Tribal Organizer

Progress North is a trusted grassroots organization connecting people – individuals and organizations –  in northern Wisconsin to advance a hopeful progressive vision for our region and our state. Across race, class, gender, sexual orientation, generation and geography we are working toward three goals:  1.) to engage voters about the issues they care about and turn them out to support bold, progressive leaders up and down the ballot; 2.) build a coalition of organizations in the region that will come together around a common vision for change that takes on structural racism, gender and economic inequities, and corporate power; 3.) to develop grassroots leadership and amplify the voices of the people of northern Wisconsin so that the priorities of our federal, state and local governments reflect our experiences and needs.

Position Summary: 

The Tribal Organizer will work with the support of our entire team, working more closely with tribal leaders, Lead Organizer and Communications manager to build a progressive tribal base that will drive voter turnout and strengthen tribal organizing to win real change locally and regionally. The Tribal Organizer will work to engage Indigenous peoples in the democratic process, to develop a team of volunteers and activists, and to build the voice of Indigenous people in Wisconsin through relational organizing and leadership development. This position will help create and manifest fun and innovative plans in tribal nations focused on recruiting and developing volunteer leaders, engaging folks & organizing around tribal and local issues; as well as preparing for the next crucial election & issue moments. We view elections as one tool to energize new folks, politicize them around their personal experiences, help them develop leadership, and help us build power for long-term progressive change in our region. This position will lead teams of volunteers, plan events (including direct voter contact and outreach events), and recruit and manage volunteers.  There is also an aspect of this position’s work that will be managing online (social media & other digital tools) to offline (personal, volunteers) relationships for Progress North. 

Primary Responsibilities (essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following):

• Building relationships with the following tribal nations; Bad River, Red Cliff and LCO with the emphasis on voter education, voter registration, leadership development and candidate recruitment.
• Attending or hosting events with tribal members and other Native organizations with a focus on voter education and voter registration.

• Developing and implementing a creative and strategic (culturally appropriate) base building plan for tribal nations. 
  • Use organizing tools to engage people in our work, develop deep relationships with them, and support their leadership development.  Organizing tools include (but not limited to): door-to-door canvassing/dorm-storms, phone banks, text banks, visibility actions & direct actions (as needed), training: both issue-based, political education and GOTV-centric, and One-to-One’s.
  • Identify, recruit, train, and move Indigenous activists into regular action and positions of leadership throughout our 2023-2024 work, supporting their leadership and helping develop skills for organizing centered on our political analysis, theory of change and our race/class narrative work.
  • Help build a strong core team of Indigenous volunteer activists – get them bought in, trained, and give them responsibilities and a sense of sincere investment in our work long-term, helping us to develop the internal culture of our organization.
  • Provide weekly reports on goals, like voter engagement, GOTV efforts, and other program developments as needed.
  • Experiment with innovative programs as appropriate.
  • Digital organizing: engage volunteers in our social media platforms, help manage online to offline relationships, assist in creation and dissemination of content (i.e. photo documentation of work, content created by team, and other engagement as is required). 
• Developing and implementing creative ways to engage tribal members in voting.
• Implementing and expanding the work and the ways Progress North engages in the opioid settlement funds coming into our communities. 
• Working closely with the Lead Organizer and reporting weekly to the Executive Director  and/or Lead Organizer.
• Developing and managing strategic plans for tribal engagement.
• Tracking data and reporting progress of goals in our database (EveryAction and AV VAN).
• Working with tribal governments and leaders.
• Operate in a way that is embedded with or complementary to local organizations. Collaborate with partner organizations as appropriate. We know we don’t do this work alone, and partnering with others helps us build collective power together. 

• Work with Progress North Programs Manager, Lead Organizer, Canvassers and other team members to develop and meet goals for each of these responsibilities; manage and meet a variety of goals throughout the seasons of the work; and update organizational database systems with member and event information as a way to ensure and track successful completion of goals.
• Follow legal guidelines as directed by Progress North Executive Director.
• Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis.

Experience & Qualifications: 

• Experience facilitating meetings, training, and/or group gatherings that move people to action.
• Ability to pay attention to details, be vigilant about tracking goal progress, and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to speak up, suggest new ideas, receive feedback, adjust plans to ensure successful completion of goals, and be a part of the solution.
• Talented self-motivated natural organizer, with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Passionate about doing community organizing & progressive election work, as opposed to a candidate campaign.
• Self-starter that will help plan and execute work plans in a mostly self-directed way.
• Accountable, proactive, communicative (calls frequently + responds right away).
• Ideally has some organizing experience, but not required.
• Ability to build and mobilize strong local networks, and identify & seize opportunities for engaging new people. 
• Honest and has integrity – mature enough to own mistakes and ask for help.
• Clear commitment to the importance for rural organizing, tribal organizing, and collective liberation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and continually evolving environment.

Skills:  Demonstrated experience and success with community engagement; an understanding of tribal communities. 

Physical Demands & Working Environment:

Work is performed in a standard office environment (if residing in/near Superior) which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others, and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree, or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage. Flexibility to work outside normal business hours that include evenings and weekends, and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position. Ability to travel as is necessary for job duties.

Salary/Benefits/Other Information:

This is a full-time salary position (Salary $45,000 exempt), and is dependent on on-going funding as are all the positions at Progress North. Full medical insurance, dental insurance, and retirement package provided, as well as ongoing leadership development of staff, including access to relevant training and conferences. Generous PTO package, that includes sick, personal & vacation time. 

Reports To & Location: This position reports directly to the Program Manager or Executive Director, and will meet with other members of the team as needed. 

How to Apply: Email a cover letter, resume and three references (Word or PDF) to Shawnu Ksicinski, at shawnu.progressnorth@gmail.com, with the subject line “ TRIBAL ORGANIZER.” This position will be open until filled. 

Progress North is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, LGBTQIA2+ individuals, and women.

Although open for everyone to apply, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants.