Rural Engagement Manager

In 2025, the time for organizing our communities is more important than it has ever been. Our family of organizations Arizona Coalition for Change 501(c)(3) and Our Voice Our Vote Arizona 501(c)(4) is seeking a passionate and experienced Rural Engagement Manager to lead our initiatives in Pinal County, with a primary focus on Maricopa City. This role is crucial to advancing our mission of deepening community engagement, amplifying the voices of BIPOC constituents, and fostering an inclusive, action-oriented environment that drives meaningful change in rural communities. The Rural Engagement Manager will lead our leadership development and issue advocacy programming, overseeing the We Got Next Fellowship and the Ignite Leadership Fellowship. This position will be responsible for driving recruitment and outreach efforts for both programs, ensuring we identify and support emerging rural leaders committed to creating positive social impact within their communities. Additionally, the Rural Engagement Manager will conduct voter education and voter registration trainings, equipping rural residents with the knowledge and tools to participate in the democratic process actively. The role will also include organizing and facilitating issue-based advocacy events, town halls, one-on-one meetings, and community forums to ensure that the needs and priorities of rural communities are effectively addressed.

The ideal candidate will have a deep familiarity with Maricopa City and Pinal County, a strong commitment to social justice, and the ability to build relationships, mobilize rural residents, and create transformative opportunities for growth and leadership development. This individual will work closely with team members to ensure that all community engagement initiatives are inclusive, responsive, and impactful while fostering a dynamic and empowered rural community ready to take action.

About The Organization

Arizona Coalition for Change is a Black-led organization with a dynamic multicultural team that empowers everyday people to transform their community through building civic power, leadership development, and community collaboration. We advocate for lasting progressive public policies that change the dynamics of communities by putting people first. We work to develop and uplift voices in communities to take on the nation's most pressing issues.

Organizational Beliefs

Arizona Coalition for Change and Our Voice Our Vote Arizona is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We deeply value the expertise of lived experience and strongly value and seek to invest in applicants that have shared lived experience with the constituents we currently and hope to work with, including folks of color, those who are immigrants, or children of immigrants to the US, those whose first language is not English, trans and queer individuals, and others from communities who have been impacted by systemic inequities. Our team members must be passionate about developing relationships and building grassroots power for Black and other people of color communities in the state. We have undertaken a new strategic direction, doubling down on transformative organizing by establishing a culture where leaders are liberated through collective movement building, leadership development, and risk-taking.

Role Responsibilities:

• Community Engagement:
• Establish and nurture strong relationships with local stakeholders, community leaders, and residents to ensure that outreach efforts are meaningful and impactful.
• Identify and address key local issues by listening to community concerns and aligning our actions with the community's priorities and aspirations.
• Organize and host town halls, community forums, and events that foster open dialogue, active participation, and collaborative problem-solving on local issues.
• Member Support, Recruitment, and Coordination:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive recruitment strategy to attract new members to our programs and initiatives, particularly targeting rural communities.
• Conduct regular outreach efforts to build awareness, foster engagement, and increase active participation among existing members.
• Recruit and coordinate team members for the Pinal County team, ensuring that roles are filled with individuals passionate about community organizing and social justice.
• Voter Education,Voter Registration and Advocacy:
• Organize and facilitate voter education and registration training, equipping community members with the knowledge to actively participate in local, state, and federal elections.
• Lead Voter registration program
• Lead issue-based advocacy campaigns and community mobilization efforts, ensuring that rural voices are heard and that community members are engaged in shaping policy decisions that affect their lives.

Ideal Skills and Experiences:

• 1-2 Years of Organizing Experience: Experience as a community organizer, preferably within rural or low-income communities, with a focus on racial, social, or economic justice.
• Commitment to Social Justice: Passion for developing relationships and building grassroots power among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, with a special focus on empowering low-income people of color to fight for racial and economic equity.
• Community-Centered Leadership: Ability to work democratically and effectively with diverse groups, building trust and collaboration across lines of difference.
• Strong Team Player: Comfortable working as part of a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, and willing to contribute to a positive, inclusive, and dynamic team environment.
• Event Coordination and Facilitation Skills: Experience organizing and facilitating town halls, community forums, and leadership development programs; skilled at creating spaces that encourage open dialogue and active participation.
• Voter Education and Advocacy: Experience or willingness to organize voter education and registration training and advocacy campaigns, with a deep understanding of the importance of civic participation in marginalized communities.
• Leadership Development: Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop emerging leaders, creating a sustainable pipeline of advocates who can lead future community efforts.
• Operational and Strategic Thinking: Ability to balance the macro vision with day-to-day operational details, ensuring that both long-term goals and immediate needs are met.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong written and oral communication abilities, including the capacity to produce clear, consistent, and compelling materials for diverse audiences.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, flexible work environment, and willingness to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, when needed.
• Travel Readiness: Willingness to travel between Maricopa, Phoenix, and Tucson, with access to a reliable vehicle.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: Comfort working with and understanding the unique needs of rural and underserved communities, and a strong desire to create positive, lasting change.

Benefits:

• Top-of-the-line medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• 401(K) plan with employer matching options
• Paid time off for holidays
• Extended paid time off for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years
• 10 paid time off (PTO) days
• Paid family and sick leave
• Professional development opportunities
• 10 hours of paid community service to support our community
• Strong team culture!

To Apply send your cover letter and resume, and two references to Include “Rural Engagement “ in the subject line. In the cover letter please thoroughly explain why you are a strong fit for this position.