Organizing Manager

ROLE: Organizing Manager

LOCATION: Washington, DC

START DATE: February 3, 2025

REPORTS TO: Deputy Director

Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) – DFER DC seeks an Organizing Manager to develop and execute our grassroots organizing strategies. The Organizing Manager will oversee event planning, mobilization efforts, and data collection to track engagement and impact. This role is ideal for someone with excellent management skills who thrives in an entrepreneurial, flexible, high-intensity political environment. DFER DC has a hybrid workplace policy that requires at least one day per week in person in the office. However, this position requires significant travel to in-person meetings and events within Washington, DC.

WHO WE ARE 

DFER DC recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates dedicated to creating a public education system in Washington, DC, that justly and equitably serves all students. We believe strongly in centering students in policymaking, advancing racial equity, and constantly improving our public education system so that our Black, Brown, English Learners, students with different abilities, LGBTQ+ students, and students from low-income families receive a high-quality education from preschool through postsecondary education and training that enables them to enter the workforce well-prepared and free from crippling student loan debt. 

WHAT WE DO 

1. Support for Progressive Education Leaders — In an approach that is markedly different from our peers and partners in the field, DFER DC engages directly with candidates and elected officials to empower them to advocate for education policies that focus foremost on serving students. We partner with the DC Chapter of Education Reform Now Advocacy and the non-profit organization Education Reform Now DC, whose mission is aligned, involves policy research, analysis, and education that helps policymakers understand complex education issues and make informed decisions. 

2. Inform the Education Debate in DC — We work collaboratively with organizations and our community networks to create an education system held accountable to all kids and families. 

3. Target Interventions and Rapid Response — DFER DC's breadth and depth of reach from Advisory Neighborhood Commissions to Ward-based education councils to DC State Board of Education members, DC Councilmembers, and the Executive branch enable us to respond quickly to the changing landscape and policy trends. Activities vary significantly from project to project and may include training, policy analysis, public engagement, electoral and issue advocacy, and policy guidance for elected officials and local advocates. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Engagement and Coalition Building:

• Build relationships with parents, educators, and community leaders to expand DFER DC’s network of advocates.

• Identify and engage stakeholders to build a diverse coalition supporting educational equity initiatives.

Grassroots Campaign Management:

• Develop and execute grassroots organizing strategies to support DFER DC’s policy and advocacy goals.
• Plan and manage community events, town halls, and informational sessions to educate stakeholders and mobilize support.

Volunteer Recruitment and Development:

• Recruit, train, and empower volunteers to lead community advocacy efforts.
• Develop resources and materials to support volunteer-led initiatives.

Data and Metrics Tracking:

• Maintain an accurate database of contacts, volunteers, and campaign activities.
• Track metrics and produce reports to measure the impact of organizing efforts.

Collaboration with Policy and Communications Teams:

• Work closely with the Policy and Communications Manager to align grassroots efforts with policy goals and messaging.
• Ensure community voices are reflected in DFER DC’s policy recommendations and public communications.

Requirements

• Passion for DFER DC’s mission and vision, along with a desire to advance racial equity and justice
• Must be a DC resident or willing to immediately move to DC
• Track record of successful project management
• At least 3 years of experience in community organizing, advocacy, or campaign management, preferably in education or a related field
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to think strategically, critically, and creatively
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage a diverse group of stakeholders and develop and maintain external relationships
• Willingness to be flexible in an entrepreneurial and sometimes tense political environment

PLUS BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree  
• Familiarity with education policy and the unique challenges facing public education in Washington, D.C.
• Proficiency with organizing tools and platforms (e.g., VAN, Mobilize, or similar CRM systems)
• Management experience 
• Bilingual or multilingual skills

Benefits

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $90,000. DFER DC is proud to offer excellent benefits: health, vision, and dental coverage; flexible spending plan; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; 401K plan with a match plan; flexible spending/benefits plan; paid family leave; paid time off (vacation, sick time, and all National holidays).

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Democrats for Education Reform DC welcomes applications from all and strongly encourages women, people of color, people with different abilities, immigrants, refugees & LGBTQIA people to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing our organization's diversity and recruiting a team that reflects the diversity of DC students.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply as soon as possible. All applications are held in strict confidence. Interested candidates should apply here with a resume and a cover letter explaining why they are an ideal candidate for this position. References will be requested at a later stage of the selection process. A limited number of candidates will be scheduled for phone interviews in January 2025.