Job Opportunities

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF VERMONT PROGRESSIVE PARTY

The Vermont Progressive Party (VPP) is the nation’s third most elected political party, and has achieved this distinction without the corporate financing that supports other political organizations. Born out of then-Mayor Bernie Sanders’ refusal to participate in a Democratic party establishment dedicated to entrenching the status quo, the VPP remains dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for all Vermonters, in which the healthcare system is public, safe housing is accessible for all, educational opportunities are abundant and rewarding, and where all workers earn a living wage.

About the Role

The Executive Director is the Vermont Progressive Party’s full-time staffer, responsible for the coordination of organizing, legislating, campaigning, fundraising, and communicating on a statewide level.

The diverse and fluid workload is manageable due to the relatively small size of the party at present, but the VPP is rapidly growing, and the policy landscape in Vermont is constantly changing. As such, this position requires a candidate with proven traits of self-management, organization, and adaptability.

Responsibilities may vary based on candidate skill sets and the availability of volunteer support, but can be expected to include:

  • Fundraising (40%)

    • Plan and execute fundraising events with specific raise-goals.

    • Conduct direct outreach to large donors as necessary.

    • Draft and mail fundraising communications.

  • Communications (20%)

    • Write and send email communications regarding elections, legislation, fundraising, events, etc.

    • Edit and compile communications materials from candidates and volunteers.

  • Elections (10%)

    • Conduct long-term strategic planning for November elections, with a focus on candidate recruitment.

    • Recruitment, training, and campaign management as needed for Town Meeting Day (local government) candidates.

    • Assist in organizing campaign efforts on behalf of candidates, including with regard to the VPP-wide data system, and volunteer coordination.

  • Organizing (10%)

    • Work alongside Member Organizer to ensure that county and town committees remain active across the state, through regular outreach and support for leaders.

    • Serve as a liaison to allied organizations, such as labor unions and climate-oriented activist groups, to encourage solidarity and affect collaboration.

    • Organize and attend meetings of the Coordinating and State Committees.

  • Database management (10%)

  • Legislative Support (10%)

    • Attend Progressive caucus meetings at the State House during legislative session (typically January-May/June).

    • Assist legislators in researching and campaigning on policy issues, including coordinating with volunteers and interns as necessary.

    • Track the progress of key bills through the Assembly, and compile statewide regular communications regarding legislative progress and calls for action.

Travel Requirements

Statewide travel is expected, including visits to the Statehouse in Montpelier during the legislative session.

The Executive Director must be based in Vermont, and must be able to work independently either at home or another space, as the VPP does not currently have a dedicated office.

Qualifications

There is no specific set of minimum requirements for this position, but the successful candidate will demonstrate the following through their application:

  • Work and/or volunteer experience that indicates the ability to support an organization across multiple functional areas, as described in the Responsibilities section above.

  • An understanding of Vermont’s government and political situation.

  • Strong communications ability- the successful candidate will be able to correspond equally well with elected officials, as they are with community members who have had little or no involvement in government to date.

  • Familiarity with any of the following areas will be considered assets:

    • Fundraising

    • Volunteer coordination

    • Political campaigns

    • Data management for organizing

    • Legislative advocacy

Perhaps most importantly, the Executive Director must be firmly committed to pushing Vermont towards economic, social, and environmental justice via democracy. We welcome candidates to express how the VPP platform resonates with them, and their vision of they believe they can help support the VPP in its goals.

Salary

Total compensation starts at $56,000, inclusive of salary and health insurance stipend. Retirement plan through VTSaves. Travel reimbursement provided.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and two or three references to apollinavt@gmail.com. Applications are due September 1, 2025.

The Vermont Progressive Party is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity, physical disability, or any other legally protected basis.