State Director

Common Cause

. Promote Common Cause’s agenda at the state and national level .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeWisconsin • United StatesLead💰 $116,699 - $137,917 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading public policy campaigns, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and advancing democracy reforms with a strong focus on racial equity. Proven ability to manage teams, develop strategic initiatives, and navigate political dynamics in Wisconsin.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Public Policy Campaign LeadershipRacial Equity AdvocacyTeam ManagementLegislation Drafting and AnalysisCoalition Building

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy AnalysisCampaign ManagementLegislation AdvocacyStrategic PlanningGrassroots Organizing

Soft Skills

Collaborative CommunicationInnovative Problem SolvingConflict NavigationAttention to DetailTime Management

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeSlackZoom

Industry Keywords

Democracy ReformsCivil RightsPolitical DynamicsGrassroots AdvocacyMembership Expansion

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Promote Common Cause’s agenda at the state and national level
Foster a strong, sustainable Wisconsin team
Lead public policy campaigns through policy analysis, research, lobbying, litigation, grassroots organizing, communications, and coalition building
Develop a strategic approach for Common Cause in Wisconsin
Develop programs to achieve the organization’s strategic vision
Advance democracy reforms in Wisconsin
Expand the organization’s membership base
Manage a high-performing team
Set and lead policy advocacy and organizing strategy centered on racial equity
Develop proactive and defensive policy campaigns centered on racial equity
Report to the Vice President of States

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong commitment to Common Cause’s nonpartisan mission and advancing civil rights through its pro-democracy agenda
Commitment to equity in work goals and collaboration
Ability to navigate organizational and power dynamics and respectfully navigate conflict
Ability to influence others to adopt changes toward common goals
Collaborative track record building rapport, trust, and credibility with diverse stakeholders
Innovative and strategic thinking; ability to navigate ambiguity and solve problems resourcefully
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong attention to detail, organization, and independent time management
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including distilling complex concepts for broad audiences
Ideally, experience working with media and/or as an organizational spokesperson
Openness to feedback and awareness of strengths and growth areas
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Slack, and Zoom
Experience leading successful local- or state-level public advocacy campaigns related to democracy, elections, voting rights, and civil rights
Experience creating and managing campaign or annual plans from conception through implementation
Experience drafting, analyzing, and advocating for legislation in Wisconsin
Demonstrated knowledge of Wisconsin’s political dynamics, funders, and decision-makers
Experience building, participating in, and leading diverse-interest coalitions or groups
Track record of leading organization-wide change initiatives
Experience managing and developing a team and setting strategic direction
Ability to travel within Wisconsin at least 4 days per month and multiple times per week during legislative session
Ability to travel nationally 1–2 times per year for team and/or staff retreats
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed, especially during legislative sessions
Must not currently hold elected office, run for office, serve on a political candidate’s Steering or Finance Committee, or be affiliated with political-party leadership
Must be authorized to work in the United States; Common Cause cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Benefits

Comp & perks

Robust healthcare plan covering 97% of employee medical care
100% employee vision and dental benefits
75% family medical care coverage
100% family vision and dental benefits
Salary ranges set consistently based on job responsibilities and relevant years of experience
Hybrid work arrangement