API PA Lead Paid Canvasser Central PA

Job Title: API PA Lead Paid Canvasser

Job Type: Part-Time, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Civic Engagement Organizer 

Location: Harrisburg/Dauphin County 

Commitment: Temporary, with an immediate need beginning late August and concluding in November 2026. 

Who We Are: The Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance's (API PA) mission is to build long-term power for Asians and Pacific Islanders in Pennsylvania, by: (1) coordinating political, electoral, and legislative work in order to to hold our elected officials accountable, (2) engaging in culturally competent and linguistically accessible direct voter contact with our communities, and (3) building solidarity with other aligned communities of color across the state.

We operate primarily in South Asian, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities, and are the first and only political organization directly advocating for the needs of Asian and Pacific Islanders in Pennsylvania. We won't stop until our people have political power and our communities have everything we need to be safe, healthy, and strong - and we’re excited to work with you to make that happen.

The Work You’d Be A Part Of: 

API PA will be launching a variety of programs throughout the Fall of 2026 with the goals of: learning about issues that matter to Asian Pacific Islanders living in Pennsylvania, encouraging Asian Pacific Islanders to register and vote, educating individuals on elections and candidates for office, and ensuring API voters have in-language support for any voting-related needs. We are seeking passionate, engaged individuals with good listening and communication skills to speak to voters in order to advance these programs, with an emphasis on Asian Pacific Islander voters.

API PA will provide training and materials, including PPE as appropriate. We are looking to invest in our canvassers by engaging them in meaningful work, giving them constructive feedback, and exposing them to a variety of opportunities in the policy / advocacy space. We’re looking for individuals who are passionate about working towards progressive and equitable systems, especially to the betterment and empowerment of Asian Pacific Islander communities.
Individuals who are interested in participating in building political power for Asians and Pacific Islanders in Pennsylvania and learning the skills of canvassing but are unable to commit the time required for a paid position are encouraged to contact us about other opportunities.

Your Day-to-Day Work (Essential Functions): 

• Door to Door Canvassing: Using provided technology (the MiniVAN Canvassing app), you will engage in face-to-face conversations with voters in target geography
• Tracking conversations in the canvassing platform provided
• Participating in canvassing training and debriefing sessions
• Participating in organization-wide meetings and events as directed by supervisor
• Other duties as necessary

Skills/Qualifications/Requirements 

Requirements 

• Vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted 
  • Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. For more information on recommended vaccinations, consult PA DOH guidelines. 
• Physically able to walk up to 2.5 miles per shift 
• Access to a cell phone and vehicle, including possibly assisting other canvassers with transportation between canvassing sites
• Some tech literacy, specifically knowing how to use cell phones and tablets, Google Maps, and data entry using an app, is necessary for this position 
• Conversational fluency in English 
  

Note that API PA currently requires all staff placed in this role to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including maintenance of appropriate booster shots, unless they are granted an accommodation by API PA. Employees will be required to demonstrate compliance with this requirement prior to their first day as a condition of their terms of employment.  

Necessary Skills

• Strong verbal communication and listening skills, specifically looking for people who are outgoing and willing to talk to strangers about political issues
• Able to work independently
• Personal knowledge of and/or experience working with Asian American communities 
• Ability to work with diverse staff
• Understanding of and commitment to API PA’s values, or strong willingness to learn
• Ability to lead check-ins and debriefs with other canvassers with the guidance of Civic Engagement Organizer 

Desirable Skills

• Conversational fluency in an Asian language is highly desirable, including but not limited to Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Arabic, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, and Urdu
• Prior canvassing or equivalent experience (sales, door to door marketing, phone-banking, call centers, etc.) appreciated, but not required

Hours: This position ranges from 30-33 hours per week, for shifts for 6-8 hours at a time. Must be flexible to work weekends. This is a temporary position, to be filled on a rolling basis, for a program running from late August 2026 through early November 2026

Salary: Hourly rate: $23/hour starting

Benefits: Healthcare for full time (30+ hours) employees, paid time off, paid holidays, travel reimbursement, weekly pay

The position will be open until filled. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. API PA is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.