Work for Democracy

Southern California Policy and Organizing Director

Working Families Party

Working Families Party

California, USA
USD 68k-110k / year
Posted on May 21, 2025
About the Working Families Party
The Working Families Party (WFP) is the progressive party for the multiracial working class, fighting for a nation that works for the many, not the few. We recruit, train, and support transformational candidates up and down the ballot — and run them to win.
We believe that no matter where we come from or what our color, most of us want the same things. We want to earn enough to thrive, not just survive, and leave a better future for our kids. We want healthy food and clean water, safe neighborhoods and a safe world. We want to be free.
The Working Families Party is regular people coming together across our differences to make a better future for us all. We’re a multiracial party that fights for workers over bosses and people over the powerful. We want an America which realizes the promise – unrealized in our history – of freedom and equality for all.
This role will lead and support our organizing work in Southern California while advancing the California Working Families Party’s mission across the state. Based in Southern California, the position includes supervising regional organizers, staffing regional steering committees, and working closely with members, elected leaders, and allies to strengthen local coalitions. In addition, the role will support the State Director in advancing our statewide policy and governance efforts. This includes staffing the party’s legislative/policy committee, supporting our statewide platform process, coordinating advocacy for endorsed legislation, and planning lobby days in Sacramento.
As part of the senior leadership team, this position will help develop and implement strategies for party growth, membership engagement, and alignment between regional and statewide efforts.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, strong manager, and experienced organizer who can build power locally while contributing to a broader statewide vision.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Policy & Legislative Advocacy
  • Support the California Working Families Party’s policy program, including staffing the legislative and policy committee, supporting the development of the party platform, and coordinating advocacy and communications for CA WFP-endorsed state legislation.
  • Organize and support lobby days in Sacramento, including scheduling and coordinating visits with state legislators.
  • Oversee the Southern California regional policy program by supervising regional organizers leading local campaigns and initiatives.
  • Support governance trainings/sessions and events with CA WFP endorsed elected officials
  • Organizing & Membership Development
  • Supervise two to three regional organizers in Southern California, providing ongoing guidance, accountability, and support.
  • Design and implement strategies to expand organizational and union membership in Southern California, and maintain strong relationships with local member affiliates.
  • Regional Leadership & Coalition Building
  • Staff and support two to three Southern California regional steering committees in partnership with regional organizers.
  • Build and maintain relationships with steering committee members, individual dues-paying members, and key local allies to advance CA WFP’s statewide mission.
  • Ensure alignment of regional committee work with California WFP’s State Power Plan and broader strategic priorities.
  • Staff Supervision & Accountability
  • Develop and manage six-month work plans for each Southern California regional organizer.
  • Conduct weekly check-ins to assess progress, address challenges, and ensure organizers are meeting goals and deliverables.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Minimum of five years of experience in electoral, policy, and/or organizing work.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain coalitions with elected officials, community organizations, and labor partners.
  • Strong knowledge of the political and electoral landscape in Southern California, including key stakeholders and institutions.
  • Experience managing and supporting staff, volunteers, and distributed teams.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong team player with the ability to collaborate across a diverse and dynamic group of leaders and organizers.

What Else Should You Know

  • Compensation: The final salary for this role will be determined based on our Pay Scale, which takes into consideration years of experience, geographic location, and final job description. [The upper end of the salary range is reserved for individuals who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications and years of experience.] The final salary offer will fall into one of the following ranges depending on where you live:
  • National Market (most locations): $68,000 to $92,400
  • High Market (e.g., Denver, Portland, Sacramento): $78,200 to $101,200
  • Very High Market (e.g., New York, San Francisco, Boston): $85,000 to $110,000
  • The locations listed above are just examples and not an exhaustive list.
  • We also offer a robust benefit package for full time employees including paid time off; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plan options; professional development funding; and remote work support.
  • Location and Travel: You may work remotely, but you must be located in or near Southern California in order to attend in person meetings and events.
  • Schedule: The position is full time and permanent.
  • Union Affiliation: Working Families Party / Working Families Power is a unionized workplace. This is a managerial position, not included in our bargaining unit. WFP's union employees are represented by the New York Metropolitan Area Joint Board, Workers United union.
  • Work Authorization: “Applicants must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.”
Applicants must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor, or take over sponsorship of, employment visas at this time.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Working Families is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to economic and social justice. Women, people of color, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and members of other historically disenfranchised populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to apply for or perform the essential functions of the job should contact us at jobs@workingfamilies.org with the subject line "Application Accommodation" to request such an accommodation.