Project Director

Groundswell Contact Job Posting

Project Director - Political Field Campaigns 

Location: remote

Project Director 

At Groundswell Contact we are committed to executing quality field campaigns with the reliability of vended programs and the passion of movement organizing. We're pulling from our roots of volunteer and member organizing to develop methods that allow us to stay accessible to candidates and organizations of all sizes, and truly invest in local power building. Our projects are hired locally, and executed prioritizing strategy that takes the client, their goals, and the community we're working within, over a one-size-fits-all model. Working with Groundswell Contact means doing things differently and harnessing the organizing skills that once powered the progressive movement. 

We believe that paid field should have as much focus on the efficiency and substance of its programs as the efficiency of its shifts. If you're interested in leading resulting driven projects that truly create change and support the movement's goals - not just hitting metrics - this may be the job for you. 

The project Director's core function is to serve as lead project manager across multiple projects and states. The Project Director is expected to manage the full scope of their assigned programs, driving the set-up, development, implementation, execution and strategic evaluation of progress to goal within provided guardrails. The Project Director directly manages a remote team of Field Directors responsible for implementing the project on the ground, with some travel to field offices as necessary. 

Summary of Responsibilities

• Responsible for the successful execution of the project from pre-launch to debrief. 
• Maintains relationship with client & responsible for all client reporting 
• Directly manages Field Directors and responsible for keeping project and team on track to meet progress to goal, on budget, on time, while maintaining positive workplace culture
• Demonstrates strong leadership, investing in staff with a leadership lens, provides opportunities for leadership and skill development, coaching, and regular feedback 
• Understands project budgets, growth grids, and how to execute projects within provided guardrails while recognizing where to practice and foster creativity and strategic experimentation to meet and further the goals of our clients 
• Coordinates interdepartmentally to support and achieve project goals that are not directly managed in the field such as hiring, validation, quality control and data management 

This is a full-time, remote, salaried position reporting directly to the President with some travel required. Groundswell Contact works exclusively with clients whose goals align the progressive movement. We value experience over university degrees, and are an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals of all identities, cultures, backgrounds and abilities to apply. If you believe you meet most of these qualifications but not all, we still urge you to apply. We are committed to breaking down the traditional barriers of this industry and provide on-the-job training to support internal promotion pipelines. 

Detailed Responsibilities

Project Management:

• From the moment the project is secured to the final debrief 
• Coordinate all launch and shutdown logistics 
• Maintain internal reporting documents, on time 
• Manage project and meet goal within provided guardrails and utilizing provided templates, tools and systems 
• Maintain all deliverables and budget, adjust strategy as needed and proactively ID and solve problems 
• Work as a strategic partner with clients in creating and executing campaign strategy, and project adjustments/recommendations for adjustments as needed/appropriate 
• Acts as the decision maker and lead director on all assigned projects,
• Maintains open, two way communication with Groundswell leadership, provides regular reporting, insights and updates to the President and defaults to company guardrails, policies and leadership oversight when appropriate 
• Leads research and policy development required for project execution as it pertains to specific state and project type (signatures, VR, doors, etc..) legal requirements and skill needs 
• In addition to general project expectations, maintains understanding of contractual obligations and campaign finance requirements to ensure project is executed within legal standards and expectations (with support from Groundswell Leadership and legal team) 

Staff Management 

• Coordinates with Recruitment & Operations Department to hire Field Directors and team of Canvassers required for execution of project 
• Directly manages Field Directors, sets clear expectations and goals, maintains accountability, provides feedback and supports them in their on-the-ground execution and management of the canvass team 
• Works with Groundswell Leadership to develop staff training materials, facilitates Director trainings and supports Directors in Canvasser trainings 
• Ensures all staff are adhering to the administrative and HR requirements as related to onboarding, offboarding, safety, etc…
• Builds and maintains a positive workplace environment with a focus on equitable management practices, staff development and respect, and a team culture centered on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice that achieves Groundswell Contacts DIE goals if not working within client set goals 
• Maintain performance standards that value impact and efficacy - prioritizing and creating space for regular two way feedback and community between team members and management. 
• Leads by example and completes site visits as necessary 
• Upholds quality control standards to the highest level. Coordinating with the validation and quality control team, maintaining transparency with Groundswell Leadership, holding all staff and Field Directors accountable, using every tool at disposal, immediately IDing and reporting concerns up the ladder. 

Client Management

• Maintains regular communication with client, meeting all reporting requirements and deadlines 
• Prepares for client meetings by thoroughly digesting and assessing results from field, progress to goal and projections. 
• Maintain strong and consistent communication with the client, presenting a polished and professional approach - and understands the difference between what is appropriate to report and problem solve internally v. client facing - may be unique to each client

Technology, Data & Administration

• Maintains all trackers and reporting tools, on nightly and weekly timelines 
• Reconciles payroll on weekly basis 
• Responsible for utilizing all data systems to oversee Field Directors management of canvasser team, check progress, reporting and project quality 
• May be responsible for cutting and managing turf 

Additional Responsibilities

Groundswell Contact is a quickly growing and evolving company. Your assigned projects will always be your top priority. You may be assigned special projects or assigned alternative duties related to project management and implementation during slow times. 

Qualifications

Strong Preference: 

• 5+ years of experience running field operations
• 1+ years of experience managing staff 
• Experience leading field operations in a volunteer or member organizing capacity 
• Strong understanding of, or experience working within coalitions, and/or coordinating with partner organizations and stakeholders 
• A proven track record of results: hitting set goals, working within budgets, managing complex reporting systems
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple/competing priorities in a fast paced, deadline driven environment; and ability to stay flexible and agile as goals and timelines move
• Experience developing and facilitating trainings as it pertaining to staff and program management, and the execution of program
• Strong computer competency supporting daily use and operations management through G-suite, Microsoft Office and similar tools. Baseline competency of NGP-VAN 

Nice To Have:

• Baseline competency of EveryAction, TargetSmart, Catalyst

• Bilingual/Spanish speaking
• Experience navigating the HR and legal obligations of a manager
• Completed training programs and/or certification through GAIN, The Management Center, Arena Academy, The Project Management Center or similar 

Compensation

This is a salaried position with a range of $90k - $95k per year with opportunities for performance based bonuses on each project. Healthcare stipend of $400/mo, plus sick days, PTO and vacation days. Groundswell Contact is a new and growing company. 

How to Apply:

Submit your resume and a statement of interest.

Statement of Interest: This is not a cover letter! In 200 words or less please provide why you are interested in this role, and what experience or attributes make you best suited for it. Use this opportunity to elevate something about your relevant professional skills and experience that your resume may not.