Senior Field Organizer, Pentagon Accountability

We are no longer accepting applications for this position.

Founded in 1981 in partnership with whistleblowers, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that works to expose waste, corruption, abuse of power, and other instances where the government fails to serve the public. We champion reforms to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles. POGO has an over $7 million annual budget that supports a staff of over 50 employees.  

POGO’s Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) team is looking for a talented Senior Field Organizer to build partnerships with state and local organizations and stakeholders around the country to strengthen POGO’s advocacy tackling price gouging and waste in U.S. defense spending. Working closely with the Center for Defense Information (CDI) and the Government Affairs (GA) team of POGO, the Senior Field Organizer will be a core pillar of POGO’s strategy to bring greater accountability to Pentagon spending. The Senior Field Organizer reports directly to the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. 

We encourage potential applicants to apply even if they only have experience or familiarity in some of the areas described below. We fully recognize that many great candidates will not have experience in all of the areas we list, or may have relevant experiences and skills that we have not listed or considered

Responsibilities include: 

  • Design and lead “grasstop” organizing campaigns on Pentagon price gauging and waste   
  • Identify and build partnerships with stakeholder organizations (e.g. veterans groups) and individuals (e.g. vets, former military officials, military spouses) in target states and districts to increase political pressure on members of Congress to tackle price gouging, wasteful contracting policies and policy capture by large defense contractors in the Pentagon;  
  • Shape and deliver POGO messaging and outreach in target congressional districts and states in support of POGO advocacy priorities in support of Pentagon accountability.  
  • In consultation with POGO’s CDI and GA teams, design and implement an outreach and mobilization plan based on pre-determined advocacy targets and priorities.  
  • Collaborate closely with other POGO teams to ensure effective coordination between field building efforts and Hill-faced advocacy activities and messaging.  
  • Organize, promote and represent POGO at in-district events (both in-person and virtually) in support of POGO’s defense advocacy priorities in consultation with CDI experts; and  
  • Regularly check in and consult with SIP, CDI, and GA teams on progress and strategy for grasstops outreach and mobilization plan to map progress, identify potential blockages, and propose adjustments. 
  • Other duties as required to accomplish POGO’s mission. 

Qualifications include: 

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in the military, or working in sectors or fields related to the military (e.g. defense contracting, veterans affairs, issue-based organizations, etc.) – or demonstrated equivalence 
  • Minimum of 3 years of campaigning, community organizing, and/or other forms of relationship building for advocacy purposes 
  • Demonstrated capacity to build partnerships, communicate effectively with target audiences, and manage time and resources effectively 
  • Ability to evaluate and communicate progress, analyze results and adjust plans and strategies accordingly  
  • Ability to work independently, displaying an understanding of POGO’s mission and priorities. 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively work on internal teams, across external stakeholders and independently when necessary.  
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the soft skills that make for an effective advocate. 
  • Demonstrated commitment to working in a nonpartisan, collaborative, respectful manner with diverse stakeholders. 
  • Demonstrated commitment to POGO’s principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion 
  • Ability to travel domestically with overnight stays (approximately 30% of the position) 

Compensation, benefits, and other information: 

This is a remote position that can be done anywhere in the United States.  

This is a full time, non-exempt, at-will position. This position is grant funded for a period of two years, and continued employment is contingent upon the receipt of direct grant funds. This position includes the listed benefits: 

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience in the range of 75K – 88K 

Health, dental and vision insurance 

403(B) employee investment plan available, with an employer retirement contribution once eligible 

Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage 

Paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave 

  

To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume. No phone calls please. 

Application Deadline: November 14th 

 

POGO is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We encourage all interested and qualified individuals to apply.