About Western States Center 

Based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States, Western States Center (WSC) works nationwide to strengthen inclusive democracy. For over 35 years, our work has advanced social, racial, and economic justice by convening, developing, organizing, and supporting the communities most affected by inequities. We’ve played a catalytic role, working with community partners to build people-centered movements, defend democracy, develop new leaders, and shift culture with our eyes on the prize of a society where all can live, love, and work free from bigotry and fear. Our Common Good program focuses on developing effective leaders to counteract the divisive effects of antisemitism on American democracy, part of our broader work within four pillars: Movement Building, Leadership Development, Shifting Culture, and Defending Democracy. 

Position Overview  

Western States Center’s Common Good program is a core part of our work to address the urgent challenges facing our country and the growing threat of white nationalism, antisemitism, and organized bigotry. This program develops diverse leaders, raises awareness, and strategizes to combat the threat of antisemitism to American democracy.  

Over the past four years, the Common Good program has developed and led nearly a dozen cohort experiences for a diverse array of leaders, including: civic and faith leaders, organizers, artists and creatives, philanthropists, undergraduate students, and government personnel. These cohorts have all focused on developing skills essential to promoting an equitable and sustainable American democracy and on advancing participants understanding of the particular threat of antisemitism to our society and to progressive efforts for racial and social equity. Common Good cohorts last anywhere from 3-18 months and can take place virtually, in-person or in a hybrid manner. Our leadership cohorts purposefully engage a diverse range of participants, with a special emphasis on local and national civil rights and community leaders, artists and creatives, college students, and occasionally philanthropists. Domestic and international travel has been a regular and significant part of the cohort experience. 

The Common Good Program Manager or Coordinator will be critical to ushering this impactful program into its next phase: a strategic evolution from pilot/testing mode into a sophisticated and robust leadership development program that continues to be central to Western States Center’s growing national programming to counter white nationalism, combat antisemitism, and expand American democracy.  

This position is an integral part of Common Good’s program team and will report to the Common Good Co-Director. The Program Manager or Coordinator will assist with the development and execution of curricula and leadership cohorts focused on equipping leaders to tackle the threats of antisemitism and white nationalism. This role will build relationships with cohort participants and support them in bringing the analysis they’ve developed back to their communities. This role will also provide overall project coordination and administrative support to help Common Good run smoothly. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the issues of antisemitism and racism and familiarity with pro-democracy and anti-bigotry fields of work.  

*The successful applicant will be offered either the Common Good Coordinator or Common Good Program Manager role based on experience and track record in similar types of work. This distinction affects compensation and level of responsibility within the organization. We are open to less experienced candidates with a great deal of drive as well as more experienced candidates who will take on a higher level of responsibility in their role.   

 Responsibilities Include:  

 

  • Supporting leadership cohort execution, especially with leaders and partners based in the Pacific Northwest, including recruitment, participant communications, helping develop curricula, leading trainings, and facilitating sessions alongside WSC staff. 

  • Providing overall program coordination support, including ensuring program impact data capture for funder reports and other administrative work. 

  • Providing strategic support for community impact to Common Good cohort participants. 

  • Working with Common Good co-directors to develop public-facing resources and toolkits that advance our mission to combat antisemitism and expand inclusive democracy. 

  • Coordinate with WSC program team to provide direct support to community organizations, elected officials, businesses, social service agencies, and others in countering antisemitic and bigoted activity. 

  • Engage in narrative shift work as needed to meet Common Good goals, including directly and by supporting cohort participants and partners. 

  • Serve as a team player for broader programmatic work when needed. 

 

Qualifications Include:  

  • 3-5 years of experience in advocacy, organizing, and/or political education, with an emphasis on training and facilitation and ideally with some direct experience addressing the issue of antisemitism and/or white nationalist and anti-democracy movements; 

  • Ability to write and communicate clearly and compellingly to a diverse array of communities/constituencies/audiences; 

  • Established commitment to racial and gender justice and inclusive democracy, values-driven, and a sharp racial justice analysis;  

  • Ability to thrive in a diverse, multi-racial working environment both internally and externally; and 

  • Ability to work with a broad range of potential partners, including across ideological differences. 

Location:  

This role will ideally be based in the Pacific Northwest, though we welcome candidates based anywhere in the continental U.S. The role will be remote with travel up to 1-2 times per month.  

Compensation:  

This is a full-time exempt position. Benefits include health and dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid sick leave, and 20 days of paid vacation. Western States Center observes a four-day work week. 

To maintain equity among staff, compensation is designated via an internal, non-negotiable salary matrix that considers years of experience in a comparable role. The salary range is $65,000-$70,000 for the coordinator role and $71,000-$80,000 for the program manager role. 

Application:  

Please submit the following through our applicant portal:

  • Cover letter clearly outlining the specific skills and knowledge you bring to the role; and  

  • Resume detailing relevant experience, work history, education and accomplishments. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For priority consideration, please submit your application by April 12, 2024.  

Western States Center is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and organizational needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, weight, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.