The Opportunity

Down Home North Carolina (DHNC) seeks multiple part-time, temporary Deep Canvassers to aid in our 2024 field campaigns. This summer, Down Home will run an intensive persuasion campaign to support member-endorsed candidates for office. This persuasion canvass will require canvassers to learn how to build rapport and emotionally connect with voters while on the doors. Canvassers will go through initial training and receive ongoing coaching and support to ensure that they can effectively use the script and persuade voters through meaningful conversations about our values and what is at stake this election. These conversations will include some of the most important topics of today including education, healthcare, and women’s reproductive rights. 

Opportunities are available in the following counties: Ashe, Alamance, Cabarrus, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Pitt, Nash, Vance, Watauga, and Wilson counties. 

The ideal candidate is a people person motivated to build a powerful multiracial base that wins changes for poor and working-class people in rural North Carolina. They have excellent listening skills, are team players and independent workers, and are aligned with Down Home’s mission. 

The Work 

• Have conversations with community members  through door-to-door canvassing
• Participate in ongoing training to learn deep canvassing tactics and methodology
• Listen without judgment so voters feel comfortable sharing their views honestly
• Listen actively and ask follow-up questions
• Be willing to share your own stories to help voters feel more comfortable. 
• Connect around shared values based on common experiences.
• Participate in a team culture that is inclusive, cooperative, and emotionally supportive of the work.
• Participate in 4 to 6 canvasses per week 
• Ensure that data and information collection are consistent and accurate
• Attend meetings, daily pre-canvass launches, regular training, and debriefs

Required Traits

• Excellent communication and listening skills: Can engage deeply with people they have just met. Be able to listen to community members and understand their concerns. Can build rapport quickly and is comfortable having relational conversations. 
• Relationship builder: Comes across as genuine. Ability to build authentic relationships across lines of difference, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, citizenship status, or other identities. Able to put people at ease, especially when there are lines of difference. Listens closely to understand needs or concerns and takes steps based on that input. 
• Team player: Contribute to a growing and fast-paced team. Take directions well and be willing to offer feedback and suggestions to co-workers and management. Offer support to teammates and ask for help when needed. 
• Independent worker: Be able to complete multiple canvass shifts a week. Meet deadlines and hit metric goals. Ensure that numbers are reported on time with data integrity at the top of mind. Attention to detail and be able to provide thoughtful solutions to problems that arise. Be able to work in a fast-paced environment where work areas are expected to change frequently. 
• Mission alignment:  Committed to the vision of a powerful, inclusive, rural, multiracial, working-class movement-building as a path towards liberation for all people. Is aligned with the idea that building power takes both election programs and long-term base building and investment in communities.

Compensation

Compensation for this contract position is $22 hourly; a minimum of eight (8) per week and a maximum of forty (40) hours per week. Most hours will be irregular including nights and weekends. This role is not eligible for employee-sponsored benefits or healthcare. Applicants must be able and willing to travel regularly for work. 

How to Apply

Down Home NC is committed to creating a dynamic, multicultural, diverse working environment. Candidates of color and diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Down Home NC is an equal-opportunity employer

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis if spots are available.  We are still accepting applications if this job description is posted on Down Home’s website (www.downhomenc.org.

Please send a resume and/ or short letter of interest to: [email protected]