Job Title: Political Director

Description:
The INDN’s List national headquarters is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and our national office is seeking a full-time Political Director, to be hired immediately. Position will be filled when we find the right candidate, and we would prefer to have the Political Director in place by mid-October. Salary is commensurate with experience, and health insurance is provided.

What is INDN's List?
The Indigenous Democratic Network, INDN's List, is the only grassroots political organization devoted to recruiting and electing Native American candidates and mobilizing the Indian Vote throughout America on behalf of those candidates. INDN's List was officially launched Feb 28, 2005, in Washington DC. We are dedicated to making a unified Indian voice heard at the local, state and national levels by helping Indians build and run effective campaign organizations and to win elected offices across America. The Indigenous Democratic Network identifies Democratic Indian candidates running for state and local office and recommends them to our members.

We believe in the power of Indians as candidates, as contributors, as campaign professionals, and as voters to bring about great change in our country. Only when Indians are involved in the political process are they truly represented. When Indians make law and policy, the needs of Indian Country and all those less fortunate are not ignored.

During the 2006 election cycle, we endorsed 26 candidates. Of those, twenty were victorious in their races – a 77% win rate – representing 12 states and 21 tribes. INDN candidates averaged 56 percent of their general election votes, proving that American Indians can garner widespread public support from voters, even in districts not heavily represented by Native peoples. We want a Political Director that will improve on that success on Election Day 2008.

Responsibilities:
The Political Director will create and implement the political strategy for our non-profit organization’s activities during this election cycle. Primary responsibilities include:

• Develop nationwide political strategy to help elect American Indians to state and local office.
• Write political plan for INDN’s List activities through 2008.
• Recruit American Indian candidates to run for state and local office.
• Conduct trainings for our candidates and their staffs.
• Develop targeted political strategy for our candidates and for key states.
• Offer strategic guidance to campaigns.
• Advise our endorsed candidates.
• Contact all American Indians running for state and local office and encourage them to apply for our endorsement.
• Build relationships with allies and our sister organizations.
• Work with President and Communications Director on message strategy.

 
Qualifications:
The Political Director should:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year university with a related degree.
• Have at least five years of related experience in Democratic politics.
• Have developed and implemented successful campaigns in the past.
• Possess sound political judgment.
• Have in depth knowledge of state and local politics for races nation-wide.
• Have experience in use of polling, research, targeting, direct mail & direct voter contact.
• Know how to use NCEC data to target.
• Be able to handle multiple priorities in different states with different deadlines.
• Possess ability to manage other staff members if needed.
• Have success in working with different constituencies.
• Communicate effectively with strong writing skills.
• Be a self starter.
• Be willing to work long hours; be available on nights and weekends if necessary.
• Be organized and flexible, and possess the ability to stay calm in a crisis.
• Be adaptable to frequent changes in workload.
• Be committed to the goals of INDN’s List.
• Be willing to do what it takes to get the job done.
• Have working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Be willing to pitch in with other office tasks as needed.
• Knowledge of native issues is a plus.
• Have the ability to travel.
• And, last but not least, have a sense of humor.

Experience in politics and/or with non-profits is desired, but not required.

Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply:
Email cover letter, resume, and three references to courtney@indnslist.org. Information can also be faxed to Courtney's attention at 918.583.6104.