Senior Vice President External Relations – Washington, D.C.
The Democracy Alliance (DA) is a growing network of progressives who partner with, contribute to, and encourage collaboration among progressive organizations, strategists and donors at the national, state and local levels.
Over the last decade, more than $500 million has been raised to build and sustain elements of the progressive infrastructure – from multi-issue think tanks to a sophisticated media monitoring apparatus – that did not previously exist. As a result of DA strategy and funding, there have been numerous progressive electoral victories, and many progressive ideas and policies have been enacted – and achieved broad popular support.
In a nearly year-long consultative process, the DA has created its Vision 2020, setting out ambitious goals for the next five years that build on previous achievements. By 2020, the DA seeks to build an America where progressives hold the reins of power and use them to make significant impact on several of our nation’s greatest challenges: a fair democracy where everyone can participate; an inclusive economy that works for all; and a planet that is healthy and safe. The DA is committed to addressing the issues of democracy, economic fairness and climate change together because they are deeply connected and sustainable progress will build on that principle.
As it has in the past, the DA is committed to building progressive power that produces electoral and policy victories, and to the infrastructure that can support those efforts. In addition, the DA will make new investments in state-based infrastructure and the key constituencies that comprise the Rising American Electorate (voters of color, young people and single women) and work closely with other communities that share our progressive values.
PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Senior Vice President for External Relations is a newly-created position at the DA and will report to the President as a member of the Senior Management Team.
The SVP will play a key role in ensuring that the DA’s new strategic vision drives other streams of work, and that the organization’s recruitment, fundraising, events, and communications are amplified and well-coordinated.
Specifically, the SVP will lead a team focused on growing the organization’s membership, hosting innovative and substantive conferences and other events for donors and other movement leaders, and marshaling support for the DA’s investment strategy from major donors, foundations and unions.
In addition to overseeing recruitment, strategic fundraising and event activities, the SVP for External Relations will build and manage a communications team that will work very closely with the Strategy and Planning staff in order to increase significantly public awareness of the links between democracy, the economy and climate change and the progressive organizations that work on these issues.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The ideal SVP for External Relations candidate will be a self-motivated professional with a passion for politics, social and economic justice, democracy and the environment. S/he will be a collaborative leader, helping the DA reach new levels of funding. S/he will be a strong communicator capable of developing productive relationships, both internally and externally, with various constituencies.
The SVP will work closely with the President, Managing Director, Board, and designated staff to recruit new Partners into the DA . The SVP will increase the resources to support the DA’s 2020 Vision strategy, strengthening strategic partnerships with allied funders and engaging with existing Partners in order to assure that they are well informed about existing funding opportunities and able to maximize the potential impact of their funding to build the progressive movement.
The SVP will bring to the DA significant experience in fundraising with diverse donors, including engaged individuals, foundations, and progressive institutions such as major unions. The SVP will also understand fundraising in electoral politics at many levels and recognize the role that strategic communications can play in helping to attract donors and new resources.
BROAD GOALS FOR THE SVP OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS
- Oversee the planning of a multi-year fundraising strategy to support the goals of the 2020 Vision of the Democracy Alliance
- Hire and supervise a Director of Communications in order to maximize opportunities for the DA and its partner groups in the progressive community to grow the membership, increase resources, and influence public discourse
- Grow the donor pool by expanding the DA’s membership and identifying new funders and foundations with whom to leverage our investments, in order to build a stronger progressive movement at the national, state and local levels
- With the President and other senior staff, play a lead role in developing strong and innovative programming for DA Partners and allied funders that will help to build a united community and generate enthusiasm for the DA’s funding strategy
- Ensure regular communication between members of the program staff and the fundraising and communications departments in order to develop a cohesive progressive message for DA
- Ensure that the DA is represented effectively at conferences and public events in order to disseminate the DA’s progressive values and ideals.
REQUIREMENTS
- A demonstrated commitment to the DA’s mission and progressive values
- Fifteen years of fundraising experience in progressive settings and with diverse funding sources
- A first-hand understanding of the elements of movement-building
- A capacity for strategic and creative thinking in order to develop a multi-year resource plan for the DA
- Familiarity with communications including handling media and messaging on a variety of platforms
- Experience in senior management in nonprofit organizations.
- Experience working directly with Boards of Directors.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt as needs and priorities change
- Strong work ethic, resourcefulness and willingness to take on wide-ranging responsibilities
- Sense of humor and interest in building a strong culture and a high-performing team
REPORTS TO: President
BASED IN: Washington, DC
START DATE: Immediately
TRAVEL: Some travel will be required.
SALARY: Commensurate with experience, education, and ability
TO APPLY
Applicants should email susanosnos@earthlink.net and must include a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Email MUST reference “SVP for External Relations” position in the subject line. No calls, please.
We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool in the belief that employees from diverse backgrounds are critical to achieving our goals. We strongly encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and experiences.