Program Manager, Political Campaigns

Program Manager, Political Campaigns

The Southern Poverty Law Center is seeking a Program Manager of Political Campaigns who is passionate about racial and social justice!

The Program Manager, Political Campaigns plays a leading role in the SPLC Action Fund's mission to build Black and Brown political power by facilitating the organization's candidate endorsement program.

Who You Are

Political Acumen & Campaign Experience. Demonstrates comprehensive political acumen, combining a deep understanding of campaign cycles, voter engagement phases, election law constraints, and campaign infrastructure with hands-on familiarity in field operations and GOTV efforts, as well as a clear grasp of how political dynamics, media narratives, and stakeholder interests shape execution.

Communicative. Effectively communicates with clarity and precision under time pressure, distilling complex plans into clear expectations for diverse audiences while providing leadership with accurate, timely status updates and proactive risk assessments.

Self-Starter. Candidates must be self-directed and comfortable taking initiative, making progress amid ambiguity, and executing without constant oversight.

Adaptable. Demonstrates resilience and composure in high-pressure environments by managing stress, fatigue, and interpersonal dynamics constructively; remains calm and solution-oriented amid uncertainty, last-minute pivots, opposition attacks, staffing gaps, or resource constraints; and can quickly re-plan without disrupting momentum.

Mission, Vision & Values Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC Action Fund's mission, vision and values.

What You'll Do

Develop, plan, and implement programs to identify, vet and make candidate endorsement decisions

Identify potential candidates to endorse; vets candidates with peer organizations; may lead meetings to make endorsement decisions

Draft and edits endorsement materials, including endorsement criteria that will be made publicly available, candidate questionnaires, and public-facing documents and announcements explaining endorsements

Draft and edit educational materials and communication to voters to help boost turnout in local elections

Lead and attend meetings with stakeholders to share updates and relevant information regarding the program

Assist in civic engagement events to help encourage people to run for local office

Assist with the creation of New Southern Majority's independent expenditures

Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience of relevant political campaign experience for analyzing candidates for endorsement and providing strategic input on campaigns; and
• High School Diploma or GED.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a non-exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $69,702 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Where & How You'll Work

This role has the following work designations options:

• Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
• This position will report to the Director of Political Campaigns.

Other Special Considerations

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.