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REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
Presque Isle Electric and Gas (PIE&G) Field Organizer Contractor
Overview
Groundwork Center is seeking an experienced contractor to recruit and support candidates to run successful campaigns for the Presque Isle Electric & Gas Board of Director elections.
The successful contractor will meet the deliverables outlined below. Compensation not to exceed $20,000 for a 12-month period.
Groundwork Organizational Background
We are optimistic about Michigan’s future and believe in a thriving local farm and food economy; stronger, more walkable, bike-able, and transit-friendly towns and villages; cleaner sources of energy, and climate solutions that support a more equitable world for all.
The researchers, writers, advocates, system-changemakers, and coalition-builders that make up the Groundwork staff are passionately committed to realizing this vision.
Groundwork Center is dedicated to advocating for affordable, safe, and reliable energy so we can prepare our communities for the challenges we are currently facing: higher electricity prices and fragile grid in the face of increasing severe weather events. We collaborate with local leaders to learn about, connect with and support community engagement as we
believe that members of cooperatives deserve to have their voices heard.
Location
NE Lower Michigan—Preferrably Cheboygan, Presque Isle, or Montmorency Counties.
Employment Type
Contractor
Duration
12 months, July 2026–July 2027
Compensation
Not to exceed $20,000 for 12-month period. Contractor to invoice Groundwork on a monthly basis and invoices to be paid within 30 days.
Reporting
The contractor will work closely with Groundwork Center’s Climate and Environment Program Director and our Rural Clean Energy Specialist.
Key Responsibilities
1. Candidate recruitment and support
● Help to identify, recruit, and mentor strong candidates in the PIEG territory.
There are three seats up for election in PIE&G territory this year. The
contractor will support the candidates(s) in getting the 25 petition signatures
needed by the July deadline to finalize getting on the fall ballot.
● The contractor will host (at least) weekly campaign events to support the
candidate's campaign. Tactics include, but are not limited to: phonebanks,
canvassing, Letter to the Editor writing parties, etc.
● The contractor will be responsible for recruiting, confirming and
following up with volunteers and the logistics to execute campaign
events.
● The contractor will set up consistent communication rhythms with the
candidate to help candidates hit key milestones, identify and offer feedback
and growth opportunities, and work closely with the Rural Clean Energy Specialist to hit campaign goals.
2. Community Engagement
● The contractor will continuously set up meetings with local leaders to better
understand the community, recruit volunteers, build partnerships and
promote candidates.
3. Communication and Outreach:
● The contractor will work with the candidate to create a voter outreach plan
that includes online and paper ads, earned media/press hits, partner email
support and other creative tactics to connect with PIE&G voters.
● The contractor will craft emails and social posts for Groundwork Center’s
internal communications.
● The contractor will disseminate materials locally including lawn signs, flyers,
buttons, and more.
Qualifications
● Proven community building experience.
● Experience with traditional campaign tactics: phonebanks, canvassing, 1-on-1s, etc.
● Knowledgeable about the working of Rural Electric Cooperatives, such as PIE&G.
● Familiarity with civic priorities and groups in NE Lower Michigan
● Strong communication, networking, and interpersonal skills.
● Commitment to environmental protection, democracy and equity.
Submission Requirements
Please provide information detailing your professional experience and background.
Submission Deadline
All proposals must be submitted by midnight on June 14, 2026.
Contact
Please submit your application materials and direct any questions to:
Nicholas Jansen
Rural Clean Energy Specialist
Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities
nicholas.jansen@groundworkcenter.org
(517) 581-5829
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