Now Hiring: Field Director

March 13, 2013
By Transportation for America

The Transportation for America (T4America) Campaign is seeking a smart and motivated individual to jump into a vibrant national campaign and be a high performing Field Director. The Field Director will direct the day-to-day operations of a diverse coalition of prominent leaders from a multitude of constituencies working to reform transportation policy.

T4 America is a growing and diverse campaign of partner organizations, businesses, and elected officials focused on creating a bold, new national transportation program that will take America into the 21st century by building a modernized infrastructure and affordable, livable communities where people have a diversity of transportation and housing options. Over 500 partners strong, the campaign is growing daily.

Experience managing field organizing on a political or issue campaign is required. The Field Director reports to the Campaign Director and works with the 7 person field and outreach staff to develop and implement field plans for the campaign. The applicant must be a dynamic individual, prepared to speak to audiences, and organize both grasstop and grassroots events for NGOs, business leaders, and elected officials. The Field Director will also work closely with the Legislative and Communications teams.

Responsibilities will include:

Manage a powerful national field operation consisting of state coalitions of “grasstop” supporters — local organizations, statewide organizations, elected officials, and in-state opinion leaders — for the campaign.
Grow a powerful national outreach operation consisting of leaders from the business community, elected officials, real estate developers, equity and health groups, civic leaders, transportation industry representatives, and others.
Develop regional tactics and field strategy and manage implementation of activities by local organizers for over a dozen high priority states for the campaign.
Work with field team to engage local and state partners to shape outreach strategies appropriate for each state.
Manage outreach activities and partner engagement with targeted constituent groups both in DC and in other target locations, including partner summits, Hill briefings, and media opportunities.
Build the capacity of national partners, local, and state campaign partners to engage with state and federal leaders on the campaign’s legislative agenda.
Develop tools and materials (in coordination with other campaign teams) to engage coalition partners in advocacy and media efforts in an expanding role over the course of the campaign.
Train field and outreach staff on organizing, advocacy, and messaging.
Report regularly to Campaign Director with written documentation of results.
This position requires a self-motivated and detail-oriented person with excellent organizational skills. The candidate must have good communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
In select states, work with local partners who are coordinating with the campaign to promote economic development policies and transportation funding campaigns.
In select states, engage local partners in activities around federal transportation policy.

The candidate should have:

Interest in transportation issues and experience organizing on an advocacy campaign. Prior work building broad-based coalitions and working with transportation agencies – particularly local or metropolitan planning agencies — is preferred.
A minimum of five years of salaried management experience in field organizing for a political or issue campaign.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines with willingness to be part of a team working towards a common goal.
Available for travel on a frequent basis
Strong communication and writing skills and an ability to work with a diverse group of people and audiences.
Ability to build and maintain coalitions through internet, in person or by phone.
Knowledge of transportation policy and transportation and land-use planning a plus.

COMPENSATION: Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

TIME FRAME: Full-time.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, short writing sample and 3 references to jobs@t4america.org. Include “Field Director” in text in the subject line or the body of the email. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so it’s best to get your application in early.