Jobs and Internships

Jobs

Communications Director

The Ohio Democratic Party is seeking a Communications Director.  The Communications Director is responsible for managing the overall messaging strategy for the Ohio Democratic Party.  He/she will work closely with the Executive and Deputy Director to set strategic communications goals and raise the Ohio Democratic Party’s public profile. This position has a wide range of responsibilities including:

• Developing and implementing over-arching communications strategy, plans and messages for the State Party
• Ensuring message continuity across all areas of communications programs
• Developing and maintaining relationships with communications leaders amongst Party allies and the media
• Working with local stakeholder groups to help spread a coordinated message statewide
• Drafting press releases and other media outreach materials
• Facilitating press conferences and other earned media events
• Working with a team to develop and manage a robust social media program
• Compiling press and issues information and writing briefings
• Preparing talking points
• Working with legislative leadership to take advantage of press opportunities
• Maintaining and updating media lists
• Monitoring local and national press for relevant stories and developments
• Developing rapid response

This position reports directly to the Executive Director and Deputy Director with substantial involvement from the Chairman of the ODP.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants should have:

• Minimum of 3-5 years experience working in communications management role
• Strong on-the-record expertise, as well as experience managing all aspects of social media
• Excellent writing skills and a demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with campaign operations and political communications
• Ohio ties preferred

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, two writing samples and references to HR Director Sarah Ross at SRoss@ohiodems.org.

New Media Director

The Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) is seeking a New Media Director. The New Media Director is responsible for creating a strategy for and implementing all aspects of new media work.  His/her responsibilities will include:

• ODP’s web site,
• assisting various Democratic campaigns with internet needs;
• developing strong relationships with Ohio and national bloggers;
• monitoring new media coverage of Democratic campaigns;
• expanding and maintaining ODP’s use of social networking sites;
• facilitating in the distribution of supporter emails, fundraising solicitations and press releases;
• cutting and posting videos;
• coordinating with web vendor and consultants and other various and necessary activities that are part of a robust and effective online communications operation for the Ohio Democratic Party.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience developing and implementing strategy while working on new media/communications on issue or electoral campaigns
• Proven experience managing strategy, content creation, and technology
  acquisition and development for Web and Internet campaigns
• Knowledge of Web site development, architecture, and navigation protocols
• Knowledge of online publishing and related use of Internet technology for communication, education, and advocacy
• Knowledge of the use of new technology for community advocacy
• Knowledge of building online audiences and communities
• Graphic design skills a plus
• Good time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Working knowledge of Ohio political, electoral and legislative processes
• Willing to work extensive hours, including nights and weekends with some travel

This position is crucial to ODP achieving its mission of electing Democrats at all levels in 2012 and thus the New Media Director should expect to also take on all other duties as assigned to that end.

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and three references to HR Director Sarah Ross at SRoss@ohiodems.org

Regional Political Director

The Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) is seeking Regional Political Directors. ODP boasts a grassroots infrastructure in all 88 counties, which works to energize and empower local communities, in order to deliver Democratic victories up and down the ticket.  A Regional Political Director is responsible for:

Duties:

-          Execute  regional political outreach plan for various constituency groups and stakeholders

-          Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with numerous individuals and allied groups

-          Serve as primary liaison with county chairs and other grass-tops leaders on a regular basis in your region

-          Identify and build traditional and non-traditional constituency caucus members

-          Ensure outstanding representation of the organization to internal and external allies and constituents in your region

-          Identify all surrogate needs and surrogates to attend regional meetings – connecting elected officials, labor leaders, opinion-makers, etc

-          Build a strong party for future years and election cycles.

-          Other assigned duties

Qualifications and Skills:

-          At least two cycles on issue or electoral campaigns. Some field experience preferred.

-          Excellent written and verbal communication skills

-          Good time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

-          Working knowledge of Ohio political, electoral and legislative processes

-          Willing to work extensive hours, including nights and weekends

-          Positive attitude and ability to motivate staff members

-          Committed to details, results, meeting goals, and consistent improvement

-          Ability to approach problem solving with creativity

-          Experience working collaboratively with elected officials, candidates, community groups, and/or allied organizations

-          High level of personal and professional integrity

-          Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.

-          Experience with Votebuilder a plus but not required

-          Ohio ties preferred

This position, as with all our Coordinated Campaign positions, is highly collaborative and crucial to ODP achieving its mission of electing Democrats at all levels in 2012 and thus a Regional Political Director should expect to also take on all other duties as assigned to that end.

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and three references to HR Director Sarah Ross at sross@ohiodems.org .

