Field Organizer, Coastal MS

Field Organizer

Full Time, At-Will Employment

Preferred Start Date: As Soon As Possible 

• Gulfport, MS

About Us: 

Mississippi Votes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of intergenerational synergy centering and led by young people invested in the progression of Mississippi. We do this through our programming and outreach strategy that empowers young people, encourages civic engagement, and educates communities on voting rights through place-based, grassroots organizing. Our vision is to cultivate a transformative culture of civic engagement throughout the state of Mississippi.

Overview:

There will be five (5) field organizers on the Field Team. Each Field Organizer will co-facilitate the field plans with a strategic understanding of Mississippi Votes’ theory of change in relation to developing a voter friendly Mississippi under the direction of the Field Director with support from their respective Regional Coordinator. The Field Organizers will be responsible for frequently assisting the Policy & Research Team to develop the organization’s field plan and communal approach to the vision towards developing legislation that seeks to expand Mississippi’s electorate. The Field Organizers co-facilitate all GOTV efforts including, but not limited to, MS Votes’ annual #Up2Us campaign. The Field Organizers are responsible for managing a database of national and local supporters; forming or joining coalitions as necessary with unanimous approval from the Leadership Team.

The Field Organizers are responsible for organizing in one of the 5 regional offices identified by Mississippi Votes: 1.) Tupelo, MS, 2.) Hattiesburg, MS, 3.) Cleveland, MS, 4.) Gulfport, MS, and the headquarter office, 5.) Jackson, MS. Each of these offices are located strategically in Mississippi’s 4 Congressional Districts. In some instances, the Field Organizer will be responsible for assisting to organize and work in and around college campuses in the areas they are responsible for.

Responsibilities: 

• Establish a strong professional culture within the voter services team focused on accountability, specific goals, innovation, and sense of purpose. 


• Willing to work with a fundraising team on occasion to assist with narrative building. 


• Manage the field program in their region and logistics in coordination. 


• Ability to design, communicate, and implement a comprehensive, data-driven field plan.


• Build and manage a large, multi-layered statewide intergenerational field team consisting of paid staff, student fellows and interns, and volunteers. 


• Set, meet, and exceed benchmarks for voter registration, volunteer recruitment, voter contact, grassroots engagement, and get out the vote (GOTV). 


• Adhere to quality control system for voter registration maintenance within every level of the organization’s programs. 


• Design and standardize best practices for data management using the organization’s data software.


• Co-Manage MS Votes’ VAN (Voter Access Network) and Every Action software; work towards building an independent data platform. 


• Monitor initiatives and efforts to measure impact (i.e. voter registration/turnout, #Up2Us Campaign residuals).


• Understand and be aware of Elections Laws and Regulations in the state of Mississippi.


• Help coordinate Voter Empowerment Project.

Skills & Experience: 

• Self-starters can lead large groups of people, create electoral plans, and work with young people to develop them into civic leaders. 


• Candidates with 2+ cycles of organizing experience leading statewide or regional field programs and mobilizing volunteers.


• Extensive experience managing and training high performing staffers. 


• Well organized individuals with effective time management skills that can work independently with minimal supervision. 


• Experience in program coordination, event planning, and youth organizing required.


• Strong computer skills including G Suite and database management.

• Experience with VAN.


• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills (especially written).


• Ability to gracefully manage multiple projects to meet multiple deadlines. 


• Enthusiasm for the work and willingness to learn.


• Must be knowledgeable of the political landscape of Mississippi. 

• Bachelor’s Degree or 3 years of equivalent experience in community organizing or field organizing preferred.

Position Details:

• Must be able to canvass for hours at a time.


• Long hours at the computer are necessary at times.


• Car and valid driver’s license required for in-state travel.


• Flexibility in work hours as evenings and weekend hours are necessary at time.

• Position based in
  
  
  
  
  • Gulfport, MS
  
  
  
  


• Evenings and weekend hours may be necessary.


• 75% Travel .

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $50,000 annually


• Monthly cell phone stipend


• Healthcare, dental, and vision coverage at 50% paid by MS Votes


• 100% employer-covered mental health support benefit


• Paid holidays, PTO, and organizational closure periods


• Professional development opportunities

Reports To:

Respective Regional Coordinator

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Able to work on a computer including sitting at a desk for extended periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation; manual dexterity to operate a keyboard; able to see or read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; able to speak clearly and in audible tones on the phone and in-person and be understood by others; able to hear and understand speech, including on the phone; able to understand and follow oral and written instructions; able to occasionally lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds, etc. Must be able to stretch, bend, kneel, twist, squat, reach above or below the shoulder, push, grasp, and lift up to 20 pounds. able to walk, drive, write, stand, and sit. Ability to walk for up to 4 hours daily to canvass door-to-door. 

Mississippi Votes is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.