Jobs at Common Cause
Common Cause is one of the most active, effective, and respected nonprofit organizations working for political change in America. We are a nonpartisan citizens' lobby, dedicated to making government responsive and accountable to the people. Since the 1970s, we have led the fight for campaign finance reforms, ethics and accountability in government, civil rights, and open government on national, state and local levels.
Today, Common Cause is working to stop further consolidation of the media, to advance campaign reforms that make people and ideas more important than money, to ensure that our voting and election systems are accurate and accessible, and to increase participation in the political process. Common Cause strives to strengthen our democracy by empowering our nearly 400,000 members and supporters and the general public to take action on critical policy issues.
The following positions are available at Common Cause and will remain posted until they are filled. Please follow the application instructions listed for each position. Unfortunately, due to the volume of resumes received, we are unable to accept telephone calls in reference to the listed positions.
Common Cause offers a full range of benefits to our employees. Our health and welfare plans include medical, dental, vision, life insurance options, flexible spending accounts, an employee assistance program, and long term disability insurance. We offer a 401(k) plan to save for retirement and we have generous holiday and vacation policies.
Jobs available as of February 1, 2012:
Executive Director, Common Cause Florida
Corporate Accountability Organizer, Common Cause Delaware (part-time, contract)
Just Vote Manager, Denver, CO
Voting Rights Director, New Mexico
Law Fellow
Legal Intern
Volunteer & Intern Coordinator, Hawaii (part-time, temporary)
College Outreach Coordinator, Common Cause North Carolina
Internship, Development
Internship, Democracy Matters
POSITION AVAILABLE: Executive Director, Common Cause Florida
REPORTS TO: Vice President, State Operations; Regional Director, State Operations
RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop and implement grassroots organizing strategies to build support for the Common Cause agenda. Develop and execute lobbying strategies to generate pressure on federal, state, and local elected officials and other decision-makers. Work to build and participate in effective and diverse political coalitions, especially on redistricting and election administration issues. Communicate with the public and Common Cause members across the state, both through the media and other means. Coordinate state membership activities and expand Common Cause membership in the state by attracting new and diverse constituencies to the organization. Raise money, using a variety of fundraising strategies, to fund Common Cause programs. Develop and oversee the state budget. Produce timely and high quality policy research. Develop a strong working state advisory board. Manage the operations of the Common Cause state organization, including recruitment, training and supervision of other staff, volunteers and interns. Work with staff in Washington, DC, the region, and in other states, and serve as liaison to the national office.
QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated leadership and organizing ability; excellent written and oral communications skills; strong fundraising skills; familiarity with the state legislature and legislative process; strong interpersonal skills; commitment to the public interest; ability to work independently in a deadline driven environment with competing priorities; willingness to travel; skill in public speaking; knowledge of desktop publishing, volunteer management, database management and financial management desirable. Working knowledge of some HTML development systems, web content management systems, social media tools - i.e., Facebook, Twitter, etc. Commitment to the values and issues of Common Cause and the Common Cause Education Fund.
TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include Executive Director –Florida in the subject line; or fax to 202.355.7546 No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Corporate Accountability Organizer, Common Cause Delaware (part-time, contract position)
REPORTS TO: Vice President, State Operations; Regional Director, State Operations
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This is a part-time position whose initial, primary purpose will be to organize and lead a campaign to promote greater transparency and accountability around political spending in Delaware; also to organize and lobby for other good government objectives including redistricting reform, lobbying reform, and campaign finance reform; generate position papers, research, testimony, and press releases in support of Common Cause’s legislative agenda; serve as spokesperson with the media and represent Common Cause at public events; develop partnerships with other appropriate public policy organizations to work on common issues; assist with fundraising through outreach to major donors, foundations, and event-planning; work with the Common Cause Board to establish meeting agendas and opportunities for the Board to work on projects to achieve the agency’s objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS: Commitment to Common Cause objectives; demonstrated leadership and organizing ability; excellent written and verbal communication skills; fundraising experience desirable but not required; administrative and organizational skills including the ability to set priorities and work productively to accomplish a diversity of tasks; strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft applications; experience with non-profit organizations and working with non-profits boards; a self-starter who works well with people. Candidate must have a car and must be able to work evenings.
TO APPLY: Please submit resume and cover letter to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include “ORGANIZER, DELAWARE” in the subject line; or fax to 202.355.7546. No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. Minorities are encouraged to apply.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Just Vote Manager (Position located in Denver, CO) (Full-time – Term)
REPORTS TO: Executive Director, Colorado Common Cause
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Just Vote Manager will work with the Executive Director to lead the Just Vote! Colorado Election Protection program, Colorado’s premier nonpartisan voter protection program.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead and expand JVCEP coalition; Keep coalition partners and allies apprised of voting rights news and activities; Support coalition projects; Monitor and lobby on proposed legislation and rules regarding election administration, voter registration and voting rights; Identify opportunities for litigation, if necessary, and assist in litigation as needed; Maintain relationship with Secretary of State’s office and counties, and monitor their activities with particular attention on list maintenance, voter registration, and election planning; Implement successful election protection program for the primary and general elections, including call center, website, and volunteer poll monitoring; Review training materials for poll workers and advocate for improvements where necessary; Work with JVCEP partners who wish to implement poll worker recruitment programs; Develop materials on voting rights issues and assist in media relations.
QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated leadership and organizing ability; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Administrative and organizational skills including the ability to set priorities and work productively to accomplish a diversity of tasks; Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft applications; Working knowledge and proficiency with social media tools including Facebook and Twitter; Ability to work well independently as well as with others. Juris Doctor Degree preferred.
TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include Just Vote Manager – Delaware in the subject line; or fax to 202.355.7546 No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. Minorities are encouraged to apply.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Voting Rights Director (New Mexico)
REPORTS TO: Executive Director, New Mexico
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Direct Common Cause New Mexico’s voter protection program, Count Every Vote New Mexico (www.counteveryvotenm.org). Develop and expand relationships with coalition members. Develop channels of communications with state election officials, election officials of targeted local jurisdictions, and members and staff of legislative committees with jurisdiction over election laws. Monitor adverse election legislation and act to defeat any adverse bills that are viable. Identify, develop, and advocate for passage of affirmative legislation. Using data provided by colleagues, identify, investigate, and mitigate any systemic barriers that prevent applicants from being registered. Review poll worker training material, identify any shortcoming, and advocate for improvement if needed. Monitor poll worker training in targeted jurisdictions and act to improve or correct if needed. Identify litigation opportunities that emerge in the course of fulfilling other position responsibilities. Build relationships with media outlets and serve as a trusted source of information about election policy and voting facts. Research history of past registration and voting problems and assess their threat to the 2012 election.
QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated leadership and organizing ability; Excellent written and oral communications skills; Familiarity with the state legislature and legislative process; Strong interpersonal skills; Commitment to the public interest; Ability to work independently in a deadline-driven environment with competing priorities; Skills in public speaking; Able to travel; Working knowledge and proficiency with social media tools including Facebook and Twitter.
TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include VOTING RIGHTS DIRECTOR – NEW MEXICO in the subject line; or fax to 202.355.7546. No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Law Fellow
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Programs
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Common Cause seeks law fellows in the Washington, DC office for Summer 2012 (May – August). The positions are unpaid; if you are sponsored by an outside organization, we would be delighted to work with your sponsor should they seek additional information on your duties and performance. Ideally, candidates will be able to work full-time; however, those with more limited part-time availability are encouraged to apply and will be considered.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties include substantive legal and legislative work at the state and federal level. The fellows will be expected to perform legal and policy research; drafting of memoranda on current law, proposed legislation, and recent state and federal judicial opinions; research for testimony to Congressional committees; and issue advocacy. Duties are expected to include substantial investigative research concerning corporate political accountability. Position will focus on election law and campaign finance law. Applicant should note in his or her cover letter any special interest or experience in issues relevant to the position and Common Cause.
QUALIFICATIONS: Should possess a Juris Doctor; Strong attention to detail; Ability to draft succinct and comprehensive legal memoranda on campaign finance law and election law; Knowledge of legislative process and political awareness; General knowledge of constitutional, campaign finance, and election law a plus; Strong writing and research skills.
TO APPLY: Please submit resume and cover letter to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include "Law Fellow" in the subject line; or fax to 202.355.7546 No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. Minorities are encouraged to apply.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Legal Intern
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Programs
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Common Cause seeks legal interns in the Washington, DC office for Summer 2012 (May – August). The positions are unpaid; if you are sponsored by an outside organization, or are seeking academic credit, we would be delighted to work with your sponsor should they seek additional information on your duties and performance. Candidates may apply for full-time and part-time legal internships.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties include substantive legal and legislative work at the state and federal level. Legal interns will be expected to perform legal and policy research; drafting of memoranda on current law, proposed legislation, and recent state and federal judicial opinions; research for testimony to Congressional committees; and issue advocacy. Duties are expected to include substantial investigative research concerning corporate political accountability. Position will focus on election law and campaign finance law. Applicant should note in his or her cover letter any special interest or experience in issues relevant to the position and Common Cause.
QUALIFICATIONS: Currently enrolled in law school; Strong attention to detail; Ability to draft succinct and comprehensive legal memoranda on campaign finance law and election law; Knowledge of legislative process and political awareness; General knowledge of constitutional, campaign finance, and election law a plus; Strong writing and research skills.
TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include "Legal Intern" in the subject line; or fax to 202.355.7546 No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. Minorities are encouraged to apply.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Volunteer & Intern Coordinator (Part-time; Temporary)
REPORTS TO: Executive Director, Common Cause Hawaii
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Expand and develop Common Cause Hawaii’s internship and volunteer program; Recruit and coordinate interns and volunteers; Create and manage projects for education and engagement; Educate interns and volunteers towards a working knowledge and participation in democracy.
QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated ability to organize; Experience in volunteer management; Strong written and oral communications skills; Sharp interpersonal skills; Able to work independently as well as within a team environment; Familiarity with Hawaii and national politics; Working knowledge and proficiency with social media tools including Facebook and Twitter.
TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include Volunteer & Intern Coordinator – Hawaii in the subject line; or fax to 202.355.7546. No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. Minorities are encouraged to apply.
POSITION AVAILABLE: College Outreach Coordinator, Common Cause North Carolina
REPORTS TO: Executive Director, North Carolina
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Promote and build an already existing and successful college outreach project promoting civic engagement. Help educate students to become lifelong participants in democracy.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Directs and supervises campus organizing program which is focused at several of the state’s Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s); design and lead civic engagement building activities; organize campuses around pro-democracy events; recruit and supervise Common Cause student interns; build and nurture relationships with campus faculty and administration; build and nurture relationships with community partners; create appropriate materials; fully utilize social media to promote activities.
QUALIFICATIONS: College graduate with 0-2 years work experience; excellent communication and writing skills; strength working in groups and individually; experience with political advocacy, political organizing, or NC politics; experience at public universities and/or at HBCUs a plus; must be willing to travel in-state regularly, including some nights and weekends; working knowledge of social media tools, Facebook and Twitter.
TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include “COLLEGE OUTREACH COORDINATOR” in the subject line; or fax to 202.355.7546 No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Internship, Development
REPORTS TO: Vice President for Resource Development
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Common Cause is seeking a Development Intern with excellent research, writing, technical, organizational, and analytical skills to assist in fundraising efforts for national and state based programs. The intern will support Common Cause’s Development department in the areas of foundation grants, major donors, membership, and special events.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Conduct prospect research and write summary papers on individuals and foundations using Internet research tools. Must be able to pay attention to wealth capacity and philanthropic inclination; Assist in the production of letters to donors and foundation funders which includes managing Excel spreadsheets, mail-merging, mailing letters, and maintaining files; Provide support for events, which may include tracking RSVP’s, providing research, helping with logistics of event planning, and on-site assistance, and assisting with follow-up to attendees; Provide input and research support for a new youth engagement/fundraising initiative; Support on other fundraising activities as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS: Proficiency with Microsoft Office as well as basic administrative skills; Familiarity with fundraising is a plus; Strong writing and research skills; Attention to detail is necessary.
TO APPLY: Please send your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to hr@commoncause.org. and include "Development Internship" in the subject line. No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. For more information, please visit www.commoncause.org.
POSITION AVAILABLE: Internship, Democracy Matters
REPORTS TO: Executive Director, Democracy Matters
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Democracy Matters (DM), a non-partisan campus-based project of Common Cause, working to get big private money out of politics and people back in. We’re a national organization offering an exciting internship opportunity to committed students to engage in political activism on their own campuses. Adonal Foyle, DM President and 13 year veteran NBA player, founded DM because he believes that students should have more of a voice in our democracy. In our ten year history, we have reached thousands of students on hundreds of campuses.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Organize for Social Change; Address campaign finance reform, public financing of elections, and other initiatives that deepen democracy and related issues of global warming, tuition increases, and health care; Receive training and background policy initiatives by Democracy Matters and Common Cause. (No expertise in campaign finance reform is required.); Build coalitions of student activists on your campus; Create a Democracy Matters chapter that works with students, faculty and community activists to get private money out of politics and people back in; Develop and gain skills as a grassroots organizer; Organize at least four on-campus campaigns/events per semester; Year long internship (September – May); 10 hours a week (may vary).
QUALIFICATIONS: Must be a current student at a college or university in order to recruit and train other students (no class level requirement); Serious interest in politics, social change, and political reform; Some organizing experience is encouraged, but not required.
BENEFITS: Stipend of $500 a semester; Connections to Democracy Matters alums all over the country; Interns are mentored by professional Democracy Matters staff while developing leadership skills; Free attendance at our Annual Student Summit; The internship can be coordinated with the school’s practicum or internship programs to receive school credit; Networks of policy makers, public officials, Common Cause staff and board members are available to support your interests; Receive Democracy Matters materials – banner, flyers, DVD, t-shirt, stickers, and pins – to spread across your campus.
There are two annual trainings for interns: one in New York in January and one in California in July. Please state which you are more geographically near in your cover letter.
TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter to Director of Human Resources at hr [at] commoncause.org and include "Democracy Matters Internship" in the subject line; or fax to 202.355.7546 No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. For more information, please visit: www.commoncause.org.
Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, party or political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any illegal or prohibited factor.