Community Organizer

(similar titles: Field Organizer, Organizer)

Recruits potential members through canvassing, 1-1s, trainings, events, and/or meetings to build and grow a base rooted in a site, region, issue or identity. Supports the leadership development of members and facilitates the process of members building relationships, identifying and analyzing issues that impact them, and taking action together.

Senior Organizer

(similar titles: Lead Organizer)

Leads efforts to build and deepen the actions of a base of members, including ongoing recruitment of potential members through canvassing, 1-1s, trainings, events, and/or meetings. Cultivates and coaches the development of members into leaders and works with members to identify, run, and lead campaigns. Has developed some organizing experience and knowledge through practice and training and may also act to mentor or guide less experienced organizing staff or volunteers.

Organizing Manager

(similar titles: Community Organizing Manager, Senior Organizing Manager)

Manages an organizing program, including supporting organizing staff in their work with members. Leads organizers in strategizing around member engagement, campaign planning, and strategic communications. Cultivates relationships with other organizations, coalitions, and community leaders. May be responsible for project budgets and supervision of other community organizing staff, volunteers, and/or intern positions.

Organizing Director

(sometimes called a Program Director)

Leads all aspects of an organizing team, including training and coaching organizing staff and developing and evaluating organizing campaigns in alignment with organization’s mission and theory of change. Strategically develops relationships with other organizations, coalitions, and community leaders and may serve as a spokesperson and media contact. Manages organizing program budget, work plan, and staff.

Digital Organizer

(similar title: Digital Strategist)

Utilizes digital tools and platforms—including social media; volunteer communications platforms; digital organizing tools for dialing, texting, and relational organizing; email and donor CRMs; website; and others—to identify and recruit new members, deepen existing member engagement (including moving them from online to offline engagement), and mobilizing existing and new supporters to take action. May also include some aspects of database management and data analysis, graphic design and communications, and/or digital fundraising. (Note: other roles such as Communications Associate or Social Media Coordinator should not be put in this category unless they are primarily focused on member engagement.)

Paid Canvasser

(similar titles: Phone Canvasser, Seasonal Canvasser, Temporary/Short-Term Organizer)

Completes door-to-door or phone canvass shifts to directly engage with community members and meet regular goals for contact, persuasion, commitment, and/or turnout, often in service of a specific campaign or election. Collects and records data from conversations and shares insights with broader canvass and organizing team.