Participatory Budgeting Project Seeks Manager, Democracy Beyond Elections

PBP is seeking a Manager of our Democracy Beyond Elections campaign to join the small but effective team of our award-winning organization. The Manager of Democracy Beyond Elections supports our work to build demand and support for participatory democracy practices that enable people to make decisions in government, centering equity. Democracy Beyond Elections is a collaborative campaign to win structural democracy reforms that deepen participatory democracy and civic engagement, beyond and between elections. We are convening national engagement, policy, and organizing groups to develop a shared policy agenda for democracy beyond elections, build political and community support, and launch collaborative pilot programs that model a more equitable and participatory democracy. This position reports to the Director of Democracy Beyond Elections, works closely with our staff. Preference for candidates based in New York.

The Director will be in charge of planning and implementation of the campaign with partners. Your role will be to support her in implementation and coordination of the campaign and pilot programs. This includes building relationships with local leads and with national partners to increase the visibility and impact of participatory democracy across the United States. Primary responsibilities include supporting a new collaborative campaign focused on democracy beyond elections, building relationships with key partners to increase the adoption of participatory budgeting and broader participatory democracy policy development. The Manager will support strategic campaign development, activate partners to step up as leaders, and ensure day to day campaign deliverables.

About PBP

For 10 years, the Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP) has empowered people to participate in democracy through revolutionary civics in action. Participatory budgeting (PB) is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. It gives people real power over the money that affects their lives. We create and support PB processes in cities, schools, and public agencies across the United States and Canada to address deep community needs, develop new community leaders, and make public budgets more equitable and effective. Through our work with partners in over 30 cities, we have engaged over 534,000 people in deciding how to spend $337 million.

 

Key responsibilities

Campaign Management (90% time)

  • Coordinate and support Democracy Beyond Elections network building and advocacy
  • Support delivery of educational talks and presentations to partner organizations, funders, national networks, and supporters
  • Support partners in planning and piloting participatory democracy programs
  • Manage support staff in planning convenings with partners and broader audiences.
  • Develop content aimed at expanding participatory democracy, for marketing and program materials, blog posts, social media, and our website, alongside other PBP staff.
  • Manage our CRM work to coordinate partner follow up

Organizational Development (10% time)

  • Participate in organization-wide calls and activities, including contributing content to activities.

 

Desired Experience and Skills

  • Deep commitment to PBP’s mission, and passion for participatory democracy, community empowerment, and equity.
  • At least three years of demonstrated experience performing related work, with progressively increasing responsibilities.
  • Excellent project management skills, including the ability to organize, prioritize, and effectively delegate large volumes of work. At least 3 years experience in a managerial role with supervision, project budgeting, and/or funding cultivation responsibilities
  • Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, both verbally and written.
  • Excellent judgment, decision-making skills, and creativity; ability to exercise discretion.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team; demonstrated ability to work on challenging, dynamic, and multifaceted projects.
  •  Experience working in an effective political or advocacy campaign, ideally in partnership with other organizations.
  • Experience with participatory budgeting and other kinds of civic participation.
  • Flexibility to adapt as our organization and work changes rapidly.
  • Experience working with elected officials, government institutions, and organizing and advocacy organizations.
  • Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency with G Suite, social media, and CRM systems.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Position requires some travel to attend meetings and events. Up to 25% of time may be spent traveling in North America and beyond.

 

Values, Compensation, and Location

Our organizational practices embody our values of community, equity, learning, participatory democracy, and transparency. All staff are deeply engaged in the organization’s planning and decision-making. Our office culture is friendly and supportive, with regular potlucks and celebrations, and an emphasis on maintaining a healthy work life balance. We invest in the professional growth and personal care of our people, including strong benefits:

  • 4 weeks annual paid vacation and a slew of paid holidays
  • Full coverage for health insurance (including dental and vision), flexible spending account, life insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer match
  • Generous sick day and family leave policy
  • Professional development resources
  • Schedule and work site flexibility to accommodate your life, including families, continuing education and community leadership.
  • Preference for candidates based in New York City, and offers ample flex time to accommodate the requirement of non-traditional hours. Salary range, depending on relevant experience: $54,000-$70,000.

PBP is an Equal Opportunity Employer, strongly committed to building a staff that represents the diversity of communities we work in. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC), women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities.

 

How to Apply

Please email applications to jobs@participatorybudgeting.org, with Program Manager in the subject line.

Applications should include the following, if possible compiled in a single pdf:

  1. A cover letter explaining your relevant experience and interest in the position
  2. Resume
  3. A list of three professional references with contact information,

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received before September 22, 2019. 

For more information, visit participatorybudgeting.org