Program Manager, CA

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Manage state programmatic work and campaigns
• Lead the execution of the California team's statewide Money in Politics (MIP) program, shaping annual priorities, campaigns, and long-term strategy; work on other programs as well as needed
• Support coalition work, including managing working groups or project groups within coalitions, to include organizing meetings, coordinating actions, and ensuring effective communication among coalition members
• Lead policy research, analysis, and the identification of opportunities for policy proposals to advance Common Cause's state goals
• Draft, edit, and disseminate policy briefs, reports, and advocacy materials to inform and engage decision-makers and stakeholders
• Monitor legislation and regulatory developments at the local, state, and federal level relevant to money in politics
• Advocate for campaign finance reforms such as public financing and contribution limits
• Build and sustain coalitions with grassroots organizations, legal advocates, labor, racial justice groups, and good government allies
• In collaboration with the Deputy Director of California, execute outreach campaigns to educate the public on priority issues and encourage active participation in advocacy efforts
• Engage and educate elected officials, government agencies, and allies on key campaign finance issues
• Represent Common Cause in public hearings, policy coalitions, and negotiations with lawmakers and administrative bodies
• Collaborate with communications team to develop fact sheets, op-eds, reports, and toolkits that translate complex policy issues for public audiences
• Coordinate digital and social media campaigns to engage members and stakeholders, ensuring messaging aligns with Common Cause's values and goals
• Serve as a spokesperson on money in politics issues, including in media interviews, panels, and public events
• Supervise temporary staff and interns, including recruiting, training, and mentoring
• Support fundraising efforts, including writing grants, cultivating donor relationships, and managing reporting requirements
• Assist with administrative tasks related to the state advisory board, including organizing meetings and preparing materials
• Track and report campaign milestones, deliverables, and metrics for grant reporting
• Perform administrative duties as needed and other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Have worked on public advocacy campaigns related to democracy, elections, voting rights, campaign finance, or civil rights
• Demonstrated knowledge of and strong interest in current statewide democracy issues, including voting rights, redistricting, campaign finance reform, disinformation, ethics, etc., with a demonstrated knowledge of the unique aspects of California's political dynamic
• Have managed coalitions or groups that represent stakeholders with diverse interests to achieve a goal
• Have managed at least one staff member, intern, and/or Fellow
• Willing to have a social media presence on behalf of Common Cause, including being tagged on posts and creating content
• Ability to travel 1-2 times per year for team and/or all staff retreats
• Ability to work in-person in the state office or at various locations around California up to 8-12 days per quarter, especially during legislative sessions
• Must not currently be in elected office or affiliated with political party leadership, per nonpartisan policy

Nice to Have

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities with high attention to detail
• Ability to distill complex concepts for broad audiences and differentiate communications as needed
• Familiarity with office productivity tools including Microsoft Office, Slack, and Zoom
• Openness to feedback and self-awareness of strengths and areas for growth

Qualifications

• Experience managing coalitions or stakeholder groups with diverse interests
• Experience managing staff, interns, or fellows
• Willingness to engage in social media content creation and presence
• Ability to travel and work in California-based locations
• Knowledge of democracy, voting rights, campaign finance, or civil rights issues

Benefits & Perks

• Salary range of $82,400 - $97,850 annually, with geographic-specific adjustments
• Comprehensive healthcare plan covering 97% of medical, 100% of vision and dental for employees, and substantial coverage for families
• Long-term disability and life insurance
• Paid Time Off including 20 days of vacation, 10 holidays, and additional days for Thanksgiving and Winter break
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401k retirement plan with immediate employer match
• Dependent Care and Pet Care Support during work travel
• Funds for professional development