Job Description

Voters Not Politicians

Executive Director Job Description

May 3rd, 2024

About Voters Not Politicians

Voters Not Politicians is a bold and innovative volunteer-powered, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen democracy through effective citizen action. We are thousands of everyday Michiganders who have transformed the political landscape of Michigan by ending gerrymandering, expanding voting access, and protecting our fundamental right to vote, doing through direct democracy what our politicians would not. With Michigan lacking robust anti-corruption laws and our elections flooded by dark and corporate money, Voters Not Politicians will continue to make structural changes in Michigan to put voters at the center of policymaking while helping groups in other states achieve transformative successes of their own. As stated in the first line of the state’s constitution, “All political power is inherent in the people.” 

Executive Director Position

The next Executive Director (ED) of the Voters Not Politicians family of organizations (Voters Not Politicians or VNP) will have the opportunity to capitalize on VNP’s experience and national reputation as a formidable changemaker and lead the organization into its next chapter. This is a high profile, demanding role that requires exceptional leadership skills combined with a passionate commitment to movement building. The Executive Director must have a growth mentality with a “do it now” attitude.

The Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and planning for the Voters Not Politicians 501(c)(4), Voters Education Fund 501(c)(3), Voters Not Politicians Ballot Committee, and Voters Action Committee SuperPAC. The Executive Director is also responsible for providing clear strategic direction and creating an inclusive, supportive, stimulating, and challenging environment for staff and volunteers. The Executive Director provides vision and leadership to develop organizational capacities and capabilities, including people, content, skills, and operating processes, to sustain and advance the organizations’ missions and goals as established by their respective Boards of Directors.

The Executive Director is the leader and vocal champion of the organizations and is responsible for implementing their programs and leading all fundraising initiatives. The Executive Director is the liaison between the Board, staff, and volunteers. The Executive Director reports to, seeks guidance from, and provides support to the Boards of Directors.

This is a full-time, remote position in the state of Michigan, and the next Executive Director must live in Michigan or be willing to relocate. The expected start date for this position is December 2, 2024.

The primary responsibilities of this position, with respect to each organization, are in five areas:

• Strategy and Direction 

1. 1. 1. Develops, with input from the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, the strategic vision for the organization;
      2. Responsible for developing the innovative, grassroots aspects of strategy, and champions how to achieve objectives with nontraditional tactics that align with values (nonpartisan, grassroots, citizen-led, inclusive, volunteer empowerment);
      3. Consults with subject matter experts as needed for strategy and policy development;
      4. Reports progress on goal and operational issues to the Boards of Directors in writing prior to scheduled Board meetings and participates in those meetings as a non-voting member;
      5. Works with the volunteers, staff, Board members, partners, and consultants as necessary to develop strategic solutions to complex challenges; and
      6. Keeps Boards informed of significant developments and changes in the internal and external environment and supports staff and volunteers to inform the entire organization.

• Communications, culture, and values

1. 1. 1. Is a campaign and organization spokesperson, giving interviews and attending internal and external events, and championing the organization and mission to stakeholders;
      2. Models and represents the organization’s culture and values, both internally and externally;
      3. Spearheads programs aimed to ensure the Voters Not Politicians community is diverse, equitable and inclusive;
      4. Collaborates with communications team and consultants to ensure effective external written and verbal communications about the organization and its mission, priorities, programs, and activities; and
      5. Supports program and development teams in creating and maintaining beneficial relationships with donors, funders, supporters, collaborators, allies, vendors, and other stakeholders, according to the strategic plan.

• Staff and Leadership

1. 1. 1. Cultivates and maintains relationships with political and nonprofit groups across Michigan and nationwide in accordance with the strategic plan and vision of the organization;
      2. Leads process of hiring full-time staff;
      3. Supports the Boards and their committees in carrying out their work;
      4. Works with staff to ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of the Boards of Directors and funders;
      5. Supports staff in meeting their professional and personal development goals; and
      6. Cultivates a culture of mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being.

• Governance and Administration

1. 1. 1. Works with the Board Chairs to help ensure the strategic plan directives and policies are communicated and understood by staff and volunteers;
      2. Supports Board recruitment efforts;
      3. Directs staff to ensure the Boards’ directives, policies, and resolutions are carried out; and
      4. Supports staff and Finance Committee to prepare and present an annual budget to the Boards of Directors.

• Finance and Fundraising

1. 1. Oversees the Senior Development Director;
   2. Drives key results in resource development, which includes identifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospective donors and key leaders of prospective new partners; leveraging personal and professional contacts and relationships into fundraising opportunities; and promoting a culture of fundraising in the organization, both at the staff and Board level; and
   3. Works with the staff and Boards to create long term budgetary and financial plans, reviews financial data on a regular basis; and
   4. Makes financial projections for the organization and closely monitors fiscal health indicators such cash flows, tax compliance, and risk management strategies as needed.

Skills and Attributes:

• Ability to inspire passion, action, and trust, and to agitate for change
• Passion for democracy work and an understanding of the democracy space
• Understanding of policy and state-level legislative process
• Passion for volunteer-led activism
• Growth mentality with a “do it now” attitude
• Track record in financial management, stewardship, and strategies to increase revenue
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Team leadership and project management experience
• Deep skill in communications with the public, media, and legislature
• Experience leading 501(c)(4)’s and political campaigns preferred

If you do not have direct experience in any of these areas, we encourage you to let us know how other experiences have equipped you to succeed in those parts of the role.

Salary range is $140,000 – $155,000 per year, negotiable depending on experience and  candidate qualifications. Benefits include a 401k with up to 6% employer match, QSEHRA health insurance reimbursement, flexible work schedule, and paid holidays.

Voters Not Politicians is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: Activism, democracy, executive director, michigan, Voting, and voting rights. Salaries: 100,000 and above.

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