Close the Gap: Candidate Recruiter: California

Job Post; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on women's leadership is seeking a part-time Recruiter in California. This role requires strong community ties and experience in advocacy. The ideal candidate will engage leaders for potential electoral campaigns and work collaboratively with a team. Commitment includes approximately 10 hours per week through December 2026, with a flexible remote schedule.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in advocacy, civic engagement, community organizing, electoral politics, or related field.
• Strong understanding of what it takes to run for and win public office.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and political savvy.

Responsibilities

• Apply research on target districts and build profiles of strong potential candidates.
• Identify key players in a district and convene allies for input on potential candidates.
• Proactively reach out to local electeds, community leaders, advocates, and professionals to identify strong candidates.

Skills

Advocacy

Community engagement

Political insight

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Overview

Close the Gap California (CTG) is a 527 non-PAC campaign launched in 2013. By recruiting accomplished, progressive women in targeted districts and preparing them to launch competitive campaigns, we are changing the face of the California State Legislature one cycle at a time.

Our impact includes CTG legislators serving today, with a focus on reproductive freedom, quality public education, and an end to poverty. CTG’s goal is to close California’s gender gap by 2028. We are exploring expansion into other states and down-ballot work in California. Recruiters will be on the frontlines of this effort, helping CTG achieve parity in the legislature by 2028 and launching a down-ballot pilot with Boards of Supervisors candidates in California.

CTG is a team of women with deep political expertise, bold vision, and a track record of results. We are dynamic, collaborative, and committed to gender parity.

Description of Role

We are seeking part-time staff Recruiters in California to use their networks, political insight, and strategic thinking to identify and cultivate outstanding prospective candidates for State Legislature and Boards of Supervisors. This role is well suited for mid- to senior-level professionals with strong community ties and experience in advocacy, civic engagement, or electoral politics.

You’ll work independently and with the CTG team to proactively identify, engage, and guide leaders who have the potential to run and win competitive campaigns.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has strong community and professional networks in California, thrives at connecting people and spotting leadership potential, and understands what it takes to run for and win public office. They are proactive, self-directed, and detail-oriented, capable of managing multiple conversations and commitments. They exercise good judgment and discretion and are comfortable reaching out to a wide range of leaders and allies. They thrive in a collaborative environment and are excited to join a team of political professionals. They have time and passion to dedicate about 10 hours a week to advancing women’s leadership and are motivated by reflective representation, inclusion, and diverse voices in governance.

The role begins in January 2026 and runs through December 2026.

Responsibilities

• Strategic research: Apply research on target districts and build profiles of strong potential candidates.
• Convene allies: Identify key players in a district and convene allies for input on potential candidates; leverage networks to expand the candidate pool.
• Identify and recruit candidates: Proactively reach out to local electeds, community leaders, advocates, and professionals to identify strong candidates.
• Candidate vetting: Assess potential candidates for alignment with organizational values, credibility in their communities, and viability as candidates.
• Candidate coaching: Individually coach prospective candidates toward deciding whether to run, with CTG’s Exploration Process.
• Collaboration: Participate in weekly core-team meetings; share updates and coordinate candidate outreach.
• Documentation & follow-up: Track prospects, maintain accurate records, and ensure timely follow-up with candidates and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in advocacy, civic engagement, community organizing, electoral politics, or related field.
• Deep networks in your community and ability to leverage them effectively.
• Strong understanding of what it takes to run for and win public office.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and political savvy.
• Proactive, organized, and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to engage effectively with leaders from diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive leadership.

Commitment and Structure

• Part-time role: approximately 10 hours per week
• Term: January – December 2026 (12 months)
• California residence preferred; knowledge of Inland Empire, Central Coast, Southern California, Central Valley, and the Bay Area is a plus
• Flexible schedule with some standing weekly meetings
• Remote role

How to Apply

• Please send: Resume and cover letter with the email subject “Recruiter Application” to [e-mail].
• In your cover letter, describe how your background and passion align with the position and why you are invested in Close the Gap’s mission.
• Close the Gap may not be able to respond to all applicants. No phone calls, please.
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; please apply by October 31, 2025.