Iowa Citizen Action Network

ICAN has united Iowa’s progressives for nearly 30 years, and is leading efforts to change the political conversation in Iowa so that dramatic improvements in people’s lives can be possible. ICAN has more than 40 organizational affiliates from a wide range of constituencies, including religious, community, labor, senior, family farm and environmental organizations, and more than 13,000 individual members. We bring together citizens, communities and organizations that share a common progressive vision for the future of Iowa, harnessing our collective power and mobilizing Iowans to alter the relations of power and improve the lives of all Iowans.

• Develop and direct multi-faceted organizing campaigns that utilize and maximize available organizational resources and relationship to win progressive policies at the state and federal levels.

• Assist in guiding and implementing a statewide program to help diverse progressive organizations use their issue campaigns to advance a shared progressive political vision and progressive values.

• Organize public actions (press conferences, rallies, town hall forums, etc.) as part of ICAN’s issue campaigns.

• Speak publicly on a range of issues of concern to progressives.

• Recruit, train and motivate organizational leaders as well as leaders of affiliated and allied organizations to play a key role in carrying out issue organizing campaigns.

• Develop a grassroots lobbying network to support ICAN’s issue campaigns, including working with ICAN canvass leadership to develop and implement strategies to mobilize ICAN members.

• Organize and staff working groups, task forces and coalitions as needed to carry out organizing campaigns.

• Prepare and present informational materials on issue campaigns for ICAN staff, members and the general public, including writing articles for the ICAN newsletter and other publications.

• Design and implement an organizational media strategy.

• Develop relationships with ICAN members and leadership of affiliated and allied organizations.

• Assist in recruiting, training and supervising organizing staff.

• Assist in fundraising activities, including the development of funding proposals.

• Assist in organizing regular ICAN conferences and other events. Represent ICAN at conferences, events and meetings.

• Assist in developing and implementing electoral organizing and voter education programs.

• Any other duties assigned by the Executive Director

This is full-time salaried position. The salary and position title are negotiable and commensurate with experience. Excellent benefit package is available, including health and dental insurance, retirement and generous paid leave policy.

To apply send a résumé, cover letter, and three references to Betty Ahrens, Executive Director, at BettyAhrens@IowaCAN.org. This position is open until filled.

Women and individuals of color are strongly encouraged to apply. ICAN is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity.

ICAN has united Iowa’s progressives for nearly 30 years, and is leading efforts to change the political conversation in Iowa so that dramatic improvements in people’s lives can be possible. ICAN has more than 40 organizational affiliates from a wide range of constituencies, including religious, community, labor, senior, family farm and environmental organizations, and more than 13,000 individual members. We bring together citizens, communities and organizations that share a common progressive vision for the future of Iowa, harnessing our collective power and mobilizing Iowans to alter the relations of power and improve the lives of all Iowans.

• A minimum of one year of organizing experience is required. Organizing experience should include recruiting, training and developing individuals to take part in collective action, and organizing allied organizations to actively participate in issue campaigns and coalitions.

• Excellent written and oral communications skills are required. The applicant must be able to develop written materials with little assistance, and to speak effectively on behalf of ICAN with the media, elected officials, and allies and affiliates.

• The position requires an understanding of the nature of group dynamics and coalitions. Skills needed include the ability to build lasting relationships and work with diverse individuals and groups.

• Must be self-motivated and able to develop and follow through on a workplan with minimal supervision.

• A strong commitment to progressive social change and economic, racial and environmental justice is essential.

This is full-time salaried position. The salary and position title are negotiable and commensurate with experience. Excellent benefit package is available, including health and dental insurance, retirement and generous paid leave policy.

To apply send a résumé, cover letter, and three references to Betty Ahrens, Executive Director, at BettyAhrens@IowaCAN.org. This position is open until filled.

Women and individuals of color are strongly encouraged to apply. ICAN is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity.