We are looking for a collaborative and energetic Election Protection Organizer to join the Common Cause team in Illinois. This is a key role supporting our work to grow and diversify our audience and volunteer base as we work to engage millions more in our fight to protect and strengthen democracy in advance of this significant upcoming election.
This role is at the intersection of community and democracy. You will work with various communities across the state to expand our growing membership base through recruitment efforts and by engaging members in our Election Protection programming. You will also support our comprehensive Election Protection training and serve as a first point of contact for volunteers and members. This role will help ensure thousands of Illinois voters have access to accurate information and safe voting experiences during a high-stakes election cycle.
This is a full-time, temporary role reporting to the State Director, IL; this role is based in Illinois, with an expectation meet in person with the State Director and/or travel around Illinois at least 3 days per week (up to daily travel during peak times). This role will start on August 1, 2026 and will end December 15, 2026.
Responsibilities
Engage members in our Election Protection efforts
Support recruitment and trainings for members and volunteers to serve as volunteers for election administration advocacy, early voting, election day, and post-election activities, and support recruitment and engagement in activities after Election Protection
You will thrive in this role if you have:
A strong commitment to Common Cause’s nonpartisan mission and to advancing civil rights through our pro-democracy agenda
A commitment to equity in the goals of your work and in how you work with others
Openness to feedback and awareness of your own strengths and areas for growth
Ability to build relationships and credibility with multiple stakeholders with diverse interests, and a track record of working collaboratively with others
Interest in public advocacy campaigns and mobilization efforts
Interest in democracy issues, including voting rights, redistricting, campaign finance reform, disinformation, ethics, etc., with a demonstrated interest in the unique aspects of Illinois’ political dynamic
Ability to meet deadlines for multiple projects at once, with attention to detail, and a resourceful approach to solving problems
Strong written and oral communication skills
Familiarity with office productivity tools including Microsoft Office, Slack, and Zoom
The following is required:
Ideally, you have experience supporting the growth of membership bases and/or have worked on an issue-based or political campaign
Ability to travel 1-2 times per year for team and/or all staff retreats
Ability to work in-person in the state office or at various locations around the state at least 3 days per week, and up to daily during the peak of our season
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
You must have access to a vehicle to transport election materials (miles driven on official business in your personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate)
Willing to have a social media presence on behalf of Common Cause, including being tagged on posts and creating content on behalf of the organization (as needed, Common Cause may provide accounts for staff members to use)
Per our nonpartisan policy, Common Cause staff members may not currently be in elected office (or running for office); on the Steering Committee or Finance Committee for any political candidate; or affiliated with the leadership of a political party
Additional Information about this role:
This position is classified as temporary and therefore not included in the union-represented collective bargaining unit
Common Cause is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time; please note that if hired, you will be asked to produce documentation for authorization to work in the US
Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated.
Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create an open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has members and supporters living in every congressional district in the United States, and offices in 23 states around the country.