Matthew Pillers
Chicago,IL
Summary
Project and operations leader with 8+ years of experience running multi-state field programs, managing high-volume outreach, and delivering complex initiatives on time and under budget. Proven record of exceeding performance metrics, building high-performing teams, and designing scalable systems for recruitment, training, and stakeholder engagement. Seasoned Senior Field Manager with comprehensive background in project management and team leadership. Possess strong skills in strategic planning, field operations optimization, and stakeholder relations. Known for effective communication abilities and talent to foster high-performance teams. Successfully led projects resulting in operational efficiency and improved performance metrics.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Field Director
Mobilize the Message
01.2019 - Current
- Recruit, train, and manage hundreds of canvassers and contractors across multiple states, driving 1,000,000+ verified door and phone contacts for targeted campaigns.
- Led a 2024 ballot-chase program in two high-impact Pennsylvania counties, using real-time app data to keep daily doors, contact rates, and ballot commitments at or above goal throughout the program.
- Directed a 2019 citywide petition drive in Oxnard, CA that generated 82,000+ raw signatures and 120,000+ verified signatures, qualifying five separate measures for the ballot.
Chief of Staff
Senate of Pennsylvania - Office of Sen. Jarrett Coleman
12.2022 - 06.2024
- Ran day-to-day operations for a Capitol and district office serving ~265,000 residents, overseeing staff, scheduling, communications, and constituent services.
- Coordinated a major audit initiative of a regional economic-development zone that passed the Senate 50-0, positioning the office as a leader on fiscal oversight and transparency.
- Managed communications and outreach around $6.5M+ in state-directed funding, and launched mobile office hours plus a district senior expo that connected hundreds of residents with state services and reduced case resolution times.
Endorsement Director
Make Liberty Win
Austin, TX
01.2019 - 11.2022
- Led a national endorsement and targeting program, vetting candidates in 30+ states and helping elect dozens of state-level officeholders, contributing to a high overall win percentage in priority races.
- Produced cycle-end analytics on win rates, geography, and ROI that guided future investment decisions and long-term talent pipeline strategy.
Regional Director / Candidate Specialist
Young Americans for Liberty
Austin, TX
10.2018 - 01.2022
- Directed multi-state regional operations and mentored 50+ staff and volunteers, building durable local leadership teams and improving program performance year over year.
- Redesigned and managed the Liberty Candidate Academy (LCA) training program: delivered 24 one-day seminars (planned: 15) with 487 attendees (planned: 225) on a $112,500 budget, finishing 23% under budget.
- Converted LCA into a net-positive investment by recouping 160% of the original budget in small-dollar donations; 42% of attendees ultimately appeared on the ballot and 36% met endorsement criteria.
- Ran a 2020 student canvassing recruitment program that exceeded hiring goals (62 vs. 50) and achieved 95% retention over a 95-day paid canvassing commitment.
Marketing & Promotions Specialist
Chumash Casino
Santa Ynez, CA
10.2017 - 06.2019
- Planned and executed promotional events and campaigns engaging thousands of guests, supporting increases in club membership and repeat visitation.
- Coordinated event logistics and on-site teams to deliver smooth, on-time execution across multiple concurrent promotions.
Education
B.S. - Project Management
Athens State University
Certificate - Welding Technologies
Kishwaukee College
Skills
- Project and program management
- Multi-state operations
- Team leadership and coaching
- High-volume event management
- Budgeting and cost control
- Data tracking and metrics
- Stakeholder relations
- Process improvement
Timeline
Chief of Staff
Senate of Pennsylvania - Office of Sen. Jarrett Coleman
12.2022 - 06.2024
Senior Field Director
Mobilize the Message
01.2019 - Current
Endorsement Director
Make Liberty Win
01.2019 - 11.2022
Regional Director / Candidate Specialist
Young Americans for Liberty
10.2018 - 01.2022
Marketing & Promotions Specialist
Chumash Casino
10.2017 - 06.2019
B.S. - Project Management
Athens State University
Certificate - Welding Technologies
Kishwaukee College