Careers

Big Sky 55+ is an organization of Montanans 55 and over, bringing people together to work for solutions that make life better for Montanans of all ages. This is a full-time exempt salaried position with benefits based in Montana.  Big Sky 55+ is a non-profit statewide grassroots organization with (c3), (c4), and PAC activities. 

 

Staff Role within the organization

Big Sky 55+ campaigns and programs are governed by a 501 C4 Board of Directors. The board oversees the 55+ Executive Director, who in turn oversees the 55+ staff and the organization's overall work, including the work of the Political Director. As a director-level position, the Political Director is considered a member of staff leadership and management and is thus a full-time exempt position.  Staff members do not speak to the media unless specifically authorized.

 

About the position

The Political Director is expected to work with our affiliated but separate PAC board to ensure political efforts are achieved and coordinate with various internal and external partners to achieve issue-based and electoral goals. This position guides the planning and execution of the C4 issues and educational programs of Big Sky 55+. This position requires an ability and interest in traveling up to 20-40% of the time, depending on electoral cycle goals, with occasional evening and weekend events. This position is expected to manage many of the organization’s political relationships and organize programs to achieve the success of those relationships.  This position may need to lobby at the state legislature and be familiar with shepherding a bill through the process.​​

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Specific Responsibilities

General

• Identify and recruit strong candidates to run for office.

• Guide campaigns through an assessment and endorsement process.

• Manage any Independent Expenditure (IE) programs.

• Manage and execute Big Sky 55 PAC political and electoral strategy and programs, and elevate 55+’s campaign issues as voting issues.

• Oversee the management of outside consultants and vendors working to execute the electoral strategy.

• Develop and maintain campaign budgets and plans, and execute them.

• Identify and elevate legal compliance, ensuring all regulations and requirements related to the electoral program are met in conjunction with the Executive Director and Compliance Consultant.

• Produce analysis and other materials for partners, funders, and the board of directors.

• Participate as part of the 55+ staff leadership team.

• Significant travel, both daylong and overnight trips, around the state of Montana and out-of-state 

• Work with organizational governing boards and committees to collaboratively execute programs.

Coalition work

• Advance political priorities through building and maintaining relationships with coalition members and leaders of allied organizations.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with multiple stakeholders (board, coalition partners, Advisory Committee, etc.)

Administrative work

• Participate in 55+ staff teams to complete assigned projects.

• Participate in 55+ board and committee meetings and events as necessary and appropriate to the position, and fulfill administrative duties and responsibilities.

• Produce annual and monthly work plans, time sheets, and monthly board updates.

• Take on additional assignments when other staff members are absent and as requested in this small staff working environment.

 

Necessary Qualifications

• Extreme attention to detail.

• Strong public speaking and presentation skills (verbal and written).

• Commitment to building relationships and growing outreach with a diversity of candidates, coalition partners, and membership.

• Ability to travel around Montana and occasionally to national gatherings.

• Familiarity with Montana and the political or non-profit culture of the state.

Also helpful:

• Experience in a political campaign.

• General familiarity with the workings of legislative bodies and government agencies.

• Familiarity with issues related to aging, health care, and quality of life.

• Montana political or government knowledge and experience.

• Experience with Votebuilder or the EveryAction/NGP database suite.

 

Salary and Benefits:

The salary for the position is $50,000.00 to $70,000.00 (depending on experience) and includes generous benefits, including a gold-level health insurance plan, paid holidays, sick leave, and annual leave.

 

To Apply:

Email in one PDF a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications, a resume, and three professional references to the Big Sky 55+Executive Director tbolger@bigsky55.org. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

 

Big Sky 55+ is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. We work to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, compensation, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant based on identity.