Canvasser

About This Role

This contract role involves community canvassing in Washington DC to promote public charter schools and increase student enrollment. It suits an outgoing and strategic communicator who is passionate about improving access to strong schools in underserved areas and comfortable speaking with strangers in the field.

Responsibilities

• Identify ideal locations to engage with parents (parks, supermarkets, churches, schools, door knocking, etc.)
• Become an expert on your assigned zone, keeping a pulse on community events and forming relationships with community leaders
• Communicate a compelling message that articulates information about the school, its offerings, and the application process
• Persuade parents to take actions that lead to student enrollment
• Collect information from potential applicants and meet daily student recruitment lead generation goals
• Maintain accurate data and report on daily metrics
• Comply with school's goals, messaging, and safety protocols (including the use of PPE and compliance with daily health and safety guidelines)

Requirements

• Strong belief that all students deserve access to excellent schools and care about fixing Washington DC's opportunity gap
• Natural people-person: enjoys making conversation with strangers and isn afraid to initiate dialogue
• Strong communicator: experience speaking with people of different backgrounds and skilled at persuasive and action-driven follow-ups
• Excellent organization skills: color-code schedule, file information appropriately and never miss a deadline
• Error-proof time management and prioritizing skills
• Ability to self-direct with minimal oversight and adapt in uncertainty
• Able and willing to independently travel throughout your assigned zone
• Flexible schedule: able to complete at least 5 hours/day 3-4 days/week including weekends
• 2 years of canvassing experience (Required)
• Day Shift (Required)

Nice to have:

• Bilingual

Benefits

• Commuter assistance
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Opportunities for advancement

Important Details

• Schedule: five hours per day for four to five days each week
• Contract: part-time, 2-3 months with an opportunity to continue
• Employment type: temporary or contract

About the Company

Underdog Strategies was founded in 2018 by community organizers with a mission to transform the New York City political and educational sectors. The team has successfully led clients to victories through large-scale mobilizations, community outreach, grassroots organizing, state and local-level lobbying, public actions, and overall campaign strategy. They support programs and schools advocating for more funding and resources, first-time candidates, campaign staff, and grassroots leaders.