State Director, Illinois

We are looking for a collaborative and visionary leader to leadour teamin

Illinois, promoting the Common Cause agenda at the state and national level; fostering a strong, sustainableteam; leading winning public policy campaigns through policy analysis, research, lobbying, litigation, grassroots organizing, sophisticated communications and building strong and diverse coalitions.

The State Director will have the opportunity to envision a strategic approach for Common Causein Illinois 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 Illinois, with a strong preference for a candidate who is in the Chicagoland area, with an expectation to travel around the state at least 4 days per week (including frequent travel to Springfield during legislative sessions). We hope our new State Director will start in May.

• Develop effective proactive and defensive policy campaigns that center racial equity
• Advocate for our campaigns in alignment with the Common Cause agenda and non‑partisanship 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 while supporting national campaigns, including issues like voting and fair representation, accountability and anti‑corruption, media and technology, and civil rights and civil liberties
• 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

• 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 Illinois team: collaboratively set goals, coach and develop staff, including members apart of the collective bargaining unit, 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 collaboration between your team, in‑state coalitions, and other teams across the organization, ensuring coordination and alignment on shared work and priorities

• Manage the operations of the Illinois team, including managing the budget and any in‑state administrative responsibilities (including lobbying reports, mail processing, etc.)
• 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

• Develop fundraising strategies to fund Common Cause programs, including lobbying efforts
• Raise money from foundations, major donors, members, and special events
• Collaborate with national staff to achieve fundraising goals for Illinois
• Cultivate, nurture, and grow relationships with Illinois’ 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 influence others to adopt changes to meet common goals
• A track record of working collaboratively…