is part of the State Voices network: http://www.statevoices.org. MVN coordinates to the extent permitted by law with Maine Votes, the state’s 501(c)(4) “table.”
Maine Votes, Maine Voices Network, and partner organizations work toward a vision of a just, equitable, and prosperous society that treats every single one of us with dignity and fairness; in which government reflects the race, class, and gender diversity of our communities and is a vehicle for addressing those challenges that need to be resolved collectively; and in which vulnerable communities are able to exercise all of their human rights without fear, discrimination, or retaliation.
Maine Votes and Maine Voices Network (MV/N) support, coordinate, and strengthen the ecosystem of non-profit organizations working to achieve progressive electoral wins, greater voter engagement across the state, and policies in the Legislature that will improve people’s lives. MV/N works with leaders, organizations, and campaigns doing some of the most exciting work to advance people-powered change at the statewide and local levels.
Position summary
The Legislative and Coalitions Director will play a vital role in supporting and shaping MV/N’s legislative vision and strategy. The right candidate will support MV/N’s priority advocacy coalitions on matters related to strategy, coalition development/management, advocacy tactics, and logistics. The Legislative and Coalitions Director will work closely with our partner organizations to develop plans for each legislative session that build into a multi-year strategy to build power, shift key narratives, and make Maine more just and inclusive of all of its people. The role requires a strategic thinker and problem solver with skill in legislative strategy and coalition building to reach short- and long-term goals. This is a full-time, year-round position that reports to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
- Drive all election administration, voting rights, and democracy reform efforts forward in collaboration with partner organizations.
- Lead Mainers for Modern Elections, the MV/N staffed coalition focused on democracy reform and voting rights.
- Support an internal coalition of organizations focused on equitable government spending.
- Support other priority coalitions as needed.
- Manage MV/N’s collective relationships and communications with key elected officials.
- Work cooperatively to coordinate partner organizations’ individual legislative advocacy efforts to ensure alignment and identify opportunities for cross-organizational support.
- Provide strategic, tactical, and programmatic support to partner organizations’ individual legislative advocacy efforts.
- Collaboratively create an annual legislative plan and budget aligned with MV/N’s mission. Continuously monitor and communicate progress and learnings to relevant stakeholders.
- Work with the Program Director and Communications Director to align legislative plans with civic engagement, electoral, and communications plans.
- Work with the Executive Director and Program Director to manage MV/N’s relationships with its General Member organizations - proactively assessing needs, planning regular General Membership Meetings, and developing meaningful ways to strengthen MV/N’s relationships with General Members.
- Support Executive Director’s efforts at outreach and expansion of table membership.
- Support Executive Director in fundraising for MV/N and partner organizations by writing and presenting reports on legislative and coalition work.
Desired Experience and Skills*
- Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and relationship-building skills inside organizations and externally with partners, community leaders, and stakeholders. A track record of working in a coalition setting.
- An understanding of legislative advocacy strategies and best practices, with an eye toward innovative approaches to grassroots advocacy.
- Ability to apply race, class, and gender equity analyses to strategic decision-making and program execution.
- A track record of success working with communities of color, women, low-income people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized communities.
- Knowledge of the Maine political landscape and the state legislative process.
- Ability to think both on a ‘macro’ level (big picture, multi-year strategy), as well as on a ‘micro’ level (individual legislative session strategy).
- A demonstrated ability to project manage, prioritize, and execute at a high level with keen attention to detail and minimal direction.
- Exceptional verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to prepare and manage program budgets.
- Strong comfort with and fluency in Google Suite.
*No candidate will meet all of these criteria, and other experiences and skills beyond those listed could make for a stellar candidate. If you think you could be an effective member of our team, please apply!
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $72,000-$78,000 (commensurate with experience), plus a generous benefits package that includes medical/dental/vision insurance, paid vacation days and sick leave, 15 paid holidays, and retirement benefits beginning in the second year of employment. This is a salaried BELO position.
Location
The position is located in Maine with regular travel throughout the state, particularly to Portland (where the MV/N office is located) and to Augusta. MV/N is currently utilizing a hybrid work model, with some remote work possible.
Work Environment
- Candidate must be able to provide for their own transportation, including valid driver’s license;
- Candidate must be able to frequently think analytically, use effective verbal communication, make decisions, concentrate on tasks, use a computer;
- Position will require at least some in-person contact or meetings;
- Position will occasionally require irregular hours during busy periods.
To Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and this position will be filled as soon as possible. Please submit all applications online here. Email jobs@mainevotes.net with any questions.
Maine Votes/Maine Voices Network is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a more equitable workplace. We value diversity and are dedicated to the recruitment, inclusion, and retention of people of color, LGBTQ, women, trans and gender non-conforming people, people with disabilities; and/or formerly incarcerated people.