Job Description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Reports to: Political Director

Position Type: Full-time

Salary and Compensation: $55,000 - $65,000 per year, plus benefits including healthcare, unlimited PTO, and access to a retirement plan.

About Us

At Common Defense, we believe veterans and the military community are a powerful source of grassroots energy that can drive transformational change. Guided by our commitment to service, sacrifice, and equality, we’re fighting to make America a place where liberty and justice truly exist for all people.

We are not your average “veterans organization.” We are a multiracial, multigenerational grassroots movement doing real organizing to win change for our country and our communities. From expanding voting access to ending forever wars to building a clean energy workforce, we’re fighting for bold solutions that protect working families and preserve our rights. Together, we’re proving that the same commitment we brought to our military service can transform the future of our nation.

Our Team & Culture

We are a results-driven organization where strategy, collaboration, and impact go hand in hand with equity, inclusion, and a deep sense of collective responsibility. We believe that when we invest in our people, we strengthen our ability to win big fights. We take care of each other, celebrate victories big and small, and make space for everyone to grow.

If you’re ready to bring your skills to an ambitious, growing movement, we’d love to have you on our team.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Common Defense is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the values we fight for every day. We are an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities to apply.

As a majority-veteran organization, we strongly encourage veterans and military family members to apply. We recognize the unique perspectives and experiences that come from military service and believe they are critical to our work. However, we also welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are passionate about our mission, regardless of prior military experience.

Position Overview

The Organizer is responsible for building and sustaining Common Defense's membership in the Chicagoland area, as well as other areas as needed and assigned, engaging members in strategic campaigns, and executing successful actions. This role directly contributes to achieving Key Results in membership engagement, member growth, and strategic campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

Member Organizing and Recruitment

• Identify and recruit new members into Common Defense.
• Mobilize members through email, direct texts, cold calls, social media DMs, and in-person meetings.
• Conduct 1-1’s with prospects and members to motivate them to participate in our campaigns.
• Execute an ongoing recruitment plan that includes digital platforms, in-person tabling and other events, and ongoing outreach to prospective members through all available channels.
• Facilitate state organizing committee (SOC) meetings and national membership calls.
• Make accurate, timely updates to contact records in ActionBuilder or other software tools.
• Take responsibility for holding relationships with specific members, and move them up the ladder of engagement.
• Report on organizing activities and progress to Lead Organizer, and leadership.

Campaigns and Actions

• Identify opportunities and propose new actions that advance our campaign Objectives and Key Results.
• Play a significant role planning and executing successful actions, events, and mobilizations under the guidance of the Lead Organizer.
• Develop organizing materials like toolkits and fliers.
• Conduct turn-out for actions and events, including monthly National Member Calls.

Media and Press

• Identify members who could be effective speakers and writers. If requested, act as a spokesperson or provide quotes for a press release.
• Develop relationships with local press to achieve communications Key Results.

Professional Development

• Attend staff training sessions on organizing methods, media skills, and other topics. Develop proficiency in platforms such as Asana, ActionBuilder, Google Suite, Hustle, Slack, etc.
• Develop a working knowledge of state and national issues relevant to Common Defense campaigns and objectives. Stay up to date on news and major developments related to these issues.

Coalitions and Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with ally organizations and partners to achieve Key Results.
• With approval from Team Director, represent the organization in state or issue-based coalitions relevant to Key Results and create detailed report-backs.

Team Leadership

• Coach and support Organizing Fellows in organizing skills, software tools, and other topics.
• Co-facilitate training modules for members and staff as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in community, labor, issue advocacy, or electoral organizing.
• Commitment to social justice and the mission of Common Defense.
• Strong written communications and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed.
• Military experience or knowledge of US military and veteran culture, idioms, institutions, organizations, ranks, operations, and basic service histories.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with grassroots organizing and membership growth strategies.
• Ability to analyze data and generate actionable insights for organizing efforts.
• Proficiency in using digital organizing tools like ActionBuilder, Google Suite, Hustle, and Slack.

How to Apply

If you're ready to make a difference and help build a movement, we want to hear from you! Apply by submitting your resume and a 1-page cover letter here by October 17, 2025 . In your cover letter, we encourage you to share why working for a veterans organization engaged in political organizing is meaningful to you.

If you have any questions you can email alex@commondefense.us.

Be part of something bigger. Join us at Common Defense and help us continue the fight for justice, equity, and democracy.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: Remote

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