Poder In Action: Political Director

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JOB DESCRIPTION

About The Role

The ** Political Director** is responsible for designing, implementing, and winning strategic and robust, people-powered campaigns that accomplish AZ Poder’s advocacy, governance, and electoral goals.

The Political Director will drive the development and implementation of program strategy, priorities, and goals while working to build strong, sustainable relationships with partners, coalitions, electeds, and candidates. This position manages a diverse team of field leads, canvassers, and volunteers that will engage voters and build lasting relationships in Black, Brown, working class communities, and young people across Phoenix.

As a member of Poder’s senior leadership team, this role will help shape the strategic direction of Poder in order to build the social and political power of our people. The ideal candidate is an experienced field strategist who believes in community-led organizing, has a deep commitment to relational work, and understands the importance of building our people’s power to create change. The Political Director is a senior member of Poder’s strategy team, reports directly to the Executive Director, and is responsible for attending director-level meetings as needed.

About Us

AZ Poder is a 501c4 organization that builds the social and political power of BIPOC communities, young people, and working class people in Phoenix. We work alongside our communities to transform the systems and institutions that impact their daily lives. Through organizing, political education, advocacy, and electoral engagement we harness our communities’ power to create long, joyful, thriving lives.

AZ Poder works alongside its sister organization,** Poder in Action** (501c3) to disrupt and dismantle systems of oppression and win concrete change.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Program Design and Implementation

• Works in partnership with the Executive Director and key leaders within AZ Poder and Poder in Action to make strategic decisions for the organizations

• Oversee the long-term planning,design, and implementation of Poder’s electoral program and governance work

• Design and manage comprehensive, values-aligned political field plans that meet daily, weekly, and overall campaign goals

• Evaluate the effectiveness of organizational plans and tactics, and make adjustments as necessary

• Ensure all activities comply with campaign laws, reporting requirements, and internal protocols

• Use voter data tools (e.g. VAN, PDI) to track progress, measure impact, and make data-driven adjustments to the field strategy

• Coordinate with the AZ Poder communications team to assure messaging alignment and implementation of digital and mail programs

Organizer Development, Training, and Political Education

• Manage a team of up to 6-8 political team staff and field leadership

• Bottomline the hiring, onboarding, and development of Poder’s field team

• Facilitate regular team meetings, political education, and coaching with team leadership and field team members

• Build a culture of care, discipline, and joy within the field team; address conflict and burnout with compassion and rigor

Strategic Alliances and Organizational Representative

• Serve in coalitions as a representative of the organization and develop working partnerships with other organizations and community groups

• Be an external representative of the organization, including meeting with elected officials, doing interviews with the media, and presenting at conferences

Key Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in electoral field work, including at least 1 cycle of canvassing and at least 1 cycle managing field teams

• At least 1 year or campaign working at or running a PAC or c4 electoral program

• Deep understanding of grassroots field strategy and community-centered organizing

• Full understanding of voter engagement tactics and how to use those tactics effectively

• Significant experience directly managing diverse teams of at least 4 people

• Strong familiarity with accessing, reading, and using data

• Proven ability to develop metrics, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment

• Experience managing and strategically allocating a multi-million dollar budget

• Understanding of electoral campaign law, spending practices, and reporting practices

• Commitment to anti-racist, feminist, decolonial, and LGBTQ+ affirming practices

• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and conflict resolution skills

• Spanish fluency highly preferred; additional languages (especially Indigenous or immigrant community languages) a plus

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to work evenings/weekends as needed

Desired Attributes

A successful candidate will also embody the following attributes.

• You know Arizona communities, who lives where, and understand the geo-political nature of the communities that AZ Poder organizes

• You believe in building long-term community power, not just winning elections

• You are a collaborative, inclusive leader who works to build trust with your teammates

• You understand that there is no substitute for deep relationship-building

• You know how to build accountable, loving, and results-driven teams

• You are flexible, solution-oriented, and able to pivot quickly as conditions shift

• You honor and uplift the leadership of young people, immigrants, queer and trans folks, and directly impacted communities

• You work well in both highly structured and deeply grassroots environments

Logistics

• Salary:$90,000+

• Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

• Benefits: Poder offers a competitive benefits package covering 100% of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums, professional and personal development opportunities, and a generous and flexible paid time off policy

• Hours: 40-45 hours per week; evening and weekend availability required

• Location: Arizona- majority in the office or in the field, some remote work possible

• Travel: This position may require travel within Arizona, depending on the needs of the campaigns or goals, and to 1-2 conferences per year out-of-state

Poder is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We actively encourage individuals from underrepresented groups, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates and employees with disabilities during the hiring process and throughout employment.