Movement Building Manager

Job Title:          Movement Building Manager

Department:      Campaigns & Organizing

Reports To:        Managing Director, Organizing & Strategic Relations

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. We advocate for a holistic approach to drugs that prioritizes health, social supports, and community wellbeing. DPA opposes punitive approaches that destabilize people, block access to care, and drain communities of resources. We believe that the regulation of drugs should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives. 

Recognizing the broad reach of the drug war, DPA works across issue areas to engage more deeply with organizations and leaders in immigration, family policing, education, reproductive justice, housing, and other aligned spaces. This commitment to building power across movements and building a base contributes to and works in tandem with DPA’s work on policy and legislative change.  

Learn more about working at the Drug Policy Alliance here and learn about our work to end the drug war here. 

The Role:  

The Movement Building Manager is a key strategist and organizing coordinator within the Drug Policy Alliance’s Campaigns & Organizing Department. Reporting to the Managing Director of Organizing & Strategic Partnership, this role will help lead the organization’s relations with national allied organizations, broad movement allies, and build organizing capacity among drug policy organizations nationally. The Movement Building Coordinator will represent DPA on key coalition tables, help advance our campaigns and policies across the country and maintain relationships with critical organizations.  

Our ideal candidate is a skilled organizer who believes deeply in racial and social justice and has a conviction that transformative change is possible. They must have significant experience as a grassroots organizer and campaigner working on policy campaigns at the state, local and/or national levels. Excellent training and facilitation skills are critical. The candidate must also demonstrate strategic thinking and the ability to translate plans into collective action. 

The Movement Building Manager reports to the Managing Director of Organizing & Strategic Relations. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Work collaboratively with the Managing Director of Organizing and Strategic Partnership to develop organizing skills trainings and education workshops for DPA staff, and allied partner organizations. 

• Conceive, draft, and edit training curricula and materials in order to expand the power and capacity of the drug reform movement. 

• Plan, recruit for, and conduct training and education sessions in line with the organization’s key state and regional priorities. 

• Give support and follow-up coaching and technical assistance to support the organizing and strategic skills of training participants. 

• Serve as the lead and/or support for the Managing Director of Organizing and Strategic Partnership for building organizational relations with and support for constituency-based organizations working for drug reform (i.e. drug user unions, parent organizations, groups of other impacted communities, etc.). 

• Represent DPA in key coalition spaces and tables. Advocate for the organization’s policy solutions and approaches among allies and partner organizations. 

• Develop and implement leadership development plans for key constituencies, organizations, and key individuals to strengthen the movement and advance DPA’s policy goals. 

• Facilitate power analysis process with key campaign teams and partner organizations; 

• Plan, organize, and execute convenings of key partners and allies. 

• Travel to give hands-on support and advice to local campaigns. 
• Manage relevant consultants, vendors, related accounts, volunteers/interns, and billing where appropriate. 

Skills and Experience:  

 Experience 

• At least 5 years of grassroots organizing or electoral campaign experience. 

• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, organizational skills, and proactive work style. 

• Experience in organizing and leading electoral or issue campaigns. 

• Political analysis and understanding of current politics. Understanding of racial justice and issues of oppression. 

• Deep knowledge of organizing models and strategies. 

• Familiarity with drug policy is highly preferable. 

Skills 

• Leading and maintaining portfolio of work with minimal day-to-day supervision 

• Working with diverse partners, including community-based organizations, community members/constituents, and people directly impacted by the war on drugs 

• Excellent writing and oral advocacy skills 

• Strong attention to detail, ability to write and deliver work products under tight deadlines, and commitment to high-quality standards. 

• A proven track record of managing successful campaigns 

• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity, and a good sense of humor essential 

Compensation:  

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range for this position is $81,000-$88,000, depending on the level of experience. Benefits for DPA staff include comprehensive health insurance and coverage (including dental and vision), 403b retirement plan with 10% employer matching contribution after completion of one-year, paid time off including 20 days of vacation, plus national holidays, sick days, organizational closure at the end of December, and year-round early dismissal on Fridays.  

Salary : $81,000