Canvasser (Underdog Strategies)

Underdog Strategies is a mission-driven organization founded by community organizers dedicated to transforming political and educational systems through grassroots engagement. Since 2018, we've partnered with organizations to mobilize communities, increase civic engagement, advocate for equitable resources, and strengthen public education.

As we expand our work in Nashville, we're looking for passionate individuals who believe every family deserves access to high-quality public schools and are excited to make a direct impact through community outreach.

Underdog Strategies is seeking energetic, outgoing, and relationship-driven Canvassers to support student recruitment efforts for Nashville Public Schools.

In this role, you'll engage directly with parents and community members, build awareness about school options, and encourage families to begin the enrollment process. You'll spend most of your time working in assigned neighborhoods, attending community events, and building authentic relationships that help connect families to educational opportunities.

This is a part-time W-2 position beginning with a one-month contract and the opportunity for extension based on project needs and performance.

As a Canvasser, you will:

• Engage parents and community members through face-to-face conversations in assigned neighborhoods.
• Identify high-impact outreach locations including parks, grocery stores, churches, schools, apartment communities, and other public gathering spaces.
• Become knowledgeable about your assigned territory and build relationships with local community leaders.
• Clearly communicate school information, enrollment opportunities, and application processes.
• Inspire families to take action toward student enrollment.
• Collect prospective family information while meeting daily recruitment and lead generation goals.
• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities and daily performance metrics.
• Represent Underdog Strategies and Nashville Public Schools professionally at all times.
• Follow all safety procedures, messaging guidelines, and project expectations while working in the field.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A strong belief that every student deserves access to an excellent public education.
• A commitment to supporting families throughout the school enrollment process.

• Confidence initiating conversations with new people.
• The ability to communicate clearly, build trust, and motivate others to take action.

• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.

• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods.
• Willingness to travel throughout assigned neighborhoods within Nashville.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules and community events.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Reliable transportation preferred.
• Previous experience in community outreach, sales, customer service, education, or canvassing is a plus but not required.

This position requires working outdoors and engaging directly with community members throughout the day. Candidates should be comfortable walking within neighborhoods, attending community events, and interacting with families in various public settings.

Position Details

Job Type: Part-Time, W-2 Contract (Initial 1-Month Assignment)

Location: Nashville, Tennessee (In-Person)

Schedule:

• 15–20 hours per week
• 3–4 days per week
• Approximately 5-hour shifts

Typical Hours:

• Weekdays: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Weekends: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Hours may vary based on community events and school needs.

Compensation:

• $25.00 per hour
• Transportation stipend provided

When you join Underdog Strategies, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping families access educational opportunities while working alongside a passionate, mission-driven team committed to creating lasting impact.

Please feel free to send your resume to Maya Ratner at [email protected].