Special Projects Manager

Democratic Party of Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Democratic Party of Illinois is hiring a Special Projects Manager for the 2026 Coordinated Campaign in Chicago. This full-time, in-person role reports to the Coordinated Campaign Director and works across campaign verticals to deliver high-quality outcomes on tight timelines.

The ideal candidate will solve problems quickly, take ownership of projects, and manage workload while coordinating with campaign staff. Fluency in VAN, staff leadership experience, and reliable equipment are essential.

Qualifications

• Fluency in VAN and other organizing tools.
• A passion for electing Democrats and leading teams.
• At least 1-2 cycles of electoral organizing experience, with a preference for candidates with staff management experience.
• Strong ability to independently manage workload and prioritize projects to meet established deadlines.
• Demonstrated capacity to synthesize, track, and report data.
• Proven commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative team culture for others.
• Must have a cell phone, reliable laptop, valid driver’s license, and vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Support the Coordinated Campaign Director and senior campaign staff on high-priority strategic and operational projects, including statewide trainings and Get Out the Vote
• Develop presentations, briefing materials, and other externally-facing resources for campaign staff and partners
• Manage campaign teams as needed, providing flexible management support across departments
• Provide logistical support for principal events and canvass launches
• Conduct voter contact, including calls and door knocking, as needed

Skills

VAN proficiency

Project management

Team leadership

Data analysis

Policy/advocacy experience

Job description

About

The Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) is hiring a passionate and hardworking Special Projects Manager for the 2026 Coordinated Campaign. This is a historic election cycle, with the Governorship, U.S. Senate, and 17 Congressional seats at stake, along with the State Senate, State House, and critical county and local-level races across the state. DPI is building a first-of-its-kind coordinated effort to meet this challenge and win competitive races up and down the ballot.

The Special Projects Manager is a versatile role, acting as an independent operative reporting to the Coordinated Campaign Director and working across all campaign verticals. The ideal candidate will be able to solve problems quickly, take ownership of projects, and produce high-quality work on tight timelines. This is a full-time, in-person position located in Chicago, Illinois. Applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to Illinois.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Coordinated Campaign Director and senior campaign staff on high-priority strategic and operational projects, including statewide trainings and Get Out the Vote
• Develop presentations, briefing materials, and other externally-facing resources for campaign staff and partners
• Manage campaign teams as needed, providing flexible management support across departments
• Provide logistical support for principal events and canvass launches
• Conduct voter contact, including calls and door knocking, as needed

Required Qualifications

• Fluency in VAN and other organizing tools
• A passion for electing Democrats and leading teams
• At least 1-2 cycles of electoral organizing experience, with a preference for candidates with staff management experience
• Strong ability to independently manage workload and prioritize projects to meet established deadlines
• Demonstrated capacity to synthesize, track, and report data
• Proven commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative team culture for others
• Must have a cell phone, reliable laptop, valid driver’s license, and vehicle.

The salary for this position is $6,000 per month. The position concludes on November 15, 2026. This role requires working long and irregular campaign hours during peak times, including nights and weekends.

The Democratic Party of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. The Democratic Party of Illinois strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees or applicants because of actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, age, physical or mental disability (including unlawful discrimination against an individual because of the individual's association with a person with a disability), citizenship status, work authorization status, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, genetic information, order of protection status, marital status, arrest record (including an arrest not leading to a conviction, a juvenile record, or criminal history information ordered expunged, sealed, or impounded), conviction record (unless there is a substantial relationship between the previous criminal offenses and the position or the employment would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public), status as a victim or perceived victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence, credit history or credit report, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Democratic Party of Illinois complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), and all applicable state and local law. Consistent with those requirements, The Illinois Democratic Party of Illinois will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If you believe you need accommodation during the hiring process, please contact us at [e-mail]. The Democratic Party of Illinois will also, where appropriate, provide reasonable accommodations for an applicant or employee's religious beliefs or practices.