Bluetiful Work

Communications Associate, ActBlue

bluetifulwork — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:28:50 +0000

ActBlue is Hiring!Communications Associate

Reports to: Communications Director

Salary Range: $30,000 – $32,000

Together with the Communications Director, the Communications Associate will be working on pitching stories to media outlets (print, television, online), developing a branding and marketing strategy for the organization, solidifying a long-term message calendar, building a network of academic experts and opinion leaders, creating new written materials for ActBlue users, and working on the content on the site, all toward the goal of quadrupling the number of individuals with active ActBlue fundraising pages by early fall.

What this means for you: We’re looking for someone with superb writing ability (please send two samples of varied tone and/or character), precocious research skills, a commitment to Democratic politics, creativity and intuition. Basic HTML skills or ability to learn a bonus, as are skills in any of the creative disciplines. Above all, we’re looking for great ideas, a proactive personality, and an interest in developing a particular area of interest while at ActBlue.

Please feel free to take a creative approach in your cover letter. Tell us what skills you could bring to communications at ActBlue, and help us understand how your experience fits in.

Responsibilities include:

Working on earned media strategy
• Drafting press releases and responses to reporters
• Identifying opportunities for placement
• Drafting talking points for principals
• Maintaining archive of stories for use in press, outreach materials and preparing related press materials

Blog content
• Drafting blog posts as necessary
• Coordination/ polishing of staff and guest pieces as appropriate

Drafting and planning content for ActBlue’s internal e-mail list, including monthly newsletters

Developing print and online materials with the goals of:
o Building awareness of ActBlue’s services among political decision makers
o Engaging campaigns, political and party committees, and community organizations in effective online fundraising and complete adoption of our features
o Increasing ActBlue’s visibility among political constituencies and the general public
o Helping Democrats be competitive in races across the country in 2008

• Assisting political staff in the development of materials for
o Conference call and in-person trainings
o One on one consultations
o Preparing do-it-yourself materials

• Working with ActBlue staff to develop appropriate marketing and branding materials and opportunities

• And such other tasks as necessary

Please send a resume, a cover letter, and two writing samples, preferably in .pdf format, to jobs@actblue.com.

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ActBlue is the nation’s largest conduit of funds to Democrats. Launched in 2004, ActBlue created and deployed the next generation of online fundraising tools, enabling individuals and groups to raise money for the Democratic candidates of their choice. As of this month, users have raised over $37 million for Democratic candidates and committees at www.actblue.com.

Ballot Initiative Campaign: Communications and Field

bluetifulwork — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 02:32:26 +0000

Minnesota Heritage ’08, a major statewide ballot initiative campaign
organized in support of a constitutional amendment for dedicated
funding for Water, Wildlife, Natural Areas and the Arts, seeks
qualified individuals for the following positions:

·Communications Director

·Field Organizers

We seek highly motivated, team players who work well with others, can
maintain multiple responsibilities and are able to stay on top of
information and tasks in a fast-paced organization focused on winning
an election in November 2008. Candidates need to be strategic, team
players; and able to recruit, train and motivate a wide range of
people. We are looking for individuals who have the desire, skills
and toughness to work on an exciting and demanding campaign.
Candidates must be goal-oriented with leadership skills and strong
organizing experience.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply, please email a copy of your resume, a cover letter and three
references to:

Ken Martin at kenmartin73@comcast.net.

Women and people of color strongly encouraged to apply. Minnesota
Heritage ’08 is an equal opportunity employer.

Capital Area District Political Coordinator, SEIU Local 32BJ

bluetifulwork — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 02:30:27 +0000

Local 32BJ, SEIU is one of the largest and most dynamic labor unions in the Northeast, with 90,000 members in 7 states and Washington, DC. The union is at the forefront of building the nation’s labor movement, supporting progressive candidates for elected office and moving a broad policy agenda, including campaigns to guarantee living wages, promote responsible development and expand access to health care. Its parent organization, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), is the nation’s largest union.

The Capital Area Political Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of the union’s political work in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The person in this position will:

Plan and coordinate political field activities, lobby visits, phone banking and events for our public policy campaigns at the city, county, state and federal level;
Mobilize, train and educate new member leaders and activists for legislative and electoral activity;
Plan and supervise electoral program for local, state and federal elections;
Drive political activity around specific rezoning and economic development fights;
Support contract and organizing campaigns, including rallies, press events and targeted owner activity;
Build the union’s capacity through grassroots political fundraising drives;
Oversee and carry out regional activity for immigration policy campaigns;
Coordinate the union’s work with local labor and community allies, including the SEIU International and State Council programs.

