Description

 “You can't fight these big fights on your own. You need to work with others, and you need others if you're going to take care of the places that you love.” 

-Jeanie Alderson, Northern Plains Chair’19-‘21

POLITICAL MANAGER

Northern Plains seeks a Political Manager to execute a strong legislative electoral program during the 2026 cycle including managing a field canvass, leading a direct mail and digital ad program. This is a temporary position through December 1, 2026 with potential for permanent hire.

WHO WE ARE

Northern Plains is a grassroots organization of people from the plains and mountains, cities and towns. We are everyday Montanans who love where we live. We stand up, shoulder-to-shoulder, to protect this place we all call home.

LOCATION: This is an in-person position located in Billings, Montana, however flexible arrangements will be considered under special circumstances. 

We are a team of hard-working, dedicated individuals who honor and promote a healthy work/life balance.  Our LEED Platinum certified office is full of natural light, outbursts of laughter, and is frequently visited by our furry, four-legged friends.    

Northern Plains has an agreement with Montana Rural Voters Action Fund, and this position will require work with these organizations subject to this agreement. More details on these responsibilities will be provided during interviews.

What you will do

•        Lead Northern Plains’ 2026 endorsements and Billings-based electoral work;
•        Work closely with a team of staff and leaders to advance goals and tactics;
•        Manage a budget, and make decisions based on available resources for the work;
•        Supervise a canvass director or more staff as needed;
•        Help write canvass scripts, cut turf, and train staff on how to do those tasks;
•        Help to write and edit direct mail, digital, and social content;
•        Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing;
•        Represent Northern Plains in ally spaces related to the electoral work; 
•        Uphold our member-led model of grassroots and democratic decision-making.

Requirements

Who you are

• Experience participating in or leading door-to-door canvasses.
• Experience supporting or leading the development of mail and digital programs for campaigns. 
• 1-2 cycles of electoral experience, either on political campaigns, ballot initiatives, or nonpartisan civic engagement programs;
• Knowledgeable on IRS nonprofit tax statuses and campaign finance laws and reporting systems;
• Some management-level experience of supervising others;
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including experience developing and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse group of individuals;
• Highly motivated, proactive work style with excellent organizational skills and follow through;
• Ability to work effectively with teams of both staff and volunteer leaders, build trust, and facilitate decision making processes amongst them;
• Strategic thinker with a flexible and agile approach to achieving program goals and tactics;
• Committed to building long-term grassroots power through member-led community organizing and embraces Northern Plains’ mission.

We understand that the right candidate may have experience in different areas. If you don’t meet all the requirements above but have an interest in learning, we still encourage you to apply.

Also helpful: 

       Familiarity with environmental and agricultural issues.

       Familiarity with broader movements for social, economic, and environmental justice.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Our compensation philosophy and transparent salary structure flows from our belief that our people are the most important part of our organization.

The salary for this position starts at $5,000-$6,000/ month depending on experience.

TO APPLY:
This position is open until filled, but we encourage applications as soon as possible.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity in all forms and in all aspects of our work. Applicants from all walks of life and identities, including persons of color, LGBTQ+, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Email the following to hiring@northernplainsaction.org in either Word or PDF format:

•        Cover letter (tell us why you want the job, where you heard about it, your most relevant experience, areas you may need to grow into)
•        Resume
•        Contact information for 3 professional references