Billings Voter Engagement and LGBTQ+ Organizer
Location
Billings, MT | United States
Job description
Forward Montana is seeking a temporary, full-time voter engagement and LGBTQ+ organizer in Billings to support our grassroots campaigns to make direct change locally. In addition to coordinating and managing voter registration and field efforts, the Voter Engagement and LGBTQ+ Organizer will be responsible for recruiting volunteers, hitting metrics, and processing voter registration. Additionally, this candidate will advocate for progressive LGBTQ+ policies at the local level.
The ideal candidate is someone who’s a champion for our communities and understands what it means to be a part of change in Billings and across Montana. Applicants should be self-starters -- able to propose new ideas and develop projects and local campaigns that align with the needs of our generation and the ability to find creative solutions to problems. Applicants should have a proven ability to build reciprocal relationships with volunteers, fellows, organizations, and other stakeholders in Billings and surrounding areas. Applicants should have a passion for making change and working on a breadth of civic and political projects that supports FMT’s mission and vision.
Applicants should be committed to hitting goals in a fast-paced environment and have the ability to stay flexible with an eye toward new opportunities. All staff at Forward Montana are expected to participate in field efforts during election season (like making phone calls and knocking on doors).
Who We Are
Forward Montana, founded in 2004, is the state's largest youth-led, youth-focused civic engagement organization. We strive to transform government and communities to be just, sustainable, and equitable while working toward a future where Montana celebrates and reflects the diversity of our generation. We support young people to build power with and for each other to create lasting change.
What You'll Do
The Voter Engagement and LGBTQ+ Organizer, who is based in Billings and reports to the Senior Organizing Manager - Eastern Region, is responsible for the following:
- Field Shifts (60%): Identify creative locations and organize outreach efforts to gather and promote voter registration that reaches our target constituency: Montanans ages 18-34. Conduct field shifts for voter turnout and to collect voter registration for up to 8 hours at a time including door-to-door and field canvassing, tabling, and giving presentations in the community. Train and keep organized field schedules for volunteers and the Billings team.
- Base-Building and Administrative Tasks (10%) : Recruit and coordinate volunteers to conduct voter registration and GOTV shifts. Host small events to engage Forward Montana’s members. Conduct quality control and data entry of all collected voter registration forms. Keep forms organized and turn in all forms to the appropriate county elections offices.
- Advocacy (30%) : Be a regular presence at relevant coalitions related to LGBTQ+ rights. Build & foster relationships with community members and peers in organizing spaces. Lead on projects and education around LGBTQ+ rights and community building
Must-Haves | Here’s what success looks like
- Volunteer Management: You have experience developing and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse group of individuals. You’re comfortable managing & training peers;
- Drive to achieve results across field & mobilization programs: You have a track record of accomplishing ambitious goals and getting results even when there are obstacles (think: thunderstorms during an outdoor event or running out of voter registration forms during a big event) . You set a high bar and meet it, because you think three (or 30) steps ahead to anticipate hurdles and come up with pragmatic solutions;
- Actively Anti-Racist: You are committed to actively contributing to a more equitable and inclusive FMT by facilitating conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice with interns, fellows, members, and within staff. You’re committed to amplifying young voices to advocate for a more progressive, just Montana. You recognize how your own identities show up in the work and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an eye towards continuous learning about race, ability, and other lines of difference;
- Creativity & Innovation: You are creative & innovative when developing programs. You’re flexible, adaptable, and willing to try new things. You’re down to wear a costume, not afraid to talk to strangers, can conduct fieldwork for up to 8 hours at a time, hand out stickers that say ‘Give a Shit’, and are committed to finding ways to make new connections;
- Flexibility & Adaptability: You are able to shift quickly to meet the needs of the ever-changing political world, and work to implement the changes. You have a history of going with the flow and being able to adapt quickly to change.
Nice To Have's
- Experience, either professional or voluntary, with fieldwork is not required, but experience is always a plus! We can train and work with anyone on the specifics, but you will need to bring the drive to learn!
- Familiarity with the local community and existing relationships with youth, student groups, and organizations is always appreciated.
If you were the Voter Engagement and LGBTQ+ Organizer right now, you would be:
- Cultivating new relationships with volunteers to participate in your upcoming field efforts through 1:1’s at a local coffee shop;
- Tabling at a voter registration pride event and encouraging young people to share their stories to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights;
- Leading on an educational TikTok project with fellows to connect voting to LGBTQ+ rights;
- Speaking to a class of students at MSUB or Rocky Mountain College about the importance of registering to vote and talking about what’s coming up for FMT and how they can plug in;
- Strategizing with the entire program team about how to tackle an upcoming voter registration or canvassing goal!
Forward Montana is an equal opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by our issues and work. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ2S+ people, women, and people with disabilities to apply.
Logistics
- You must be comfortable working unconventional hours-- including nights and weekends
- You must have access to reliable transportation (a valid driver’s license is required)
- You’re comfortable conducting fieldwork for up to 6-8 hours at a time in all weather conditions
- This position includes both in-person and virtual components based on public health guidance around COVID-19
- You must be comfortable being managed and building relationships with our statewide team remotely
- This position works out of our regional office in Billings
This a full-time (40 hours/week) non-exempt position at $22 per hour, with bonus opportunities at the end of the year. This is a temporary position starting this Spring and ending December 20, 2024. Forward Montana also offers the following benefits:
- 100% Employer paid Health Insurance, Life Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program
- Opt-in Employee paid Dental and Vision Insurance
- Monthly Technology and Wellness reimbursements
- Generous paid time off, including paid family and medical leave
How To Apply
Please upload a resume and one-page cover letter stating your interest in the position, why building youth-power & getting out the vote in Billings is important, and what skillsets you’d be excited to grow & develop in this position.
If a cover letter isn’t your style, try something creative! We’re less concerned with the perfect cover letter and more interested in getting to know you, your passions, and what you’d bring to the position -- slideshows, videos, graphics/visuals, portfolios, or just a more casual tone cover letter are all welcome.
If you have any questions or need support, please reach out to Pari Kemmick, Senior Organizing Manager, [email protected] .
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a priority application deadline of March 29, 2024.
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