For more information on the position, please contact Alison Hirsh, Assistant Political Director, at (212) 388-3058 or ahirsh@seiu32bj.org.

HILL: Staff Assistant (Boucher)

bluetifulwork — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:09:22 +0000

Rep. BoucherSenior Democrat serving on Energy and Commerce and Judiciary Committees seeks Staff Assistant for front office duties. Responsibilities include answering phones, greeting visitors, sorting mail and faxes, maintaining the public e-mail account, conducting Capitol tours, processing flag requests, handling academy nominations, coordinating White House tours, hiring and supervising interns, drafting constituent correspondence, troubleshooting computer systems for DC and district offices and assisting the Member and staff with various projects. Some occasional driving of the Member is required. Qualified applicants will be extremely organized, detail oriented and able to perform many tasks simultaneously. Interested applicants should e-mail a resume and cover letter to the Chief of Staff at Va09staff.assistant@mail.house.gov.

HILL: Staff Assistant (Ellison)

bluetifulwork — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:04:49 +0000

Rep. Keith Ellison
Staff Assistant/LC Posting

Progressive Minnesota Democrat seeks an energetic Staff Assistant/Legislative Correspondent to assist in managing the constituent mail program for the office. Candidates should have strong written and oral communication skills. Looking for someone who is a self-starter and able to constructively work in a team environment in a fast-paced office. Previous Capitol Hill experience is strongly preferred along with IQ database experience. Candidates from Minnesota strongly encouraged to apply.

Please send a cover letter, resume and one writing sample to MN05position@mail.house.gov no later than COB on Monday, December 31st. Please, no calls or walk-ins.

Brennan Center for Justice: Special Assistant

bluetifulwork — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:04:15 +0000

Special Assistant to the Democracy Program ManagementThe Brennan Center for Justice is a non-partisan public policy and law institute that focuses on the fundamental issues of democracy and justice. Our work ranges from voting rights to redistricting reform, from access to the courts to presidential power in the fight against terrorism. A singular institution – part think tank, part public interest law firm, part advocacy group – the Brennan Center combines scholarship, legislative and legal advocacy, and communications to win meaningful, measurable change in the public sector.

We seek an energetic, motivated, well-organized individual who will provide administrative support and research assistance to the Democracy Program Director and Deputy Directors. The Special Assistant will work closely with the Democracy Program’s dynamic management team as they address key voting rights issues in a critical period.

Responsibilities will include:

•Managing calendar (includes scheduling and confirming meetings)
•Drafting correspondence
•Communicating with internal and external constituents
•Coordinating key projects and meetings
•Making travel arrangements
•Answering and screening incoming calls
•Filing and general administrative support

The ideal candidate will have:

•A bachelor’s degree
•Keen attention to detail and an ability to multi-task
•An openness to evolving responsibilities
•Excellent oral and written communication skills
•An interest in politics and public policy
•A sense of humor and an ability to build positive working relationships
•Proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Salary: Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application:
Application deadline is January 15, 2008, but applications will be
considered on a rolling basis. Please send cover letter, resume, and
brief writing sample by e-mail to brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu, with
Special Assistant in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

For more information about the Brennan Center, visit our website:
http://www.brennancenter.org.

The Brennan Center for Justice is an equal opportunity, affirmative
action employer, which welcomes qualified applicants of all races,
ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations, including people who
have been previously incarcerated.

