Civic Empowerment Coalition Regional Coordinator Grand Rapids, MI · Full time

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The Civic Empowerment Coalition (CEC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization established by the Farm Worker Movement for the purposes of civically engaging farm worker communities. The CEC is a sister organization of the United Farm Workers of America 501(c)(5), the nation’s largest farm worker labor union, and the UFW Foundation 501(c)(3). The CEC is committed to advancing equity for rural communities of color, farm workers, and their families. The CEC is active on-the-ground in Michigan, Arizona, Georgia and California.

 

TITLE: 

Regional Coordinator

 

FLSA STATUS: 

Exempt (Salary) 

 

LOCATION: 

West Michigan 

 

HIRING RANGE: 

$40,000 to $50,000 annually. 

 

About the Civic Empowerment Coalition: The Civic Empowerment Coalition (CEC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) established by the Farm Worker Movement for the purposes of civically engaging farm worker communities. The CEC is a sister organization of the United Farm Workers of America 501(c)(5), the nation’s largest farm worker labor union, and the UFW Foundation 501(c)(3). The CEC is committed to advancing equity for rural communities of color, farm workers, and their families. The CEC is active on-the-ground in Michigan, Arizona, Georgia and California for this year's mid-term elections.  

 

OUR WHY: We believe that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. We uplift the voices of rural communities of color, farm workers and their families, including Latino and BIPOC rural communities. Rural organizing and advocacy are at the heart of what the Civic Empowerment Coalition does; we recognize that our efforts in raising awareness on policy issues, educating farm workers, the public and policy makers—help create more just and equitable policies in government. The more farm workers can thrive by gaining legal status, better wages and worker protections, and a deeper understanding of the importance of their engagement, the greater the social and economic resilience of rural communities and our food system. Help us motivate these communities to engage civically during this critical election year.    

 

THE POSITION: The Regional Coordinator is a hands-on field leader who works in direct partnership with the Regional Field Manager (RFM) to execute the region's voter engagement strategy. The Regional Coordinator assists with day-to-day field execution, team supervision, and frontline data quality, supporting the Regional Field Manager with regional strategy execution, cross-team coordination, and external partnerships. This role combines team leadership, training, and active participation in field operations to maximize voter engagement in Latino and BIPOC communities and serves as the Regional Field Manager’s closest point of support and, where needed, their designated backup on routine field matters.  

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  (This is not an exhaustive list) 

  

Field Operations & Voter Engagement: 

• Actively canvass alongside teams to model best practices and boost morale. 
• Execute local voter engagement strategies day-to-day, including digital, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and text banking. 
• Conduct outreach on both nonpartisan voter education and candidates aligned with organizational values. 
• Assist with the planning and execution of civic engagement events such as town halls, candidate forums, rallies, and volunteer events. 
• Serve as the RFM's primary point of contact in the field, flagging issues early and escalating decisions that need RFM input rather than letting them stall. 

Team Leadership & Training: 

• Take primary ownership of supervising small teams of canvassers and volunteers, providing coaching, guidance, and feedback. 
• Train canvassers on scripts, voter engagement techniques, technology platforms, and data collection protocols, using materials developed with the RFM. 
• Assign canvassing areas (turf) based on strategic priorities and team strengths set by the RFM. 
• Lead team check-ins, daily goal setting, and debriefs to optimize field performance, and brief the RFM on outcomes. 
• Serve as designated backup to run routine daily field operations when the RFM is at partner meetings, trainings, or otherwise unavailable. 

Data Management & Reporting: 

• Take primary ownership of accurate and timely entry of voter and turf data in campaign systems (e.g., America Votes VAN and other technology infrastructure). 
• Track team performance and outreach metrics and deliver daily and weekly field reports. 
• Flag data quality issues to the RFM before they affect regional reporting. 

