Outreach Program Manager Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Verdugo Strategies is a progressive campaign consulting organization whose mission is to collaborate with our clients to empower people who are working to create a better world through civic engagement, community mobilization, and strategic advocacy. Our past work has included presidential campaigns, key US Senate and Gubernatorial elections, and important issue-based advocacy efforts to create positive, progressive change.

The Canvasser is a critical field-based role responsible for engaging the local community on important issues at public events, gatherings, and residences. The primary objective is to connect directly with the public to advance client missions, drive voter/community participation, and implement tactical field plans with discipline and professionalism. The canvasser is also responsible for collecting data from individuals on their opinions and persuading them to take actions such as registering to vote, signing petitions, and/or voting.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

While this is an entry-level role, experienced Canvassers may be asked to help recruit and mentor new Canvassers. Canvassers report to the Organizer and are expected to represent the Company and its clients with the highest professional standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Field Engagement: Introduce yourself to residents door-to-door and/or in public places to gather their opinions on important matters.
• Script Mastery: Memorize and recite prepared to ensure consistent, impactful messaging.
• Training & Development: Receive continuous training and participate in daily exercises to refine message delivery and tactical agility.
• Information Gathering: Collect contact details, signatures, and other data from community members for follow-up.
• Information Distribution: Deliver flyers, door hangers, and other campaign information directly to homes.
• Action-Oriented Persuasion: Use provided knowledge on candidates and policies to create voter action.
• Operational Adherence: Ensure compliance with all internal safety protocols, company policies, and data integrity standards.
• Adaptive Support: Perform other duties and follow directions as requested by the Organizer.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

• Goal Attainment: Consistently hits or exceeds outreach and information-gathering targets.
• Data Integrity: Maintains 100% accuracy and honesty in data collection and reporting.
• Professional Reliability: Maintains seamless communication with leadership and manages field shifts with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Advancement Potential: Demonstrates excellence in the position and the ability to train others, which may lead to advancement opportunities within the organization.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to progressive causes and enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Comfort with talking to people and strong face-to-face communication skills.
• Must be able to read, write, and understand English at a professional level to manage internal documentation and reporting.
• Ability to learn quickly during training sessions to effectively deliver campaign messages and persuade community members to take action.
• Must have a working smartphone with an active data plan for professional communication and performing duties.
• Must not be employed by another political campaign during employment of this position.
• Ability to learn and use new software programs quickly, such as mobile canvassing apps.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in community organizing, canvassing, or customer service.
• Working proficiency in a second language is highly preferred and considered a significant asset.
• Valid Driver’s License.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role operates in a dynamic field office environment and in various community settings. It requires the ability to work long hours and/or weekends, especially during peak campaign phases. While some administrative work is performed in an office setting, the role is primarily active and field-facing, and regularly requires traveling in a vehicle and walking in residential neighborhoods or public spaces speaking to community members.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, this role is regularly required to walk long distances and navigate different neighborhood terrains. The employee must be able to sit for periods of training and stand for extended periods during training or field shifts. Specific physical abilities required include the ability to navigate stairs, carry heavy outreach materials, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, rain, etc.).

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

At Verdugo Strategies, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of or traits historically associated with race; color, religion, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.