Jumpstart: Government Relations Manager

bluetifulwork — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:02:19 +0000

About Jumpstart
Jumpstart is a national early education organization that works toward the day every child in America enters school prepared to succeed. Through extraordinary attention in yearlong one-to-one relationships, Jumpstart inspires children to learn, adults to teach, families to get involved and communities to progress together. Headquartered in Boston, Jumpstart pairs 3,500 trained adults one-to- one with preschool children in need of assistance. During the 2007-2008 program year, Jumpstart is serving 13,000 children across 20 states, in partnership with 300 early learning centers and nearly 70 universities and colleges throughout the country. Jumpstart’s national sponsors include American Eagle Outfitters, AmeriCorps, Pearson, Sodexho and Starbucks. Jumpstart has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and is the recipient of the Fast Company/Monitor Social Capitalist Award (2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007) and the Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy’s Directors Award. In 2006, the organization launched Jumpstart’s Read for the Record, an annual campaign to bring national attention to early education while setting a world record for the number of adults and children reading the same book in a single day.Position Overview
The Government Relations Manager will work to implement an integrated federal, state and local strategy to influence public policy related to early childhood education, college student engagement, and national service. S/he will work with Jumpstart’s Regional Executive Directors to engage key public officials in Jumpstart’s work and educate these officials on our mission and goals. The Manager will develop new opportunities for Jumpstart to involve key stakeholders
such as an annual event for federal policy makers in Washington, D.C., regional and state-wide policy roundtables, and other such
events. In supporting all administrative and communication tasks
related to the effective functioning of Jumpstart’s government
relations strategy, the Manager will be central to driving
Jumpstart’s ability to secure long-term sustainable funding sources
from the federal government.

Primary responsibilities will include: the proactive and ongoing
engagement and education of government officials and their staffs;
the creation of policy memos and updates for internal and external
audiences; the writing and dissemination of communications with
government officials at both the federal and state level to engage
them in Jumpstart’s efforts, and maintenance of a system that keeps
Jumpstart abreast of all relevant national service, early childhood
and higher education legislation, as well as other related
legislation. The Manager will report to the Senior Vice President of
External Relations and will be based in Boston, MA, with frequent
travel to Washington D.C.

Specific Responsibilities
• Support the President, Sr. VP of External Relations, and
Jumpstart’s regional staff in implementing a long-term strategic
government relations plan focused on federal, state, and local
strategies
• Coordinate opportunities for members of the Jumpstart
network – from the President to college student Corps members – to
meet with Members of Congress
• Serve as relationship manager with numerous Congressional
staff members with focus on frequent written correspondence
• Interface with various coalitions in which Jumpstart has
membership, including America Forward and Voice for National Service
• Keep abreast of the most relevant national service, early
childhood and higher education issues and legislation; devise and
implement vehicles for sharing this information with the entire
Jumpstart network
• Identify additional opportunities to access governmental
resources beyond AmeriCorps including remaining aware of new
competitive grant opportunities within the Department of Health and
Human Services, Department of Education, and other federal bodies
relevant to Jumpstart’s work
• Support Jumpstart’s efforts in applying for non-AmeriCorps
federal grant opportunities
• Support Regional Executive Directors across the country in
engaging and educating elected officials (at the federal, state, and
local level), as well as support logistics when House and Senate
officials visit their local Jumpstart program.
• Inform public policy debate by building productive
relationships with key policy institutions and think tanks
• Develop civic engagement agenda encompassing appropriate
conference presentations and panel participation by Jumpstart senior
staff at both the federal and state policy levels

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in related field
a plus
• 3-5 years experience in a related position, with Hill
experience desired
• Understanding of the Executive and Legislative branches of
our government and experience working with elected officials and
their staff members; knowledge of Congressional appropriations
process a plus
• Exceptional organizational skills, high attention to detail
and ability to plan and implement in a demanding, fast-paced
environment
• Strong oral and written communication skills; commitment to
professional integrity in all communications; ability to oversee all
administrative duties required with frequent communication touch
points
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; strong spreadsheet
skills for tracking contacts and correspondence desired
• Ability to perform independently with minimal guidance or to
work collaboratively with a team comprised of individuals from all
levels of the organization
• Flexibility and adaptability with a strong work ethic and an
entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate growing levels of responsibility
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and interested in learning within a
growing, dynamic organization
• Commitment to Jumpstart’s mission and values of quality,
challenge, diversity, respect and kindness

Location
Boston, MA
Salary Range
Commensurate with education and experience, with competitive benefits
Starting Date
Available Now

Contact Information
Email resume and cover letter including salary requirements to:

Kerry Connor
Recruitment Manager
jobs@jstart.org

Please indicate in your cover letter how you found out about this
position.

Progressive Majority: Arizona State Political Director

bluetifulwork — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:07:06 +0000

Progressive Majority is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Arizona State Political Director for its Candidate Recruitment and Development Program. All applicants must support a broad progressive agenda and be committed to using the electoral process to effect social change. Position Summary:
The Political Director will work with the State Director to implement the overall Progressive Majority mission of recruiting, supporting, training, and electing progressive candidates at the state and local level, with the ultimate goals of 1) establishing Progressive Majority as the premier recruitment and support operation for progressive political candidates in the state, and 2) recruiting, training, and creating a pipeline of talented, progressive candidates that ultimately win election to public office and impact the statewide political landscape.

