The 2020 election will be one of the most important in American history and thousands of Vermonters will vote for their first time, many of them by mail. The VPIREF Democracy & Youth Organizer will help Vermonters to safely exercise their right to vote.
The ideal candidate will inspire Vermonters to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the 2020 election. They will have an existing network of contacts and they will delight in making new connections, working with diverse communities, building lasting networks, sharing critical information, setting clear expectations, and working with a values-driven team. They must be an effective independent worker, but also a strong collaborator. They must be able to draft plans and materials, seek feedback, accept constructive critiques and adjust accordingly. They should be goal oriented and data driven, while maintaining an ability to coordinate and communicate with Vermonters of all ages, genders, races, national origins, physical abilities and sexual orientations. Goals of the role include:
ENERGIZING YOUTH LEADERS & MOBILIZING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN THE 2020 ELECTION
Work with existing nonpartisan organizations (Vermont Youth Lobby, VEEP, Sunrise, 350, 4H, etc.) to convene existing leaders, recruit new leadership, facilitate goals and planning sessions to reshape how Vermont’s youth will engage in democracy and organizing most effectively in this age.
- Prioritize youth voting in the fall of 2020
- Collaborate with youth organizations, such as the Vermont Youth Lobby, Sunrise Movement and the VPIRG Club at UVM, to build the youth movement
STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY FOR ALL VERMONT VOTERS
Vermont can have a safe election that does not needlessly risk voters’ or poll workers’ health and an election where more Vermonters than ever participate. This can be accomplished through public education about Vermont’s vote-by-mail and early vote opportunities designed to A) Increase turnout among historically low-propensity voters (young people, Vermonters with low-incomes, people of color, people with disabilities) and B) Increase turnout in cities and towns with historically low turnout, such as Burlington and Winooski.
HOW TO APPLY
The position is a full-time position with the Vermont Public Interest Research & Education Fund (VPIREF), VPIRG’s 501(c)3 sister organization that conducts nonpartisan public education. Work will be done remotely until Vermont’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” emergency order is lifted and VPIREF establishes return-to-work protocols. Candidates must be able to access the internet for communications. Some evening and weekend work is expected. VPIREF is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Apply online at vpirg.tempurl.host/apply. Include a resume, cover letter that speaks to the qualifications required and your interest in VPIREF’s mission (to promote and protect the health of Vermont’s people, environment and locally-based economy by informing and mobilizing citizens statewide), and three writing samples, at least one of which is a sample social media post. Final application deadline is Tuesday, June 30, though applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Start: July 15, 2020
End: December 15, 2020
Compensation: $13-$15/hour, commensurate with experience