Job Description
PARTY AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
Ohio Democratic Party
Columbus, OH 43215
About Ohio
Over the next two years the Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) will build an organization to win highly consequential elections up and down the ballot. With new leadership comes a new vision for our Party, refocusing on the core fundamentals that move the needle. ODP is building back better as a focused, modern, and nimble force to elect Democrats statewide now and in the future.
Ohio is a top tier U.S. Senate pick up opportunity for national Democrats because of retiring Republican incumbents. The battle to save the Senate majority will be fought in Ohio. 2022 offers the chance to take control of the Ohio Supreme Court, make gains under new legislative maps, and win control of state government constitutional including Governor/Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Auditor. These opportunities give Democrats in Ohio early and strategic gains in rebuilding the Ohio Democratic Party.
About the Opportunity
The Ohio Democratic Party is seeking a talented, passionate professional to manage party services. This critical role oversees the core functions of the Ohio Democratic Party for stakeholders and the strategy for engagement with the full federation of democratic partners. The Party Services Director will develop and implement a comprehensive outreach and engagement strategy to engage, support, and mobilize key stakeholder communities including County Parties, ODP Caucuses, ODP Executive Committee, Democratic elected officials, and more. The Party Services Director will also oversee strategy and staff in training and leadership development to build a bench of Democrats in office at all levels of government, and support the Ohio Promote the Vote Committee year-round. This role serves as a trusted advisor to the Chair, Executive Director, and is a critical part of the senior team. Frequent travel around Ohio will be required and previous Ohio experience is a must.
Qualifications:
A minimum of at least six (6) years of political experience on candidate campaigns, with previous committee work highly desired
At least two full cycles (4 years) in a leadership role in major statewide races or state-based organizations
Strong abilities in organization planning for strategy and program
A reputation for leading with integrity and making decisions with the input of the appropriate stakeholders
Conflict and crisis management experience with proven, clear decision-making ability
The ability to create shared goals with clear metrics for individuals and groups and manage towards those ends
Experience mapping and working in complex political systems
Core Competencies:
Excellent in interpersonal skills and building relationships
Understanding of Ohio’s complex political and demographic realities
Knowledge of volunteer and paid tactics, and when/how to deploy them effectively and efficiently
Clear, effective, high-quality writer
Highly communicative – responsive to internal and external requests, emails, and calls, within reason
Multitasker – Able to juggle multiple activities yet not lose focus on top priorities or let something slip through the cracks
Exceptional time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
Committed to the values and practices of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace with the ability to take feedback and learn
A passion for training – developing leadership of staff and volunteers is second nature.
Personal Characteristics:
Passionate and thoughtful about what and how they do work and whom they work with;
Resilient, resourceful, and adaptive to priority shifts and change (big and small);
Kind but willing to apply soft elbows when needed;
Realistic but positive in outlook, not ego- or turf-driven, able to focus on opportunities when faced with challenges;
Collaborative by nature;
Fully invested in the success of Ohio Democrats;
Valid driver’s license.
Interested candidates should submit their resume, a detailed cover letter, and two to HR Director Sarah Ross at SRoss@ohiodems.org by July 15, 2021.
ODP recognizes that our success requires we be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. We are focused on building a staff that is diverse of race, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Candidates of color, women, LGBTQI, and more are encouraged to apply.