Canvass Manager

The Canvass Manager will lead the African American Roundtable’s field operations, ensuring that canvassing efforts are effective in engaging community members, developing canvass program participants, and strengthening the organization’s base. This role requires someone with a strong commitment to Black liberation, deep relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage a team of canvassers while strategically using data to drive results. The Canvass Manager will oversee all aspects of canvassing, including recruitment, training, field strategy, and canvass data management, ensuring that AART’s canvassing efforts contribute to broader organizing and advocacy goals.

This is an exciting time to be a part of AART’s team as this role will have a direct and lasting impact on the future of our organization. Please note this position is hybrid, working in person in our office three days per week and remotely the remaining days. START DATE FOR POSITION: ASAP.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Canvassing Operations & Strategy

• Help develop and implement a strategic canvassing plan that aligns with AART’s broader organizing efforts.
• Plan and execute monthly canvass launches, integrating program participants, volunteers, and AART staff.
• Work with the canvass team to continue engagement with contacts that helps to organize them into opportunities that align with their interests and concerns
• Set canvass goals and track progress, making adjustments as needed to maximize impact.
• Scout and determine ideal canvassing locations.
• In partnership with program staff, coordinate follow-up engagement, including thank-you calls, one-on-one meetings, and next steps for community members.

Team Leadership & Management

• Recruit, train, and manage a team of canvassers, ensuring high-quality field engagement.
• Facilitate regular team meetings, training sessions, and one-on-one check-ins to support canvasser development.
• Develop leadership within the canvass team by coaching canvassers to deepen their skills and commitment to the work.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team culture that prioritizes learning, growth, and mission alignment.

Data Management & Evaluation

• Utilize VAN and EveryAction to track canvass data, assess impact, and refine strategy.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry, reporting, and analysis to inform organizing strategies.
• Work closely with program staff to integrate field data into broader organizational goals.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking canvasser performance and field success.

Cross-Team Collaboration & Organizational Engagement

• Work in coordination with program staff and program participants to ensure canvassing contributes to long-term base building.
• Represent AART at community meetings, occasional coalition meetings, and partner events
• Collaborate with the program staff team to align messaging and outreach efforts.
• Participate in internal strategy sessions and contribute to broader organizational planning.

Miscellaneous

• Supports AART’s overall vision and mission along with ongoing fundraising ideas and efforts
• Attends meetings as needed to discuss program work, debrief, and evaluate canvasses

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

Must-Haves:

• Experience working with grassroots organizations or advocacy campaigns in Milwaukee.
• Familiarity with peer-to-peer texting tools and phone banking platforms.
• Experience with base-building and one-on-one relational organizing.
• Ability to draft outreach materials and canvass scripts.
• Advanced proficiency in data management and tracking tools like VAN,  EveryAction, and Google Sheets.
• At least three years of experience in canvassing, field organizing, or community outreach.
• Experience managing and training teams (at least six months).
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach and develop canvassers.
• Proficiency with data tracking tools such as VAN, EveryAction, and Google Sheets.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to pivot quickly, anticipate obstacles, and find solutions.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure follow-through.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to build relationships with staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Alignment with AART’s abolitionist approach and commitment to Black liberation.
• Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and car insurance are required for this role.
• Prior knowledge of or lived experience in the Milwaukee community and its political landscape.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience working with grassroots organizations or advocacy campaigns in Milwaukee.
• Familiarity with peer-to-peer texting tools and phone banking platforms.
• Experience with base-building and one-on-one relational organizing.
• Ability to draft outreach materials and canvass scripts.
• Advanced proficiency in VAN, EveryAction, and Google Sheets with the ability to cut turf, set up outreach campaigns, create and pull lists, analyze data, etc.

Salary and Benefits:

The African American Roundtable is a project of Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs. This position pays between $55,800 – $60,000 per year. Experience and aptitude will be taken into consideration for negotiating pay between these ranges. Additional incentives for hire include a benefits package including policies and services that support the employees’ mental and physical well-being, financial security, and family needs.  In addition, AART provides a partial cell phone and required mileage reimbursement.