Our Schools Action Chicago: Campaign Manager

Campaign Manager, Chicago School Board Election

The School Board Campaign Manager will lead the electoral campaign for the Chicago Board of Education President candidate, coordinating strategy and execution across all five geographic area teams. This role is responsible for candidate management, campaign strategy, field oversight, voter contact programming, and in-district relationship building. The Campaign Manager serves as the central hub connecting area-level field operations with the broader Our Schools Action Chicago coalition strategy.

This year, Chicagoans have the opportunity to elect their representatives on the 21 member Chicago Public Schools Board of Education. We have a chance to make history by electing a progressive slate of candidates endorsed by a coalition of community, political and labor organizations dedicated to a just and equitable education system. Our Schools Action Chicago is committed to a vision of an education system where every student in Chicago — regardless of their race, income, or zip code receives access to fully resourced, equitable, safe, and healthy public schools.

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop and drive the overall campaign strategy for the Board President race in close coordination with the Our Schools team and coalition partners.
• Manage the day-to-day campaign operations for the presidential candidate, including scheduling, messaging guidance, and surrogate coordination.
• Oversee and coordinate strategy across all five Area Directors to ensure alignment of field, communications, and voter contact efforts.
• Establish and track voter contact goals, including canvassing, phone banking, and relational organizing targets.
• Cultivate and maintain key in-district relationships with community organizations, elected officials, and stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the presidential campaign and communications, fundraising, and operations teams.
• Monitor campaign progress and adjust strategy as needed based on field data and polling.
• Manage the campaign calendar, events, and rapid-response needs.
• Provide regular reporting to the Our Schools leadership on campaign progress and strategic shifts.
• Support the candidate in debate preparation, public appearances, and stakeholder meetings.

Primary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum of four years of experience in electoral campaign management or senior campaign roles.
• Proven track record of managing winning campaigns at the city, county, or state level.
• Experience overseeing large field operations and voter contact programs.
• Strong skills in candidate management, political messaging, and coalition coordination.
• Ability to manage and motivate a large, geographically dispersed team.
• Familiarity with voter file tools such as VAN and data-driven campaign strategy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly to changing campaign dynamics.

Secondary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Prior experience working on school board or education-focused campaigns.
• Deep familiarity with Chicago neighborhoods and political landscape.
• Experience working with labor unions or community-based organizations.
• Background in coalition-based campaigns involving multiple endorsing organizations.

Salary Range: $7,000-$8,000/month, commensurate with experience

Duration: Through November 2026, with potential to extend through March 2027

Application Process:

• Fill out this form by Friday, June 12th
• Screening/first round interview
• Second round interview
• Reference Checks
• Anticipated start date: ASAP or by July 1st