Co-Op Community Organizer at Ohio Citizen Action in Columbus, OH

Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund (OCAEF) is seeking a dedicated Co-Op Community Organizer to support our expanding grassroots programs for clean energy accessibility in rural Ohio. This role plays a critical part in building and sustaining local leadership within existing power structures, supporting candidates’ canvassing efforts, and combating misinformation about renewable energy. This position also serves as the public-facing representation of OCAEF at in-person and virtual coalition meetings, events, and with media.

Working closely with the Director of Programs and Administrative Research Manager, this position will help scale our organizing footprint in rural Ohio. The ideal candidate is an adaptable, community-centered organizer with strong interpersonal skills, a commitment to deep canvassing values, and the ability to thrive in rural communities.

This role requires extensive in-state travel, evening and weekend work during major campaign moments, and a willingness to spend significant time engaging residents face-to-face. Mileage reimbursement is provided. This role reports to the Director of Programs.

Responsibilities

Organizing (60%)

• Identify potential candidates for rural electric co-ops
• Design and implement programs to support community education and mobilization.
• Assist with volunteer recruitment, training, and retention for GOTV and deep canvassing.
• Help facilitate community conversations that build trust and shift narratives around renewable energy in rural counties.
• Participate in field and phone canvassing.

Data, Analysis, and Mapping (10%)

• Track, analyze, and maintain data using CallHub, VAN, and Google Sheets.
• Maintain progress and deliverables reports for grantors.

Communications & Digital Support (10%)

• Help maintain and engage with campaign social media pages.
• Draft and send email communications to engage supporters and mobilize participation.
• Support on-the-ground visibility efforts such as yard sign distribution, tabling, and local presence at community events.

Administrative & Coalition Support (20%)

• Provide logistical support, including scheduling, materials preparation, onboarding volunteers, and meeting follow-up.
• Work collaboratively with statewide coalition partners when appropriate.
• Represent OCAEF at in-person and virtual coalition meetings

Qualifications

• Experience in managing campaigns
• Familiarity with CallHub, VAN, and Google Sheets is highly valued; willingness to learn is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across political and cultural differences.
• Commitment to deep canvassing principles: non-judgment, listening, curiosity, and meaningful conversation.
• Comfort and confidence engaging residents in rural communities.
• Ability to analyze data, track progress, and manage multiple information streams.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a campaign team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel extensively across Ohio.
• Reside in Central Ohio or a nearby county.
• Willing to complete a background check.
• License & reliable transportation & a personal insured vehicle.