FairVote is one of the nation's leading democracy organizations, with a particular focus on bold, change-oriented electoral reforms  Our vision of an equally secure, meaningful and effective vote for all Americans is founded on the principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech: we are created equal, government is of, by and for the people and it is time to make real the promise of democracy. With strong support from interns and a national network of volunteers, our hard-working and energetic staff advances our mission: achieving "the way democracy will be": majority voting for executive offices through instant runoff voting, universal voter registration of all eligible voters, proportional voting for fair representation of legislatures, a constitutional right to vote and a national popular vote president. Our office is conveniently located in historic Old Town Takoma Park, two blocks from the Washington, D.C. Metro's Takoma Station (red line).

With the 2008 presidential elections looming, FairVote is launching the Democracy SoS project to bring transparency and public awareness to the actions of Secretaries of State and other chief election officials in states and promote democracy coalitions to achieve fair elections. By surveying the opinions of sitting and prospective officials, as well as by researching their past actions, we hope to work with state and national reform organizations to ensure that voters are both protected on and before Election Day and are able to make well-informed decisions when given the opportunity to select their Secretary of State.

FairVote is hiring a coordinator to launch the Democracy SoS project, while simultaneously building a large coalition of national, state, and local pro-democracy groups and activists.

Job duties to include:

• Recruit and work with a broad array of local, state and national organizations to conduct research, media outreach, grassroots activity, and education on key voting/election issues impacted by Secretaries of State.
• Coordinate development of research, survey, issue prioritization and voter guides in target states and offices.
• Develop of educational materials, a project website, brochures, and other materials.
• Serve as primary point of contact for project, including coordinating media inquiries.

Additional Qualifications:

We seek an applicant eager to work in our organization, and, ideally, with the at least some of the following skills and experience:

• Well-organized and detail-oriented, able to work on tight timelines.
• Experience in a nonprofit, political, or policy organization preferable.
• Coalition-building and organizing experience
• Passion for electoral reform and civil rights
• Strong public speaking, research, and writing skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment, with  a sense of humor

Application process / Compensation

• Resume, cover letter and writing sample, including at least two references who can speak to your relevant skills. Please send materials to hr(AT)fairvote.org
• Deadline to apply is December 15th, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found.
• Salary: Salary commensurate with experience. Health, dental, and life insurance benefits provided in first year, with a retirement plan after one year.