Deputy Finance Director

The Ohio Democratic Party has an opening for a Deputy Finance Director.  We are seeking an experienced Fundraiser who will help to serve as a strategic asset to ODP’s Finance Department and various Federal, state and local officials and campaigns in Ohio, and other elected and party officials and leaders across the state.  The Deputy will be responsible for planning and executing events and other fundraising activities, call time, building and maintaining relationships, and direct solicitations from state and local donors through multiple channels and mediums.

The Deputy Finance Director will have responsibility for developing and executing strategic fundraising plans and meeting performance milestones, with continual progress toward larger organizational goals.   Additionally, he or she will be an aggressive innovator of new ideas, approaches, and opportunities to raise the necessary funds.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 2 years prior fundraising experience – political preferred
• Prior experience with targeting contributors and follow up management
• Ability to manage myriad of details and stay on top of multiple tasks, large and small, at once
• Social media skills
• Excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills – the ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere;
• A strong commitment to Democratic ideals and issues
• Effective computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and NGP

Application Procedure:

Please send resume, cover letter and two professional references to sross@ohiodems.org.

Campaign: Ohio House Democratic Caucus

Position: Field Director

The Ohio House Democratic Caucus seeks a Field Director for the 2012 Election Cycle. The Caucus filed candidates in all 99 House Districts, which is very rare for a Caucus to do.

The Field Director will work with all 99 candidates with a special focus on targeted races. Position is available for immediate hire. Please send resume and cover letter to Alex Youn at ayoun@ohiodems.org. Please no phone calls.

Field Director will engage in intensive voter contact and persuasion for one of the top Caucuses in the Nation.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in aggressive voter contact and persuasion program.
• Develop and execute field plans for House Caucus races.
• Recruit, train and manage campaign managers
• Track and evaluate field activities across the state for House Races.
• Work with the Coordinated Campaign to ensure targets and goals are being met across the state.
• Complete nightly and weekly reporting.

Qualifications:

• Energetic, competitive attitude.
• Effective both as a self-starter and within a team situation.
• 1 to 2 cycles of paid field experience.
• Ability and interest in working long hours.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Proficient with VAN.
• Sense of humor.
• Ohio experience not a must, but a plus.
• Must be willing to relocate to Columbus, OH.

Pay:
Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Reports to:
Executive Director

Start date:
As soon as possible

To apply:
Send resume and cover letter to ayoun@ohiodems.org

Deputy Political Director

The Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) is seeking a Deputy Political Director. ODP boasts a grassroots infrastructure in all 88 counties, which works to energize and empower local communities, in order to deliver Democratic victories up and down the ticket. The Deputy Political Director is responsible for:

Responsibilities include: • Assisting in the management of Regional Political Directors • Helping execute and manage the political outreach plan for various constituency groups and stakeholders • Facilitating in training and development of political staff • Drafting various documents including emails and memos • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with numerous individuals and allied groups • Ensuring outstanding representation of the organization to internal and external allies and constituents • Supporting 2012 campaigns with strategic planning and tactical training. • Working with other ODP departments to ensure that the ODP and its campaigns have the support of key stakeholders, local leaders and opinion makers as well as elected officials. • Building relationships with local leaders, key stakeholders and activists in preparation for a statewide campaign effort. • Building a strong party for future years and election cycles. • Other assigned duties

Qualifications and Skills: • At least two cycles on issue or electoral campaigns, with one cycle managing staff. Some field experience preferred. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Good time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously • Working knowledge of Ohio political, electoral and legislative processes • Willing to work extensive hours, including nights and weekends with some travel • Positive attitude and ability to motivate staff members • Committed to details, results, meeting goals, and consistent improvement • Ability to approach problem solving with creativity • Experience working collaboratively with elected officials, candidates, community groups, and/or allied organizations • High level of personal and professional integrity • Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation. • Experience with VoteBuilder a plus but not required • Ohio ties preferred

This position, as all of our senior Coordinated Campaign positions, is highly collaborative and crucial to ODP achieving its mission of electing Democrats at all levels in 2012 and thus the Deputy Political Director should expect to also take on all other duties as assigned to that end.

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and three references to HR Director Sarah Ross at SRoss@ohiodems.org by Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

Regional Field Directors

The Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) is hiring experienced, top-quality Regional Field Directors for its campaign for nationally and state targeted races including Senator Sherrod Brown, the state legislature, competitive Congressional races, statewide judicial races, and more. ODP’s grassroots infrastructure spans all 88 counties and works to energize and empower local communities in order to deliver Democratic victories up and down the ticket.

Ideal Candidates will be highly organized, detail-oriented and responsible self-starter who has proven leadership and management skills.

Duties include but are not limited to: • Executing the statewide strategy within your region • Motivating and managing of a team of organizers on a daily basis • Training organizers on the principles of organizing • Meeting voter contact and persuasion goals within your region • Overseeing timely and accurate reporting by all your staff • Working with senior campaign staff • Working with regional political staff to assist in the management of constituency outreach activities in your region • Assisting with candidate and surrogate events within your region

Required Skills: • 1 to 2 years campaign experience. • A valid driver’s license required and reliable transportation. • Experience training and coaching staff and volunteers on a daily basis. • Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines • Great organizational and communications skills with a strong commitment to follow-up. • Strategic thinking and planning abilities. • Ability to execute strategic goals and work effectively with state and local leaders. • Ability to track and report regional activity in an accountable structure. • Experience with Voter Activation Network or Vote builder (preferred but not required).

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and three references to HR Director Sarah Ross at sross@ohiodems.org.

Field Organizers

The Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) is hiring experienced, top-quality Field Organizers for its campaign for nationally and state targeted races including Senator Sherrod Brown, the state legislature, competitive Congressional races, statewide judicial races, and more. ODP’s grassroots infrastructure spans all 88 counties and works to energize and empower local communities in order to deliver Democratic victories up and down the ticket.

Duties include but are not limited to: • Building and managing volunteer canvasses and call centers • Reaching volunteer recruitment goals • Planning and managing surrogate events • Reaching supporter identification goals • Persuading voters to support our candidates • Getting out the vote in your area • Training volunteers one on one and in group trainings • Outreach out to constituency groups, democratic clubs and organizations

Required Skills: • Experience working for or volunteering on political campaigns. • Enthusiasm for Democratic politics. • Great time management and organization skills. • Ability to train and instruct volunteers. • Excellent listening skills and ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally. • Strong organizational, management, and interpersonal skills. • Experience in setting and achieving measurable targets, managing teams, and coordinating between multiple stakeholders. • Ability to handle multiple priority projects and meet established timelines. • Ability to execute strategic goals and work effectively with regional and local leaders. • Enjoys working with varied members of the general public. • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and three references to HR Director Sarah Ross at SRoss@ohiodems.org.

The Ohio Democratic Party is dedicated to the achievement of equality of opportunity for all its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin or disability. Individuals interested in working for the Ohio Democratic Party should submit their resume to:

Ohio Democratic Party
Attn: Sarah Ross
340 East Fulton Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-221-6563 x104
1-877-OHIO-DEM (toll-free)
sross@ohiodems.org

Internships

The Ohio Democratic Party offers internships in the following departments: Research, Communications, Online Communications, Political, Field, Finance, and Operations.

Internships are offered year-round with a minimum two-month commitment. Ideally, interns work three days a week or more. All ODP internships are unpaid.

Interns work closely with an assigned ODP staff member to create their own internship curriculum.

Students wishing to obtain course credit should submit paperwork prior to beginning the internship and are responsible for fulfilling the requirements set by their college or university.

For more information on internships with ODP, please contact Sarah Ross.

Ohio Democratic Party
Attn: Sarah Ross
340 East Fulton Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-221-6563 x104
1-877-OHIO-DEM (toll-free)
sross@ohiodems.org

Next Gen Dems Leadership Academy Fellowship Program

The Next Gen Dems Leadership Academy Campaign Fellowship is an unpaid internship program that will help young Democrats get involved in local politics and gain valuable experience that will set them apart in 2012 and beyond.

We will search for Democrats from across the state to take part in our campaign fellowship program for each cycle. No previous experience is necessary. Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and have a deep commitment to Democratic politics and ideals.

Note: Fall 2011 Candidates who submitted resumes early had the opportunity to receive free admission to Camp Wellstone in Columbus on August 12th, valued at over $200. This nationally known three day program provides training in grassroots politics for campaign workers and people interested in running for office.

The mission for this program is to give young Democrats true hands-on educational experiences in preparation for 2012. This program is several pronged:

- Each Fellow has an internship in his/her own community. This is typically with a local campaign or County Party.
- Each fellow is paired with a mentor – someone who is a true community leader – perhaps an office holder or a political operative with whom they will be in regular contact.
- Finally, there are unique opportunities for Fellows to meet and learn from successful Ohioans in the political arena along the way. With this opportunity to learn, gain experience and contribute in meaningful ways toward goals they are passionate about, we hope to develop our next generation of Democratic leaders in Ohio.

For more information on Next Gen Dems Leadership Academy Fellowship Program, please contact Sarah Ross.

Ohio Democratic Party
Attn: Sarah Ross
340 East Fulton Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-221-6563 x104
1-877-OHIO-DEM (toll-free)
sross@ohiodems.org