Political Director

Title: Political Director

Reports to: Vice President of Government and Political Affairs

Direct Reports: Deputy Political Director

Hours: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Washington, DC

Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Giffords is a nonprofit organization whose team is on a mission to save lives from gun violence. Giffords is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an environment that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. People of color, trans individuals, gender non-conforming individuals, women, people with differing abilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are seeking a Political Director to lead the strategy, planning, and execution of Giffords PAC's political and electoral program. This leader is passionate about translating the issue of gun violence prevention into a winning political strategy. The Political Director will act as the organization's principal liaison to a high-level portfolio of candidates, campaigns, and related partners, establish a clear electoral program, and manage up to three staff members.

Successful candidates will be motivated, creative and have a high political acumen that takes into account multiple factors to develop a program that continues to raise the profile of gun violence prevention for candidates at all levels.

This is a full-time position based in our Washington DC office. This position requires the ability and willingness to travel up to 25% of the time, potentially increasing up to 50% of the time in the summer and fall approaching Election Day, as well as interest and ability in staffing occasional weekend and evening events. GIFFORDS employees are required to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus with limited exemptions as required by federal and state law. This position will be expected to work in a hybrid model with 1-2 days a week in the office and the rest of the time working remotely.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants, no phone calls or emails, please.

Duties + Responsibilities

• Manage and execute Giffords PAC's political and electoral strategy and programs aimed at electing aligned candidates to office and elevating gun safety as a voting issue.
• Manage political department staff and oversee management of outside consultants and vendors working to execute electoral strategy.
• Serve as the organization's primary point of contact to candidates, political campaigns and related partners.
• Lead the planning, strategy and execution of coordinated political work, with an emphasis on a robust earned media strategy as well as updating and expanding an established candidate services program.
• Manage the organization's independent expenditure process.
• Advance political priorities through building and maintaining relationships with coalition members and leaders of allied organizations.
• Serve as a member of the organization's senior management team, and collaborate closely with organizational peers on the strategy and execution of the electoral work.
• Oversee political polling and research, data and analytics products.
• Produce analysis and other messaging materials for partners, funders, media.
• Manage the organization's hard-dollar PAC program.
• Identify and elevate legal and compliance questions and meet all legal and compliance regulations and requirements related to electoral programs.
• Staff occasional weekend and evening events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential knowledge, skills + experience

• A minimum of 10 years of experience developing and implementing campaigns to elect candidates with a deep understanding of coordinated political work, independent expenditures, the planning, management and execution of events, and earned media strategy.
• Deep experience managing staff, consultants and projects, including overseeing major projects with outside vendors, colleagues, partners, and experience working with large-scale budgets.
• Notably collaborative teammate, capable of building and managing relationships internally and externally.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices related to polling methodology and opposition research.
• Shares Giffords' commitment to racial equity, social justice, and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture, especially as it pertains to political work
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to be flexible.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, sense of humor and ability to work well on a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Salary + benefits

The salary range for this position is $146,000 - $166,000 with the exact salary depending on experience. Competitive benefits include employer funded health, dental, and vision insurance; health, transit, and parking flexible spending accounts; 401k plan with 4% employer match; 25 days of PTO annually; and ten paid holidays.

Applying + the interview process

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter (400 words maximum) that outlines three specific ways that you would be a good fit for this position. Our interview process for this position consists of a phone interview, a video interview, a skills assessment exercise, and reference checks.