Principal Duties:
Conduct in-depth, ongoing statewide research on the Arizona political landscape using all available geographic, demographic, and political data;
Work with state director to identify emerging trends and political and legislative opportunities to recruit and elect progressive candidates to local and state legislative office;
Develop and maintain working partnerships with the state Party staff, coalition partners, labor union representatives, communities of color and elected officials in order to assist recruitment efforts;
Travel throughout the state to attend and speak at meetings, conferences and conventions to recruit potential candidates for elected office raise the profile of Progressive Majority;
Conduct preliminary interviews with potential candidates for candidate recruitment program;
Provide technical assistance to Farm Team candidates on all aspects of campaigning;
Assist State Director with planning and execution of small and large group training sessions for Farm Team members;
Assist in building Progressive Majority grassroots membership;
Maintain comprehensive database of potential candidates;
Compile, update and utilize comprehensive calendar of speaking and outreach opportunities around the state;
Assist state director in outreach to communities of color;
Provide regular reports, work plans and strategic plans to State Director on recruitment efforts.

Requirements:
At least 4 years campaign and/or political organizing experience working with campaigns and/or in progressive politics and a thorough working knowledge of the political landscape in Arizona is required.

Salary:
Salary is commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:
Send resume and cover letter to Tamara Holmes, Human Resources Director, Progressive Majority, 1825 K Street NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20006 or via email at resumes@progressivemajority.org.

Progressive Majority is an equal opportunity employer.

Progressive Majority: Pennsylvania State Finance Director

bluetifulwork — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 20:00:55 +0000

Progressive Majority is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Pennsylvania State Finance Director for its Candidate Recruitment and Development Program. All applicants must support a broad progressive agenda and be committed to using the electoral process to effect social change. Position Summary:
The Finance Director will work with the State Director to fund the overall Progressive Majority mission of recruiting, funding, supporting, training, and electing progressive candidates at the state and local level, with the ultimate goals of 1) establishing Progressive Majority Pennsylvania as the premier recruitment and support operation for progressive political candidates in the state, 2) recruiting, training, and creating a pipeline of talented, progressive candidates that ultimately win election to public office and impact the statewide political landscape, 3) increasing the number of progressives holding political office, and 4) maintaining and expanding progressive majorities at the local and state legislative levels in Pennsylvania.

Principal Duties:
Write and execute a finance plan comprised of both grassroots level and high-level donor fundraising;
Provide technical assistance to farm team candidates on all aspects of fundraising;
Supervise all development interns;
Establish and operate a Progressive Majority Pennsylvania conduit;
Work with web designer to facilitate online conduit participation;
Create, build and maintain the Progressive Majority Pennsylvania donor database;
Plan and execute successful direct mail, telemarketing, and online campaigns;
Plan large and small-scale fundraising events to benefit Progressive Majority Pennsylvania and individual farm team candidates;
Work with state director and national staff to identify and cultivate potential donors;
Set up and attend donor meetings with state director and national director;
Highlight candidates among donors to build financial support;
Develop and maintain working partnerships with coalition partners, labor union representatives, communities of color and elected officials in order to assist finance efforts;
Assist state director with planning and execution of fundraising training sessions for farm team candidates and campaign staff;
Assist in building Progressive Majority Pennsylvania grassroots membership;
Coordinate state-based fundraising efforts with the Progressive Majority’s national development staff;
Assist in the tracking and preparation of donor data for all compliance reports;
Provide regular reports, work plans and strategic plans to state director on fundraising efforts.

Requirements:
At least three years fundraising experience working with campaigns and/or in progressive politics and a thorough working knowledge of the Pennsylvania political landscape and campaign finance regulatory compliance is required.

Salary:
Salary is commensurate with experience.

Progressive Majority is an equal opportunity employer.

