We are looking for a Voting Rights Program Associate to lead a statewide coalition of civic engagement and democracy reform organizations as we seek to reform primary elections at the local level within California. This is an exciting opportunity to improve voters’ voice and power within local communities, support our work to protect voting rights, and help us achieve our overall vision of a more inclusive and representative democracy in California, especially related to primary reform. 

In this role, you will work closely with members of the California Common Cause team to implement strategies to ensure that all voices, especially those from marginalized communities, are heard and considered in campaign planning and execution. You will also serve as the main point of contact and project manager for our work with our coalition partners, to ensure local elected officials and governing institutions are more representative of and responsive of their communities, guiding this work and our stakeholders to impactful outcomes.

This role reports to the Voting Rights and Redistricting Program Manager; this role is remote within California, though we have a preference for someone in either the Central Valley or Sacramento. This is a grant-funded role; we hope to have someone start in August and this role is funded through June 2026.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Voting Rights & Redistricting Program Manager, implement the strategic direction for primary elections reform and advance primary reform for California Common Cause: 

· Manage all aspects of the primary election reform coalition for California Common Cause, including power mapping, policy research and development, community education, and coalition building

· Convene and facilitate the primary reform coalition meetings and act as California Common Cause’s representative in coalition meetings

· Develop organization systems and processes to hold coalition members accountable to their commitments

· Develop communication channels and protocols to facilitate transparent and effective information sharing among coalition members

· Build and maintain impactful relationships with coalition members, including responding promptly to questions and outreach from this group

· Maintain accurate records of all coalition members, activities, events, and goals

· Perform other duties as assigned

You will thrive in this role if you have:

• A strong commitment to Common Cause’s non-partisan mission and to advancing racial equity through our democracy agenda 
• Interest in voting and election policy, and ideally you are familiar with civic engagement organizations across California 
• Ability to build rapport, trust and credibility quickly with diverse communities and stakeholders, and of respectfully navigating conflict while maintaining your values 
• A track record of working collaboratively with others to achieve results, and to influence stakeholders to take action 
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple short- and long-term projects and priorities simultaneously, including contingency planning
• Critical thinking skills and a resourceful approach to problem-solving 
• An ability to compel action through both written and verbal communication, including the ability to distill complex concepts for a broad audience, and ability to lead compelling presentations to groups 
• Openness to feedback and awareness of your own strengths and areas for growth
• Deep familiarity with office productivity tools including Microsoft Office, Slack, Zoom 

• Experience managing a project that was at least six months in scope, and that involved multiple stakeholders 
• Experience working in and managing coalitions 
• Ability to be in Sacramento up to once per week during the busiest times of the year, as well as travel in California 1-3 times per quarter for coalition and team meetings, and travel within the United States 1-2 times per year for team and/or all staff retreats 
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekend, as needed 
• Per our non-partisan 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 

• This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining negotiations
• 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 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 more than 1.5 million members and supporters living in every Congressional district in the United States, and offices in 25 states around the country.