DownBallot is hiring student and entry-level Political Fundraising Assistants.
Remote · 5–20 hours per week
$18.50/hour during training · $20/hour as a Call Time Manager
Interested in working for Democratic campaigns, but not sure where to start? DownBallot is hiring students and entry-level graduates to learn the ropes of the most important department on a campaign: fundraising.
DownBallot’s training program introduces you to the people, tools, and systems behind campaign fundraising. You’ll work directly with candidates, learn to manage fundraising call time sessions, and build skills with the mentorship of professional political fundraisers. Previous campaign experience is not required.
About DownBallot and the role
DownBallot wins elections for Democrats running for local and state office across the country. Here’s some of the work we’re proudest of.
Our clients are first-time candidates, single parents, full-time teachers, civil rights lawyers, small town mayors, disabled veterans — you name it. The only word that doesn’t describe our candidates is boring.
The top way we help candidates raise money is with call time. Call time describes a candidate’s time spent calling supporters and strangers and asking for money.
As a trainee, you’ll learn how to make that time productive and organized. That means helping candidates prepare, keeping accurate records, and making sure important follow-up doesn’t fall through the cracks. You’ll see how campaign fundraising works while learning to manage candidate sessions yourself.
What you’ll learn and do
Through training, workshops, and live sessions in the call room, you’ll learn to:
- Manage call time sessions by helping candidates stay organized, focused, and on schedule.
- Track conversations and next steps by recording call notes, tracking pledges, and sending donor follow-up.
- Use campaign fundraising tools to maintain useful records and help candidates manage their donor outreach.
- Run major gift programs by building donor lists and seeing the full fundraising cycle through.
You’ll receive feedback as you practice, with the goal of becoming ready to manage call time sessions independently.
How the program fits into your week
As a Call Time Assistant, you’ll spend 20 hours in the call room shadowing experienced Call Time Managers, running parts of the session, and managing sessions under the supervision of a Call Time Manager.
As a Call Time Manager, you’ll choose sessions that match your availability weekly. A typical week includes at least five hours managing call time with candidates. Call Time Managers can schedule up to 20 hours per week.
If you’re located in Washington, DC, we schedule get-togethers or trainings about once a quarter. They’re optional, but we hope you’ll join us for some!
What you’ll bring
You’re enthusiastic about campaigns and excited to support Democratic candidates at the local and state level. You want to take on more responsibility than an intern for a big campaign — you want to have an impact.
You can commit to the weekly schedule, communicate clearly, follow through on responsibilities, and handle donor information with care. You’re also willing to ask questions, learn new software, and put feedback into practice.
You do not need a particular major, an existing political network, or a fundraising background. Experience from a campus organization, volunteer role, customer-service job, or class project can be relevant. Prior campaign or fundraising experience is welcome, but it is not a requirement.
What happens after the training program
To complete the program, you must participate in at least 20 hours of live call time sessions (including 10 with a Call Time Manager present for the full session) and pass our Call Time Manager exam.
Call Time Assistants who meet these requirements receive a DownBallot certificate of completion and an offer to become a Call Time Manager at $20/hour. In that role, you’ll manage candidate sessions, with hours based on your availability and campaign needs, and have the potential to be promoted to a Call Time Lead.
How to apply
Use the Apply page to share your contact information and upload your résumé. No formal cover letter is required.
Questions or requests for an accommodation during the application process? Contact jobs@downballot.run.
DownBallot is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination in hiring and employment based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion or creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or parental status, economic status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.