Civic Engagement Program Manager

Job Title: Civic Engagement Program Manager

Reports to: Advocacy Director

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Alaska. If in Southcentral, in-person office work is required at least two days per week. 

Salary: $63,000-$67,000

Position Overview:

The Alaska Center Education Fund is seeking a passionate, community-minded, and relationship-builder to serve as our Civic Engagement Program Manager. This position will lead AKCEF’s Civic Engagement Department and programs focused on building community power, increasing civic participation, and supporting the next generation of Alaska’s leaders. The CE Program Manager will lead voter engagement and outreach efforts, recruit and empower volunteers, support voting rights advocacy campaigns, and help ensure community voices shape our future. A key component of this role is managing Rise & Represent Alaska, a leadership development program that recruits, trains, and supports Alaskans interested in serving on state and municipal Boards and Commissions. The program prioritizes leaders who reflect the diversity of Alaska and who have historically been underrepresented in positions of power and leadership, including BIPOC, low-income, young, rural, and women leaders, among others. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator and organizer who is energized by building relationships, engaging communities, and helping Alaskans feel informed and empowered to lead. 

Organizational Overview:

The Alaska Center Education Fund envisions a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska for future generations. We educate and engage Alaskans of all ages to support clean air and water, build healthy and resilient communities, and become empowered stewards. We focus on climate justice and clean energy solutions, wild salmon habitat protection, and ensuring all Alaskans can engage in the civic process. In partnership with our sister organization The Alaska Center, we engage in youth leadership development, community organizing, and supporting public officeholders who share our values.

Core Responsibilities:

• Represent The Alaska Center Education Fund at community meetings, coalition spaces, public events, and partner gatherings.
• Develop and implement civic engagement programs focused on voter education, community outreach, and leadership development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, coalition members, and alumni statewide
• Conduct direct voter contact through canvassing, phone banking, tabling, community events, and relational organizing.
• Recruit volunteers to conduct direct voter contact, testify at legislative hearings, help with events, and complete other roles necessary to do our advocacy work.  Empower volunteers to become leaders in our campaigns to help shape and inform campaign goals, tactics, and strategies and ensure that the interests and vision of community members help shape our civic engagement work.
• Supervise temporary election staff as needed.
• Facilitate 1-2 cohorts annually, of the Rise and Represent Alaska program. Create and update training curriculum as needed. Actively recruit participants, speakers, and mentors for each cohort. 
• Build and deepen the Rise network by creating relationships with participants, alumni, mentors, guest speakers, elected leaders, community leaders, and partner organizations. Build a broad network of Alaskans to identify and recruit candidates for the training program. 
• Identify and track Boards and Commissions opportunities statewide. Support participants and alumni to apply for open positions. Develop methods to keep program alumni engaged in the program and updated about leadership opportunities in their communities and the state.
  
  

Required Skills and Qualifications:

We encourage candidates to apply even if they think they don’t meet all the skills right now. 

• At least five years of professional experience, with some experience in recruitment and training, and/or leadership development. 
• Strong local network within Alaska, preferably with communities that are currently underrepresented on local boards and commissions
• Passion for The Alaska Center Education Fund’s vision to create a thriving, just, and sustainable future.
• Commitment to understanding race, class, gender, and other equity issues in organizing and politics. Commitment to strengthening racial justice, equity, and inclusion throughout our organization, in campaigns, and with partners
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work well independently and on a team
• Good project organization skills and self-direction with the ability to focus on details, goals, and deadlines
• Strong communication skills, both in person and electronically
• Ability to work with a wide variety of people, including elected officials, candidates for office, state agency and local government staff, board and staff, organization members, prospective and current fellows, and national partners in a positive, professional manner;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed. Some program and event work on evenings and weekends will be required. Attendance is required for all Boards & Commissions training dates. 
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and solution-based approach in high-pressure or difficult situations.
• Willing to learn or experience with municipal governments
• Ability to travel
  
  

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Community organizing, training and facilitation skills
• Electoral campaign experience
• Experience with Google-Suite platforms
• Experience building effective relationships with diverse community groups working toward a common goal
• Experience with Voter Action Network (VAN), EveryAction (EA) and affiliated databases
  
  

Conditions:
This is a full-time hybrid* (some in-person work required) position that must be based in Alaska. Some evening and weekend work is required to support outreach, events, and program activities. Salary is dependent on experience, with a generous and competitive benefits package. This position may travel within Alaska as necessary to achieve organizational and individual work plan goals with minimal out-of-state travel for training and conferences. All The Alaska Center staff have access to professional development opportunities, including training and support. The Alaska Center provides a supportive work environment with excellent benefits and incentives. The Alaska Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. We are committed to supporting, centering, and working with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Working-Class and Low-Income people, Women, LGBTQIA2+ people, and Disabled people in addressing the many crises that impact us. We strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities to apply.

To apply, please complete this form including submitting all requested materials. Position open until filled. No phone calls, please.

*This position operates on a hybrid schedule, with in-office presence required on a regular basis. Remote work is permitted based on performance and organizational needs. The first 90 days of employment are fully in-office to ensure successful onboarding.