Job Description

Voters Not Politicians

Executive Director Job Description

March 2023

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 even basic 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 is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and planning for the Voters Not Politicians 501(c)(4), Voters Ed Fund 501(c)(3), Voters Not Politicians Ballot Committee, and Voters Action Fund 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 resources 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 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.

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 nontraditional, grassroots aspects of strategy, and champions how to achieve objectives with nontraditional tactics that align with values (nonpartisan, grassroots, citizen-led, volunteer empowerment);
      3. During periods in which Voters Not Politicians is leading or participating in an active political campaign, the Executive Director oversees the Deputy Director who directs campaign staff and consultants in implementing the Campaign Plan as approved by the Board of Directors;
      4. Consults with subject matter experts as needed for strategy and policy development;
      5. Reports progress to goal and operational issues to the Board of Directors in writing prior to scheduled Board meetings and participates in Board of Directors meetings as a non-voting member;
      6. Works with the volunteers, staff, Board members, and consultants as necessary to develop strategic solutions to complex challenges; and
      7. Keeps Board informed of significant developments and changes in the internal and external environment and supports staff and volunteers to ensure organization is informed.

• Voters Not Politicians culture and values

1. 1. 1. Is a campaign and organization spokesperson, giving interviews and attending internal and external events;
      2. Is the main point of media contact, with support from communications team and consultants;
      3. Champions the organization and advocates the organization’s mission to internal and external stakeholders;
      4. Models and represents the organization’s culture and values, both internally and externally;
      5. Spearheads programs aimed to ensure the Voters Not Politicians community is diverse, equitable and inclusive;
      6. Collaborates with Communications team and consultants to ensure effective external communications about the organization and its mission, priorities, importance, programs, and activities; and
      7. Supports program and development teams in developing 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 hiring process of full-time staff;
      3. Develops, oversees, and supports the Board and its committees in carrying out their governance and functions;
      4. Works with staff to ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of the Board 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 Chair 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 Board’s directives, policies, and resolutions are carried out; and
      4. Supports staff and Finance Committee to prepare and present an annual budget to the Board 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 Board 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:
Passion for volunteer-led activism

Growth mentality

Track record in financial management, stewardship, and strategies to increase revenue

Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills
Team leadership and project management experience
Comfortable in media and press interviews

Experience leading 501(c)(4)’s and political campaigns preferred

Salary range is $140,000 – $155,000 per year depending on experience, and negotiable based on 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: michigan, nonpartisan, and nonprofit. Salaries: 100,000 and above.

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