Progressive States: Broadband, Media Reform and Economic Development Advocate

bluetifulwork — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:58:02 +0000

The Progressive States Network (www.progressivestates.org) seeks a highly motivated individual to work in a team approach as a policy advocate working on broadband policy, media reform and technology-based economic development. The Progressive States Network is a state-based organization, the mission of which is to pass progressive legislation in all 50 of America’s state legislatures, while challenging rightwing forces in each of those states.Job Description: Progressive States is looking for an individual to help coordinate our technology-based policies with state legislators and allied advocacy groups across the country. High-speed Internet access has become increasingly critical for long-term economic development of communities and erasing inequality due to the digital divide, so state elected leaders and community advocates are looking for help in developing the policies needed to make that a reality. The goal of this position is to help take on corporate lobbyists in statehouses across the country and help spread policies that democratize access to the tools of democracy and economic empowerment. The areas of policies covered by this position include

Universal and Affordable Broadband: Encourage universal broadband access through a range of policies, including protecting community services, mapping broadband access, promoting broadband investments, and promoting buildout regulations.

Leveraging Broadband for Energy, Health Care and Education Savings: Promote ways to link programs promoting energy-efficient “smart buildings”, e-medicine, and distance learning into broadband buildout coalitions.

Local Technology Investments: Support use of state-based venture capital funds, public pension funds, and other state-controlled financial capital to spur both high-tech spinoffs from universities and research labs while encouraging greater job development in “emerging domestic markets” in inner-city urban or depressed rural areas most at risk under global competition.

Promoting Media Justice: Use education and job training programs to connect low-income communities to technology jobs, fund community technology centers to provide marginalized communities with the media technology to learn the skills to more fully in our democracy, and support alternative media where those voices can be heard.

Since Progressive States is dedicated to breaking down single issue politics in favor of a shared multi-issue agenda, any candidate for these positions should be prepared to promote these issues in the context of helping to promote other issues of concerns to our allies in the labor, civil rights, environmental and other grassroots communities.

PSN State Campaign Support: A core part of the PSN staffer’s responsibility would be to support campaigns on these issues in each state, working with local allies and legislative allies we have developed from other campaigns to find sponsors and help move the bills in more states. This help will range from drafting legislation and amendments during the sessions, writing op-eds, developing fact sheets and other resource sheets, promoting grassroots public education in support of these voting reform initiatives, and helping legislators educate their fellow lawmakers on the need for the bills.

Strategic Coordination with Other Issue Campaigns: Where PSN brings special expertise is using our involvement in a range of other national and local issue campaigns to add strategic advice on moving these policies in the context of other key reforms, from labor based goals of creating new jobs to using technology to lower health care costs and free up funds for universal health care.

Build National Voting Reform Legislative Network: A key role for the PSN voting reform advocate would be to build a national network of state legislators that can work consistently to build a pro-growth and pro-justice approach to technology and economic development. By encouraging more legislator-to-legislator communication across state lines, we help legislators to see a policy proposal not as some radical new innovation but as a tested policy which has strengthened the political position of their peer legislators in other states. Strengthening legislator-to-legislator coordination also encourages legislators to think more seriously about the national impact of their actions and their role as leaders in the progressive movement, instead of just narrowly concentrating on their role as legislators in their own state.

Qualifications
Any candidate must be self-motivated and an innovative thinker and organizer with a dedication to public interest issues. Excellent verbal and writing skills are an essential requirement. Background in technology or economic development advocacy is strongly desired. Relevant experience includes (but is not limited to) working in political, policy, legal, journalistic, or government settings. Advanced degrees, including a JD or masters in related fields, may count toward a candidate’s professional experience. But most of all, we are looking for smart, creative thinkers and doers who can help build and strengthen the progressive movement in this country.

Progressive States is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage and value a diverse workforce, and we seek diversity among applicants for this position. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary & Benefits
Salary and benefits for this position is commensurate with the amount of relevant professional experience that a candidate has. Opportunities for advancement, travel, and additional training are available.

Background
The Progressive States Network works with legislators and community organizations across the country to advance legislation at the state level that protects individual freedoms, promotes sustainable economic growth, and strengthens America’s working families. Backed by labor unions, community leaders, environmental groups, grassroots organizations such as MoveOn.org, and other individual supporters, Progressive States blends analysis and action and is working to establish a cohesive network and support system for progressive legislators in all 50 states, while building a concerted movement dedicated to grassroots social and political change across the nation. See www.progressivestates.org for more information.
How to Apply
Email a compelling cover letter, resume and writing sample identifying which policy position you are applying for and which shows your ability to write about policy issues in a manner accessible to the public to:

Nathan Newman, Policy Director
Progressive States Network
jobs@progressivestates.org