OBS Executive Director Job Description

Overview:

The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) is seeking an experienced and energetic leader as its next Executive Director who, in partnership with organizational members, board of directors, and committed staff, is prepared to build upon OBS’ 42-year history of multi-issue organizing for Black liberation in the St. Louis region. We are looking for a skilled manager, with a background in movement organizing, who will be able to provide dynamic leadership and direction for OBS. The Executive Director will oversee operations of OBS to ensure the organization’s financial stability, the quality of its strategic campaigns and programs, along with the building and development of a strong support base.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director will advance the work of the Organization for Black Struggle through the following responsibilities,

Organizing, Advocacy, and Program Leadership

• Carrying out successful day to day operations of the organization in alignment with OBS’ core goals and mission
• Develop and implement strategic planning initiatives in partnership with the Board, staff, and other key stakeholders
• Design, implement, and assess the outcomes for advocacy and organizing campaigns and programs to enact bold change toward the goal of Black Liberation
• Develops, guides and coordinates grassroots mobilization efforts, including the voter education, engagement and mobilization efforts in support of both local and national legislative issues.

Resource Development

• Create and implement an annual fundraising strategy with the collaboration of OBS staff and approval of the Board, ensuring a diversified funding base including foundations, individuals, and special events.
• Manage OBS’s financial operations, including developing annual budgets and monitoring expenditures and income during the year.

Organizational Development and Management:

• Oversee all long-range organizational planning that accounts for organizational growth to including but not limited to expanding the OBS paid staff team
• Collaborate with OBS board members, staff, and volunteers on the organization’s long term political strategy.
• Expand OBS’ impact both within the community it serves and in the national Black liberation movement.
• Lead elements of the project and program development process for OBS in partnership with all relevant stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for new campaign development as it aligns with the mission and goals for OBS.
• Lead all elements of staff management, working to ensure a healthy, collaborative workplace
• Foster an organizational culture that breaks down tenets of white supremacy and oppression that show up in nonprofit management practices

Communications

• Maintain open, constructive and optimistic communications with OBS leadership bodies and sub committees to support their development.
• Represent and promote OBS to key public officials, community members, press, and the public to ensure an accurate and positive public presence for OBS and its mission.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range is $75,000-$80,000 and based upon experience. This is a full-time, salaried position with some local and national travel. Competitive benefits package is available, including medical, dental, paid vacation, 3 personal days annually, parental leave, and earned sick leave up to 30 days.

OBS is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA applicants.

OBS is looking for a passionate leader committed to Black Liberation and contributing to the intersectional analysis required to build political power and leadership within Black working class communities. We ask that this leader have:

• At least five years of senior leadership experience in a community-organizing environment with progressively increasing supervisory responsibilities.
• Experience engaging and working within working class Black communities to build leadership capacity with the goal of making societal and political change.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to work with key stakeholders on important legislation and public policy on behalf of OBS.
• 8 to 10 years of organizing experience, can include volunteer/unpaid experience
• Experience with and/or understanding of implementing online and in person organizing strategies to meet organizational goals and grow base supporters and political power
• Well developed understanding of the legal and fiscal structure of 501(c)(3) & 501(c)(4) grants and programs
• Hands-on knowledge of the political landscape across the country. Familiarity with the political landscape in the Midwest and/or St. Louis is a plus
• Demonstrated ability and experience in coalition building; experience building and maintaining key political relationships to be leveraged for collective political power
• Problem-solver; someone who is solutions oriented and is highly adaptable