Political Director

Overview

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986. CHIRLA is a California leader with national impact made of diverse immigrant families and individuals who act as agents of social change to achieve a world with freedom of mobility, full human rights, and true participatory democracy. CHIRLA organizes and serves individuals, institutions and coalitions to build power, transform public opinions, and change policies to achieve full human, civil and labor rights. Guided by power, love and vision of our community, CHIRLA embraces and drives progressive social change.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Political Director will lead the design and management of the overall political strategies for both the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and Californians for Human Immigrant Rights Leadership Action Fund (CHIRLACTION Fund). The political director manages and builds CHIRLA’s civic engagement and electoral work across California and nationally. The ideal candidate for this position will be someone who has a vision and strong desire to build CHIRLA’s statewide power, but also loves to implement program work at the local level and to work directly with organizers and leaders to build a strong powerful base of voters and volunteers. This position is for someone who prefers being in the field, working with the Field Manager, Call Center Manager and Organizers to get them prepared for the hard work of increasing voter turnout among immigrant communities in the years to come.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Leadership & Management:

Lead the design and management of the overall political strategies for both the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) and Californians for Human Immigrant Rights Leadership Action Fund (CHIRLACTION Fund).
Work hand in hand with members of the Management Team, who lead related aspects of CHIRLA and CHIRLA Action Fund programs and organizational work, to jointly advance our mission to achieve a just society fully inclusive of immigrants;
Adhere to the overall organizational goals while prioritizing leadership development of leaders and staff;
In partnership with the Executive Director, manage relationships with significant donors and funders and coordinate with the Development Team and Management on overall fundraising strategies and work;
Adhere to and create reporting mechanisms as needed to ensure accountability;
Coordinate with Executive Director and Management Team Directors to develop a comprehensive and integrated national, state and local political agenda; including integration of electoral and civic engagement activities;
Manage Civic Engagement/leadership development programs to increase the capacity of people of color led and membership based organizations to increase the overall participation of the immigrant community in the political process;
Develop program strategies that develop the leadership of future and present New American appointed and elected office holders;
Work with CHIRLA and CHIRLA Action Fund legal counsel to maintain the appropriate legal separation between 501 © (3) and 501 © (4).

Organizing and Education

Development and implementation of voter education and mobilization plans and program.  These plans should include how to incorporate CHIRLA committees and allies;
Lead creation and Implementation of leadership development program related to civic engagement for CHIRLA members and strategic allies;
Develop and disseminate voting rights and educational materials;
Primary liaison with state and national civic engagement tables, ensuring CHIRLA meets deliverables and that the collaborative goals are in line with CHIRLA’s mission and goals;
Conduct presentations to community at large concerning current CHIRLA campaigns.
Coordinate strategies to ingrate advocacy and electoral work with CHIRLA and CHIRLA Action Fund family based community organizations models;
Develop and sustain statewide infrastructure that supports CHIRLA and CHIRLA Action Fund’s grassroots mass membership recruitment.

Campaign Coordination

Lead campaign development and implementation of CHIRLA’s in-house electoral program.  Includes voter targeting, analysis, and evaluation;
Conduct necessary research for Get out the Vote (GOTV) Campaigns;
In conjunction with Director of Communications, develop and implement media strategies around the campaign and manage media inquiries around immigrant youth issues;
Assist in the development and implementation of broader CHIRLA campaigns, including member mobilization;
Works closely with the Director of External Affairs and Director of Organizing to determine policy advocacy and electoral priorities.

Coalition Building:

In partnership with Director of External Affairs identify any new coalition partners for the CHIRLA in relation to GOTV work, recommending strategic areas of work and leading those partnerships;
Coordinate relationships with existing allies, including integrating CHIRLA’s recommendations into these bodies and bring/take back coalition/activities/campaign discussions.

Project Oversight, Planning and Reporting

Incorporate member feedback into planning and evaluation at all levels;
Submit yearly work plans with goals and key priorities for respective committee;
Submit quarter written report on activities and progress on goals. Reports must include member participation, new member recruitment and adjustment of plans;
Participate and provide some leadership in overall Organizing Team planning, goal-setting, and evaluation.
Administrative Duties

Participate in and report at general staff and management team meetings;
Participate and/or take leadership in CHIRLA fundraising activities;
Submit reports and work plans in a timely manner;
Submit timecard and other administrative materials according to deadlines.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Superior experience in electoral organizing, including at least 5-7 years developing and managing strategies to boost civic participation and electoral engagement.
Strong background in community organizing with a demonstrated ability to coordinate issue campaigns with volunteer grassroots members and leaders.
Strong commitment and passion to building immigrant power within a broader strategy toward achieving social, economic and racial justice.
Strong knowledge of and experience with national, state and local organizational players engaged in immigrant rights and related issues.
Strong understanding of legal parameters for electoral organizing in the 501(c)(3) context.
Significant experience in managing staff and developing the skills and leadership of staff.
Significant experience in program planning and development, as well as fundraising and budget development and management.
Broad strategic vision that encompasses base-building, coalition-building, public policy, communications, electoral organizing, and collective action.
Competence with electoral tools and technologies, including voter lists and data management.
Bilingual English/Spanish a must, with excellent oral communication, public speaking, and writing skills.
Ability to have positive working relationship with CHIRLA staff, members and allies.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to: jobs@chirla.org

Subject Line should read: Political Director