MAKE JUSTICE HAPPEN

FIELD DIRECTOR

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Nebraska Appleseed is a nonprofit organization that fights for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans. We take a systems-based approach to complex issues – such as child welfare, immigration policy, affordable health care, and poverty – and we take our work wherever we believe we can do the most good, whether that’s in the courthouse, at the Capitol, or in the community. The Nebraska Appleseed Action Fund is an associated 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that engages in targeted advocacy campaigns to build power within communities and ensure that every Nebraskan’s voice is heard in public decision-making. The position is based in Lincoln, Nebraska.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Nebraska Appleseed and Nebraska Appleseed Action Fund seeks a Field Director who is responsible for growing a grassroots base of advocates and mobilizing them to take action on campaigns and ballot initiatives within core issue areas, which includes supporting the execution of a coalition-based signature gathering program through a campaign’s signature deadline, and a grassroots campaign through the end of the election year. This position will work directly with Nebraska Appleseed and Nebraska Appleseed Action Fund staff, grassroots and nonprofit coalition partners, and ballot initiative executive and steering committee members to ensure that coalition organizations are delivering on campaign and ballot initiative goals while building organizational capacity in the process. The position is managed by the Strategy Senior Director.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee ballot initiative campaign activities to ensure alignment with campaign goals.
• Support the development  and execution of a coalition-based ballot initiative  campaign plan, which will include strategies to meet signature gathering plan, volunteer engagement,  story collection, leadership development, and voter engagement goals. 
• Support the coalition in implementing tactics and assessing progress toward meeting coalition-based signature gathering goals for a ballot initiative.
• Manage reporting on coalition partner progress to goals to advance accountability and inform funding decisions.
• Work with coalition allies, particularly those serving communities of color, to enhance their organizational capacity to meet goals.
• Support collaboration between coalition members, particularly organizations with few or no staff.
• Coordinate collaborative canvasses and shared training events.
• Convene and facilitate meetings with partner organizations, keep leaders informed of campaign developments that would shift goals, and advance collaborative accountability.
• Develop and implement voter engagement, leadership development, and signature collection goals for Nebraska Appleseed Action Fund, and assess progress toward goals.
• Ensure work is aligned with the strategy area goals and with the strategic objectives of the organization.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE POSITION

The ideal candidate will have the following background or a combination of the following qualifications:

• Minimum of at least one campaign cycle working on a ballot initiative in a field/organizing capacity.
• Experience managing staff or interns; experience managing a coalition is a plus.
• Experience developing grassroots organizing, field, or signature collection plans required.
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives (immigrant, multicultural, rural/urban).
• A strategic thinker who always keeps the big picture in mind.
• Strong interpersonal and active listening skills.
• Proficiency in utilizing the Voter Activation Network (VAN).
• Ability to support and guide nonprofit and grassroots partners in setting signature collection goals, and manage a multi-leveled accountability structure to meet goals.
• Must have a driver’s license, valid auto insurance, reliable transportation, and cell phone
• Ability to travel frequently and work occasional nights and weekends.
• A self-starter with initiative who is flexible and can manage multiple projects, next steps, and deadlines.
• A team player who is curious, creative, flexible, collaborative, and proactive.
• Ability to speak and write Spanish fluently is a plus.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary of $82,000 to $88,000. Comprehensive benefits package includes health, vision, and dental insurance with single coverage paid at 100%; 401(k) with a 4% match; and generous paid leave including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and longevity leave. Nebraska Appleseed is a flexible and hybrid workplace.

As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our employees and their families, all individuals entering our physical office are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

TO APPLY

The application deadline is April 26, 2024, and the target start date is late May to early June.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references via email to careers@neappleseed.org or via mail to Nebraska Appleseed, Attn: Human Resources, PO Box 83613, Lincoln, NE 68501-3613

Nebraska Appleseed is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Nebraska Appleseed does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.