Virginia Campaign Manager

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Title: Virginia Campaign Manager, Blue Leadership Collaborative

Compensation: $78,000 annual equivalent

Term: 12/1/2020 - 11/30/2021

Classification: Exempt, Full-time

Location: Virginia State (Various Locations, based on campaign location)

Deadline for Application: 9/28/2020

WHO WE ARE:

Blue Leadership Collaborative (BLC) identifies, retains, and empowers future campaign leaders, with an emphasis on women and people of color. Talent retention is key to Democratic victories, so BLC provides financial support, leadership training, and job placement to keep the next generation doing campaign work during off-cycles. For years, Virginia has been an informal talent pipeline because of its off-year elections that occur directly after the presidential cycle, which BLC will embrace to retain and train talent.

Over the next few months, BLC will identify up to 20 leaders from the presidential campaign and other competitive races, with the long-term goal of having them manage congressional races in 2022. In 2021, we’ll work in partnership with the Virginia Democratic Caucus to place them as campaign managers on state legislative campaigns while also providing additional support and training to help achieve success.

The impact that BLC will have on Democratic Politics through this 2021 program are three-fold:

• Campaign manager salaries are supplemented throughout the entire campaign, allowing campaigns to attract the best talent from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Virginia campaigns that normally could not afford to hire a manager until the spring, will have a top-tier manager by the beginning of 2021, giving them a competitive edge to keep the state legislature blue.
• Creation of a pool of talented, experienced Campaign Managers who will deliver Democratic victories on competitive congressional races in 2022 and beyond.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

Blue Leadership Collaborative is currently looking for amazing future Campaign Managers to help keep Virginia blue!

The ideal candidate is passionate about Democratic politics, has two or more campaign cycles under their belts (in any full-time role), and is ready to take on the role of Campaign Manager in a highly-competitive and crucial Virginia state campaign.

Have you moved up quickly in your role or have you quickly taken on more responsibility on a campaign? Do you have the ability to handle stress well? Are you ambitious, highly organized and have a high emotional intelligence?

We are looking for someone who is self-motivated and can thrive independently with little to no guidance. If that is you, then read below!

NOTE: You may or may not believe you are “ready” for campaign management this next year. Don’t let this stop you from applying!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee all aspects of the campaign from the early stages through the election. This may mean taking on roles outside the Campaign Manager, especially before there is a team or role hired.
• Develop a strategic campaign plan, encompassing fundraising, direct voter contact, earned media, and political outreach, and regularly brief the candidate on progress and performance
• Manage a candidate and their schedule, ensuring it is aligned with f the strategic goals of the campaign
• Create and manage the campaign’s budget, closely tracking cash flow and vendor invoices
• Design and implement the campaign’s finance operation, from planning and executing events to overseeing email and online fundraising
• Hire, develop, and manage staff and interns
• Work closely in partnership with campaign consultants and other stakeholders (e.g. Democratic Caucus). Ensure consistent communication amongst the team and coordinate their efforts in the implementation of the campaign plan.
• Oversee execution of the voter contact program, engaging voters via direct interactions with the candidate, field staff, and volunteers
• Draft external campaign communications such as social media content, media advisories and statements
• Form and maintain strong relationships with political and community stakeholders, and occasionally represent the campaign at community events

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS/ATTRIBUTES:

• Has worked on a Democratic political campaign as full-time paid staff member for at least 2 campaign cycles, or equivalent relevant experience within an advocacy organization, government role, or similar. Experience on different types and sizes of campaigns a plus!
• 1 year or cycle of people management experience and skills (can include management of volunteers, interns)
• Ability to develop a positive dynamic and campaign culture with all kinds of personalities
• Ability to build trust and rapport quickly
• Ability to communicate clearly through tough situations
• Willing to keep pushing until they get done what they need to, will find a way to work around any hurdles or obstacles
• Experience getting a program, initiative or idea off the ground and keeping it going. Translatable experience in a startup company or initiative a plus
• Willing to relocate for a Virginia campaign

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Experience managing a principal, candidate, (or talent/celebrity)
• Early experience on a campaign during the critical first weeks when a campaign is “getting off the ground”
• Excellent organizational skills
• Campaign Finance experience

Benefits

Opportunity to enroll in company benefits including medical, dental, and vision benefits.