Careers

The Vermont Democratic Party (VDP) is looking for a highly motivated, passionate, and talented Grassroots Organizing Director to lead an innovative, trailblazing movement-building grassroots organizing program. 

 

The Grassroots Organizing Director will develop and manage the Green Mountain Grassroots Fellowship program. Green Mountain Grassroots Fellows will work on state party priorities in a ten-week, on-the-ground training program where they will learn critical organizing and campaign skills such as community organizing, movement-building, field organizing, fundraising, voter registration, data analysis, and digital outreach.

 

Program Description: 

The Green Mountain Grassroots Fellowship program is a paid opportunity for emerging Vermont leaders to learn about grassroots organizing, political changemaking, and movement-building work. The Green Mountain Grassroots Fellowship program trains the next generation of changemakers to build power from the ground up in every corner of Vermont.

 

This is a temporary role from Monday, June 2nd, 2025 to Friday, May 29th, 2026.

 

About the Role: 

The Grassroots Organizing Director will lead the charge in building a statewide grassroots organizing fellowship program that empowers young leaders in Vermont, strengthens local infrastructure, and reconnects the Vermont Democratic Party with communities in every corner of the state. This role is about more than managing staff — it’s about fostering a movement.

 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Grassroots Organizing Director will be responsible for designing and executing a field strategy and community organizing program that prioritizes early engagement, relational organizing, and deep community ties. They will oversee regional organizing staff, develop training and leadership programs, and ensure that our grassroots ground game is inclusive, data-driven, and built to last.

 

This is a senior leadership role for someone who believes organizing is the heart of winning elections — and who knows that real change happens when neighbors talk to neighbors. The ideal candidate will bring both strategic vision and hands-on experience.

 

Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to): 

• Design and execute a comprehensive statewide grassroots organizing plan that centers grassroots power, prioritizes early engagement, and reaches communities in every region of Vermont.

• Develop and implement an innovative off-year organizing program – meeting VDP activists and volunteers where they’re at, including creative activism and streams of engagement beyond just traditional door knocking and phone banking methods.

• Develop the guide for organizers to host house parties or events to invite new supporters in. 

• Manage Grassroots Fellows, providing ongoing training, mentorship, and accountability to ensure goals are met.

• Establish clear metrics and benchmarks for community outreach, volunteer engagement, and relational organizing, and track progress through data and reporting tools.

• Lead the creation of organizing trainings and resources, ensuring staff and volunteers are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to be effective.

• Build and maintain relationships with local Democratic committees, allied organizations, labor partners, and community groups to strengthen grassroots organizing efforts.

• Ensure field operations are inclusive, equitable, and reflective of Vermont’s diverse communities, with intentional outreach to underrepresented and rural voters.

• Foster a positive, mission-driven team culture that emphasizes collaboration, resilience, and a commitment to building long-term Democratic infrastructure.

• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director. 

 

You’d be a good fit for this role if…

• You believe community organizing is the heart of political change.

• You’ve managed teams before and know how to coach, motivate, and build a culture where organizers and volunteers feel supported, inspired, and accountable.

• You’re as comfortable developing a statewide strategic plan as you are jumping in to knock doors, train volunteers, or troubleshoot VAN.

• You love building team culture — setting structures, creating new traditions, and building team identity. 

• You know Vermont’s geography is as diverse as its people — and you’re excited by the challenge of building organizing programs that work in both downtowns and dirt roads.

• You thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments and know how to prioritize, pivot, and stay grounded when things get hectic.

• You’re data-minded — you use metrics to drive decisions and know that great organizing blends numbers with human connection.

• You’ve worked on at least one statewide or large-scale campaign and understand what it takes to build infrastructure that lasts beyond Election Day.

• You value equity and inclusion not just as campaign buzzwords, but as essential principles in building authentic, people-powered movements.

• You want to be part of a team that’s serious about electing Democrats — and just as serious about rebuilding trust, relationships, and power in every corner of Vermont.

• You thrive in fast-paced ever-changing environments and can think on your feet.

• You have the ability to work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

• You have access to reliable transportation, and are willing to travel frequently.

   

Qualifications:

Required:

• 2+ years of experience in political organizing, grassroots campaigns, community organizing, or related fields — with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role.

• Proven track record of designing and executing field plans, managing teams, and hitting voter contact or engagement goals.

• Strong management and coaching skills, with experience leading diverse teams in high-pressure, goal-driven environments.

• Familiarity with organizing tools and platforms such as VAN, MiniVAN, Mobilize, Scale to Win, Reach, or similar.

• Excellent communication skills — written, verbal, and interpersonal — with an ability to build trust and motivate teams, volunteers, and partners.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of campaign work, from hiring to organizing tactics to community engagement.

• A valid driver’s license and reliable access to transportation — this role will require travel throughout the state.

• Experience organizing and executing successful, engaging trainings.

• Ability to work effectively with regional and local leaders.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Highly organized and results-driven, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• Strong commitment to Democratic values and political change.

Preferred:

• Experience working on a coordinated campaign or managing statewide or multi-region field programs.

• Deep familiarity with Vermont’s political landscape, geography, or community networks.

• Experience with relational organizing, distributed organizing, or volunteer leadership programs.

• Crisis management or conflict resolution skills.

 

Salary:

This is a full-time position that offers a $4,500/month salary, as well as a stipend for travel.

 

How to Apply:

Please send your cover letter, resume, and 3-4 professional references to May Hanlon, Executive Director of the Vermont Democratic Party, at mhanlon@vtdemocrats.org with “Grassroots Organizing Director - [Last Name]” in the subject line. 

 

The Vermont Democratic Party is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy and our core value to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis.