POLITICAL DIRECTOR – OHIO LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS

Position Overview

The Political Director serves as the chief architect of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC)’s political and electoral strategy, working directly with the OLBC Executive Committee and its members. This position is responsible for building the organization’s political power, securing the resources needed to advance its mission, and supporting the election of Black candidates across Ohio. In close collaboration with the Executive Committee, the Political Director will design and implement a unified strategy that strengthens OLBC’s influence, amplifies the collective voice of its members, and ensures the Caucus remains a leading force in shaping Ohio’s political future.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Resource Development
Work with the OLBC Executive Committee and members to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan to raise at least $100,000 annually in support of OLBC programs and endorsed candidates. Manage PAC contributions, donor cultivation, call time, fundraising events, and online giving campaigns. Build long-term relationships with individual donors, foundations, labor partners, and institutional allies.

Political Strategy & Campaign Support
Design and implement OLBC’s political strategy to increase Black voter participation and strengthen support for Black candidates. Manage the candidate recruitment pipeline, including outreach, training, and endorsement processes.Coordinate with caucus members and campaign teams to provide strategic support, messaging, and mobilization. Lead development of endorsement questionnaires, oversee the endorsement committee, and prepare candidate recommendations.

Track and analyze electoral trends to guide strategic investments.
Work in close collaboration with the Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) to align strategies, share resources, and strengthen efforts to elect Black Democrats across Ohio.

Legislative & Government Affairs
Support OLBC members to align legislative priorities with political goals. Monitor state and federal policies that impact Black communities, keeping leadership informed of challenges and opportunities. Strengthen relationships with elected officials, government agencies, advocacy groups, and allied organizations.

Communications & Public Engagement
Serve as a spokesperson for OLBC’s political work, working with members to represent the caucus to media, donors, and coalition partners. Draft political messaging, press releases, op-eds, and digital content to amplify OLBC’s agenda.

Elevate the profile of Black elected officials across Ohio through strategic storytelling and media engagement.

Organizational Leadership & Management
Recruit, hire, and train interns and staff to support OLBC’s political, fundraising, and communications work. Manage caucus meetings, committees, conventions, and internal processes with efficiency and transparency. Maintain strong financial oversight of OLBC PAC funds, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. Invest in leadership development to create a sustainable succession pipeline for OLBC’s future.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in political campaigns, government affairs, nonprofit advocacy, or electoral strategy.
• Proven track record in fundraising, including donor cultivation and event planning. Strong understanding of Ohio’s political landscape and the unique challenges facing Black candidates. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to inspire diverse audiences. Experience managing staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced environments with multiple priorities.
• Commitment to racial equity, social justice, and strengthening Black political power.

The salary for this position is $5,000 per month, commensurate with experience. The role includes full benefits—PTO as needed, health, dental, and voluntary vision insurance.

Work hours will vary based on the campaign cycle but will require a minimum commitment of 40 hours per week.

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus recognizes that our success depends on a diverse and dynamic team. We are committed to building a staff that reflects diversity in race, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the characteristics that make us unique. Candidates of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and members of underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.