Description
The Iowa House Democrats are hiring an Executive Director to lead our campaign committee, the Iowa House Victory Fund (HVF). The Executive Director will report to the House Democratic Leader but will work with all members of the Democratic Caucus, Iowa House candidates, and staff. This position will require extensive hours and statewide travel. The salary range for this position is $72k – $90k, with benefits including healthcare (vision and dental), a 401(k) match, paid vacation, and paid sick leave. Additional incentives and benefits may be available.
Qualifications
The Executive Director must have significant campaign management experience, including at least three cycles and at least one as the campaign manager for a contested race. Campaign experience in Iowa or other rural or red states is strongly preferred, along with experience working on and/or running state legislative races. Qualified applicants must have success in managing both consultant teams and multiple staff, motivating people, and developing and executing winning strategic plans. The successful applicant will have demonstrated skills in writing and implementing campaign plans, writing and managing budgets, evaluating paid communications, social media, and working with volunteers, partners, staff, candidates, and elected officials. Planning skills include developing and monitoring clear objectives, key results, and key performance indicators across field, fundraising, operations, communications, and more.
The Executive Director must possess:
Strong organizational skills — attention to detail and ability to successfully multitask
A self-starter mindset; willingness to take initiative and tackle complex challenges head-on without being asked to
Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Persistence and strong problem-solving skills
The ability to motivate members of the caucus, allies, and candidates
The ability to stay calm in high-pressure and fast-paced moments of turmoil
How to Apply
Please email (1) a resume, (2) a list of three or more references, and (3) a short, two-page or less, writing sample (e.g. a campaign plan, field plan, or other document from a prior role) to the Iowa House Victory Fund to tylerredenbaugh@gmail.com. Cover letter optional. For questions about this position, please contact the above email address.
Please contact Tyler Redenbaugh at tylerredenbaugh@gmail.com for any accommodations you need for the application and interview process.
The start date can be flexible depending on the applicant's needs. We will also consider a temporary remote start; however, the position will eventually require the applicant to relocate to Des Moines, Iowa.
The Iowa Democratic Party is an equal opportunity employer and employs without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, family medical status or genetic information, military service, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, height, weight, creed, economic status or disability.
Requirements
Strategic Planning and Staff Management
Work with the Leader and the caucus to develop a plan to retake the majority.
Set clear objectives, key results, and key performance indicators for staff and candidates.
Monitor execution on these objectives and regularly update the Leadership team on progress
Help create and monitor incumbent protection plans for caucus members
Manage HVF staff, including hiring of staff.
Lead the training program for both candidates and staff to ensure every campaign is running successfully.
Candidate Recruitment and Management
Primarily responsible for working with members of the caucus, local activists, and other party members to identify and recruit State House candidates.
Will be available to candidates to answer questions as needed.
Campaign Operations
Leads the consulting team and vendors to plan and execute paid communications and polling in targeted legislative races.
Proactively explores innovative campaign strategies, tactics, communications, technology, and tools.
Ensures compliance with Iowa state election law.
Voter Engagement Leadership
Work with the partner organizations to engage and mobilize voters in preparation for 2026 and increase volunteer capacity for targeted campaigns.
Work in conjunction with candidates to develop a targeted universe for their campaigns to help them win in November 2026.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the Iowa Coordinated Campaign with partner organizations.
Fundraising Leadership
Work with the HVF Finance Director to assemble and execute a Finance Plan.
Staff the Leader in various fundraising activities and prepare necessary materials.
Build and maintain relationships with national and state partners and potential investors.
Communication Leadership
Serves as the primary point of contact on the campaign side for media organizations, party, partners, and allied groups.
Work with candidates to develop their campaign’s brands, themes, and platforms.
Ensure Iowa House Democrats are being represented in intraparty affairs and Decisions made.
Implement the HVF’s communications program by drafting, editing, and distributing media communications documents and digital creatives for HVF social media platforms.