Community Engagement & Partnerships: 

• Build relationships with community members, student groups, local organizations, and grassroots partners to enhance campaign reach. 
• Recruit and support volunteers for voter engagement activities. 
• Represent the organization positively in local neighborhoods and at civic events and represent the organization at local partner check-ins when the RFM cannot attend. 
• Prepare brief local updates the RFM can use in coalition meetings and partner communications. 

Campaign Support, Leadership Development & Accountability: 

• Help increase Latino and BIPOC voter turnout through targeted Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) strategies designed in partnership with the RFM. 
• Ensure team adherence to campaign standards, schedules, and strategic priorities. 
• Maintain a ‘¡Sí Se Puede!’ mindset and model positivity and resilience for the team. 
• Complete all required trainings and participate in organizational development opportunities. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

 

• Supervise up to 10 Voter Engagement Canvassers.  
• May supervise interns and/or volunteers. 

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

 

The ideal candidate for this position must have a high level of professionalism and organization. The candidate must demonstrate competency in the following areas: 

• Ability to work well with diverse groups, under challenging deadlines 
• Able to work a flexible schedule, with weekday evening and weekend hours as needed  
• Computer literacy: word-processing, Excel charts, and other work-related applications 
• Dedication to Mission. A genuine interest in immigrant and farm worker rights 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both Spanish and English  
• Experience with/leading voter engagement and/or community outreach 
• Must have reliable transportation and state Driver’s License and vehicle insurance Mileage reimbursement is available  
• Outgoing and comfortable with talking to the public  
• Punctual, well organized, self-motivated, energetic, and motivated to work independently  
• Si Se Puede ® (It Can Be Done) Attitude. The embodiment of a personal spirit that promotes confidence, courage and risk-taking 
• Strong organization, oral/written, interpersonal, communication skills: ability to manage time, meet deadlines, work well independently and in a team-oriented setting, and set priorities in an adaptive, fast-paced and responsive environment 

 

 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  

• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. This position requires bilingual and/or bi-literate ability (English/Spanish). 
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. 
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to solve practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

 

• High School diploma or commensurate experience. 

 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:  

 

• Must have reliable transportation and valid Driver’s License and vehicle insurance. Fuel reimbursement is available 
• Must be proficient with MS office applications (Word, Excel, E-mail and Internet) 

 

ADDITIONAL AND/OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS 

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement – The Civic Empowerment Coalition is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community, employees, and program participants. While vaccinations and boosters are not currently mandatory, we strongly recommend their use as a crucial measure in reducing the transmission of COVID-19. It is imperative to emphasize that if a pandemic situation arises that necessitates vaccines and/or boosters, we will reinstate this requirement to protect everyone effectively. Vaccinations have proven to be effective in preventing the spread of the virus and reducing severe illness. By choosing to get vaccinated, individuals contribute to the collective effort in mitigating the impact of the pandemic and creating a safer environment for all. We will continually monitor the evolving situation and follow the guidance of health authorities.    

 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:   

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is extensively required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  

 

The work environment may change daily as outdoor weather and activities will determine the day-to-day nature of the work. 

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:  

The Civic Empowerment Coalition (CEC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe a strong commitment to equal employment opportunity is more than a legal and moral obligation – it is also a sound business practice to realize the potential of every individual. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all! In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunity to all individuals, employment decisions at the  Civic Empowerment Coalition (CEC) will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Except where required or permitted by law, employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex/gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, age, or any characteristic protected by law.  

 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for a position fighting for farm worker and immigrant communities!  The Civic Empowerment Coalition (CEC) believes in second chances. As an organization, we will rely on individualized assessments in the hiring of those with past criminal convictions.  

 

The Civic Empowerment Coalition (CEC) will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with qualified disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Persons of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, persons with disabilities, persons who have lived in poverty, formerly incarcerated, persons 40 years old or older, and people fluent in more than one language are strongly encouraged to apply for open positions with the Civic Empowerment Coalition (CEC).  

This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, counseling, discipline, termination, access to benefits and training. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers. 

 

Anticipated end date: 11/06/2026