Political Director

Title: Political Director

Reports to: Co-Executive Director

Status: Full-time, exempt

Location: Based in Alaska, Anchorage or Juneau preferred

Compensation: $75,000-$82,000

Position Overview:

The Alaska Center seeks a passionate, hardworking leader to serve as our next Political Director. This position will direct and oversee our political strategy, including policy and electoral strategies. The role will work with the Advocacy Team members to set and implement our policy goals, and also conduct all work related to endorsing and electing leaders who share our values.

Organizational Overview:

The Alaska Center engages, empowers, and elects Alaskans to stand up for clean air and water, healthy communities, and a strong democracy. We are working to transition our state from an extractive economy to an equitable, just, and clean energy economy in which all Alaskans can thrive. We advocate for the protection of salmon habitat, clean energy solutions in the face of rapid climate change, and amplifying Alaskans voices in the public process. Our sister organization The Alaska Center Education Fund provides education and leadership development for children, youth and adults, and promotes civic engagement.

Primary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Political Program Implementation:

• Direct and oversee all political programming to elect strong leaders who champion our values to local and statewide offices

• Develop and implement long-term political and electoral power-building strategies to help achieve our mission
• Determine campaign targets and political strategy based on research, communication with coalition partners, and viability in the local, state, and federal election cycles
• Develop and lead all Independent Expenditure programming, including at minimum, municipal programs in Anchorage and Fairbanks elections and state cycles
• Oversee all work regarding the Alaska Public Offices Commission, including public reporting/campaign disclosure, and work with local counsel to address legal questions

Supervision/Management

• Supervise The Alaska Centers contract lobbyist, including weekly check-ins, serving as the staff point of contact, and directing joint planning with advocacy
• Supervise The Alaska Centers contract APOC consultant, directly managing the production of all the APOC reports required, and approving drafts before contractor files.
• Manage the Clean Energy Managers work on the Chugach election cycle, setting goals for our utility cooperative election work
• Staff The Alaska Center Political Committee of the Board of Directors, including developing agendas and, recommending endorsements
• Develop and manage the IE (527) budget, be a Manager of the Boards and Commissions budget, and support the Advocacy budget

Organizational Leadership:

• Help with annual and long-term goal setting, and addressing organizational issues that require a cross-departmental perspective
• Contribute to ongoing and growing leadership and management development of the AKC/EF staff, building towards a cohesive, inclusive and equitable culture as part of the Management Team

Issue Campaign Implementation:

• Lead The Alaska Center Team in developing priority policy goals in close coordination with staff, membership, and other community partners, and consulting with the contract lobbyist to align goals and political feasibility.
• Manage our work to achieve policy goals during the legislative session, working closely with the contract lobbyist, Advocacy Director, and other staff to guide grasstops and grassroots strategies
• Work with contract lobbyist to field or otherwise direct legislator inquiries, questions, and communication with staff as necessary; support lobbying at least one fly-in a year.
• Support the implementation of issue campaign plans by working alongside organizers and volunteers in engagement in volunteer recruitment, canvassing, events, etc.
• Participate in the coalitions as necessary, including supporting LCVs Federal Coalition and reporting as necessary.

Coalitions

• Serve on the Executive Committee of the C4 Alaska Votes Table coalition: advise on coalition direction and focus, working with the Part-Time table director
• Collaborate with other external political partners, such as one-cycle independent expenditures, to develop and execute power-building and electoral strategies
• Participate in the Campaigns sub-committee of the Alaska Railbelt Coalition alongside the Clean Energy Manager

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum three years of professional experience, including political / advocacy campaign experience;
• Knowledge of Alaska politics;
• Ability to inspire action in others, lead by example and instill purpose into daily operations of the organization;
• Experience with the Voter Activation Network and affiliated databases;
• Ability and willingness to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends on occasion;
• Experience designing, maintaining and improving a goal-oriented accountability structure without compromising staff autonomy or innovation;

• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and solution-based approach in high-pressure or difficult situations.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, meeting frequent deadlines;
• Ability to adapt and adjust to changing circumstances quickly;
• Commitment to understanding race, class, gender, and other equity issues in organizing and politics. Experience and commitment to strengthening racial justice, equity, and inclusion.
  

This is a full-time hybrid position based in Anchorage, Alaska. During the first three months of employment, in-person work in the office is required to support onboarding, training, and relationship-building. After the initial three-month period, the position transitions to a hybrid schedule, requiring 23 days per week in the office, with the remaining time worked remotely. Position and Salary are dependent on experience, with a generous and competitive benefits package. Alaska Center staff have access to professional development opportunities, including training and support. The Alaska Center provides a supportive work environment with excellent benefits and incentives. The Alaska Center is an equal-opportunity employer. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. We are committed to supporting, centering, and working with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Working-Class and Low-Income people, Women, LGBTQIA2 people, and Disabled people in addressing the many crises that impact us. We strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities to apply.

To Apply:
Please complete the form, including submitting all requested materials. In your cover letter, be sure to address how your qualifications match the job description and why you want to work for our organization in your cover letter. First review of applications is November 21.