Job opening at Progressive States

[eridani]

Executive Director
101 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Fl., New York, NY 10013
http://www.progressivestates.org

PSN seeks an innovative Executive Director who has the capacity to think strategically; motivate and inspire a highly dedicated staff; build and guide an integrated, effective senior management team; work in partnership with a board of directors; and successfully advocate for PSN with organizational allies, funders, and a national community.

About the Organization:
Progressive States Network aims to transform the political landscape by sparking progressive actions at the state level. Founded in 2005, the group provides coordinated research and strategic advocacy tools to state legislators and their staffs, empowering these decision-makers with everything they need to engineer forward-thinking change. Progressive States also works with non-profits and a variety of constituent groups to build a swath of support for coordinated progressive policy. The overarching goals: to get good policy passed into law and change the way issues are debated in the states.

A significant part of Progressive States efforts revolve around supporting state legislative campaigns. The organization offers legislators and their staff members the technical and messaging support necessary to embrace progressive policy. Tapping into a network of experts in each state, the group catalogues existing or developing legislation related to five key values we support. Progressive States also accumulates research to support new laws in these areas.

Our most important values include:
- Increasing Democracy
- Growing the Economy
- Rewarding Work
- Valuing Families
- Promoting Justice

Progressive States seeks to strengthen communication between legislators and the organizations they serve, facilitating a groundswell of interest in progressive policy that spans state, regional and ideological lines. Our board consists of labor organizations, grassroots and "netroots" groups, and key policy centers. With additional support from these organizations, Progressive States makes it even easier for lawmakers to keep open dialogues with their most savvy constituents.

Finally, Progressive States acts as a "war room" to equip legislators with the information they need to advocate good policy. Organization experts put together best-practice guidebooks and serve as surrogates for legislative staff members who need talking points and need them fast. Additionally, with an upto- the-minute news and analysis at www.progressivestates.org , the group acts as an information hub that keeps legislators up-to-date on progressive news from other states, helps them identify trends and emboldens them to educate each other on how to succeed.

In short, by supporting state legislators and other groups in their efforts to spark progressive actions and get good ideas passed into law, Progressive States proves that state policy matters, and that good policy leads to good politics for all.

To learn more about the organization, visit http://www.progressivestates.org

About the Position:
This is an exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial, results oriented leader to set the vision and strategy for a fast growing, high-impact, non-profit organization.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Implement ( and further develop) a vision for building an integrated network of legislators and advocates, including managing relationships between staff and individual legislators, supporting progressive caucuses of legislators and local advocates within states, building multi-state regional networks and events, strengthening national issue-based networks of legislators, and holding national events and conferences.

Command of a broad range of policy issues and proven engagement on worker's rights, immigration, budget, health care, telecommunications, privatization and election reform issues critical to both our funders and organizational partners.

Forge national partnerships with other progressive networks, including negotiating organizational, fund raising and policy-based cooperation with the relevant national networks which partner with Progressive States Network in providing support to our legislative network.
Present an integrated multi-issue message based on values and vision.

Develop and cultivate financial support from foundations, organizational partners such as labor unions, allied organizations and national policy think tanks, and through special events.

Provide messaging support for legislative campaigns in order to frame issues for maximum political effectiveness. The Executive Director will work with staff, legislators and advocates on developing legislative and media campaigns that use our range of policies and related messaging approaches to reinforce broad progressive coalitions while "wedging" opposition conservative coalitions.

Work with state-based grassroots coalitions, including negotiating relationships with national and local organizations, as well as participating in national and local coalition efforts. As a national organization working in multiple states and issues, this requires strong diplomatic and organizing skills to build trust and avoid alienating potential allies, while effectively building the PSN network of legislators and organizational partners.
Candidate Requirements:

Experience managing a small/medium organization through a period of expansion and successfully meeting or exceeding organizational targets;

Familiarity with state legislative processes and a strong understanding of how to shape an organization to serve the needs of state legislators, organizational partners and policy advocates in moving state policy;

Ensure competent and effective management of PSN's programs, budgetary and fiscal operations; grants and contracts;

Provide leadership in developing programmatic, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff; carry out plans and policies authorized by the board, serve as chief liaison to Board of Directors regarding all organizational, structural and financial matters. Understand and value the role of the board to effectively work with a board as a leadership partner;

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage financial resources to reach the organization's desired goals; Established record of success in program development, administration, evaluation, fiscal management and resource development;

Serve as the "face" of PSN, speaking, writing, and organizing in order to call attention to the needs and potential of PSN and to help build the organization's credibility while strengthening national, state and local messaging;

Significant fundraising skills and track record of revenue generation, with a deep understanding of the development process and proven success meeting and exceeding revenue targets; organizational management skills, including team building and managing colleagues, senior management and board members to achieve fundraising goals;

Ability to think strategically, drive analysis and solve problems creatively and effectively;
Ability to effectively tackle complex strategic and operating issues;

Excellent interpersonal skills with political savvy and a proven ability to cultivate and nurture relationships with a myriad of diverse stakeholders with competing interests;

Ability to address issues and problem solve on both macro and micro levels and to interface with individuals involved;

Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously;

Exceptional persuasive communications skills, both written and verbal;

Ability to work in a collaborative, team-centered environment utilizing both a strong sense of humor and leadership skills;

Experience fostering a work environment that encourages the full investment and contribution of staff members in the organization's work. Ability and commitment to working with staff to cultivate their talents, develop their skills and encourage growth in responsibility;

7-10 years of experience at the senior management level leading growth efforts in an entrepreneurial and preferably non-profit environment.

Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation in the range of $110 — $135k with benefits.


How to Apply:
Email a compelling cover letter and resume to linonprofit {at} adelphi.edu with "PSN ED Search" in the subject line. We aim to fill this position as soon as possible. Preferred hire date of January 1, 2011; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No calls please.