Alaska Fellows Program

This position is part of the Alaska Fellows Program. All fellows live together, “in community,” in their respective host site. Each host site is unique and remarkable. At the Sitka site, fellows live in a house together as a cohort of 7.

Fellows receive housing, a $1150 monthly living stipend and a $500 relocation stipend. The fellowship includes facilitated and funded opening and closing retreats.

For other questions about the application process, email [email protected]. 

Work Term: September 2024 - May 2025
Location: Anchorage
Host: The Alaska Center (AKC)
Contact: Jenny-Marie Stryker, Political Director
Title: Voter Outreach and Elections Fellow

Organization Description: The Alaska Center (501(c4)) and The Alaska Center Education Fund (501(c3)) are sister organizations that envision a thriving, just, and sustainable Alaska for future generations, where those most impacted by climate change and environmental inequities have a seat at the decision-making table. The Alaska Center is working to elect leaders who will stand up for our climate and democracy, while the Education Fund works to turn out low-propensity BIPOC, low-income, and young voters who are historically and strategically being excluded from the ballot box. BIPOC Voters, particularly Alaska Native voters, and youth will face the most significant impacts of climate change in the future and should have a say in what leaders represent their interests. By educating, engaging, and turning out these communities to vote, we can reach a Just Transition for Alaska that includes good jobs, climate resilience, affordable energy, and access to voting rights for all.

Campaign Overview: Our "Democracy for All Alaskans" initiative is working to protect and advance voting rights policies and legislation, educate voters about what's on the ballot, and increase overall turnout amongst low-propensity voters who likely care about clean energy and our climate. Our democracy and voting rights priorities for 2024/2025 are protecting Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV), Open Primaries, and Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) and increasing voter turnout in low-propensity (BIPOC and Young) communities for the General Election (Fall 2024), the Fairbanks Local Election (Fall 2024), and the Anchorage Municipal Election (Spring 2025). 

Position Description: The Alaska Center is seeking a dedicated and talented individual to serve as a Voter Outreach and Engagement Fellow in Anchorage, AK. The position will be an integral part of our Organizing Team and Political Team, engaging Alaskans to elect incredible leaders, protect voting rights, and mobilize voters during election season. The ideal candidate will be passionate about building community, inspiring others to take action on climate and democracy issues, and skilled at building relationships. Organizers are responsible for volunteer recruitment/engagement, hosting events, and creating innovative ways to turnout voters and drive people to take action.  

The fellow will be supervised by Advocacy Director, Kyla Kosednar, and work in close collaboration with Political Director Jenny-Marie Stryker (Alaska Fellows Program Alum, ‘17-18). 

Core responsibilities may include:

• Mobilize Alaskans to vote and take action on democracy issues using a variety of tactics: hosting events, volunteer 1:1’s, calls, letters, petition signature gathering, canvassing, phone banking, in-person meetings, celebrations, etc;.
• Support training for street and phone canvassers and volunteers to support endorsed candidates in local and statewide elections, sometimes in coordination with other Independent Expenditure efforts;
• Assist the Political Director with our endorsement process including but not limited to researching candidates and voting history; 
• Write and edit communications materials to engage Alaskans in our elections;
• Learn about and help track voting rights related bills during legislative sessions and help mobilize Alaskans to support or oppose these bills.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with volunteers, AK Center Members, and the communities we serve, with a focus on communities most impacted by the issues we work on, including Alaska Native, people of color, youth, and low-income communities; 
• Elevate volunteer leaders to help shape and inform campaign goals, tactics, and strategies and ensure that the interests and vision of community members help shape our climate, clean air and water work. 
• Help gather and elevate impactful stories from volunteers, community members, and other stakeholders, and share these through the organizations’ social media, emails, and in our narratives. 
• Be an active member of the Alaska Voter Hub Coalition by attending monthly meetings, coordinating with other member organizations, supporting Voter Hub joint work and expanding relationships with partner organizations.
• Accurately and efficiently enter data into our database of donors and supporters. 
• Other Duties Determined by Fellow’s Interest: Strengths and interests of the successful candidate will be discussed and other duties will be included as seems appropriate by both the fellow and the Alaska Center.

Qualifications:

• Passion for The Alaska Center’s mission, vision, values and programs
• Experience with or desire to work with communities of color, cross-cultural communication, and understanding of inclusive organizing
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work well independently
• Passion for connecting with people and building community through direct community outreach
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize information
• Commitment to accountability and transparency, and building a more just society
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn Alaska’s history and political landscape 
• Experience working and living in Alaska is a plus but not a requirement
• Experience in grassroots organizing, electoral campaigns, the Voter Activation Network and affiliated databases, or civic engagement programs is a plus

Position Logistics: Hours for this position will be Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM, at AKC’s office at 808 E St in downtown Anchorage. The Alaska Center has a hybrid in-office and work-from-home system and practices covid mitigation. Some work outside of the above hours, as well as on weekends, may be required. Compensatory time for outside-standard hours is offered. Additionally, limited in-state travel may be an option. These hours are flexible with the approval of the Executive Director. 

All Alaska Center staff have access to professional development opportunities, including training and support. The Alaska Center provides a supportive work environment with excellent incentives. The Alaska Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. We are committed to supporting, centering, and working with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Working-Class and Low-Income people, Women, LGBTQIA2+ people, and Disabled people in addressing the many crises that impact us. We strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities to apply.

Work Authorization: This host organization is not able to sponsor HB1 visas at this time. 

For questions about the position please contact: Kyla Kosednar, [email protected]  

To Apply: Please complete the google form linked HERE including submitting all requested application materials.

Application Materials: Resume, cover letter, and 3 references.