State Director

We are looking for a collaborative and visionary leader for our team in Wisconsin, promoting the Common Cause agenda at the state and national level; fostering a strong, sustainable team; leading winning public policy campaigns through policy analysis, research, lobbying, litigation, grassroots organizing, sophisticated communications and building strong and diverse coalitions.

This State Director will have the opportunity to envision a strategic approach for Common Cause in Wisconsin and develop programs to achieve that vision. This is a unique opportunity to be a leading voice at the center of advancing democracy reforms in the state, while also expanding our membership base and managing a high-performing team.

This is a full-time role reporting to the Vice President of States; this role is based in Wisconsin, and an expectation to travel around the state at least 4 times per month (and more often during legislative session). We hope our new State Director will start in February.

• Set and lead our strategy for our policy advocacy and organizing that centers racial equity
• Develop effective proactive and defensive policy campaigns that center racial equity
• Advocate for our campaigns in alignment with the Common Cause agenda and non-partisan mission
• Develop and execute lobbying strategies to advance reform (or stop anti-democratic initiatives) and to hold federal, state, and local elected and appointed officials and other decision-makers accountable
• Oversee Common Cause’s work in the state including issues like voting and fair representation, accountability and anti-corruption, and media and technology
• Produce timely, high-quality policy research
• Act as a leader within Common Cause, collaborating with staff across the organization to advance and support our priorities
• Drive work through public outreach and strategic partnerships
• Build, lead, and participate in effective and diverse coalitions
• Serve as Common Cause’s spokesperson in responding to inquiries from media, government officials, and others
• Engage members and the public across the state through social media, website updates, and email communication
• Develop and implement grassroots organizing strategies to build support for the Common Cause agenda
• Expand and diversify our membership base in the state to deepen our impact

• Manage the Wisconsin team: collaboratively set goals, coach and develop them towards these goals and support their career progression and retention at Common Cause
• Supervise consultants, volunteers, and interns as needed, in accordance with Common Cause management standards, practices, and procedures
• Promote, lead, and manage collaboration between your team and other teams across the organization, ensuring coordination and alignment on shared work and priorities

• Manage the operations of the Wisconsin team, including managing the budget
• Build and engage a strong and diverse state advisory board that assists on policy, organizing, and fundraising activities
• Collaborate with Common Cause staff across the country

• Collaborate with national staff to achieve fundraising goals for Wisconsin
• Develop fundraising strategies to fund Common Cause programs, including lobbying efforts
• Raise money from foundations, major donors, members, and special events
• Cultivate, nurture, and grow relationships with Wisconsin’s network of donors

• A strong commitment to Common Cause’s nonpartisan mission and to advancing civil rights through our pro-democracy agenda
• A commitment to equity in the goals of your work and in how you work with others
• Ability to navigate organizational and power dynamics, respectfully navigate conflict while maintaining your values, and…