Executive Director Jobs

About Emerge California

Emerge California is on a mission to change the face of California politics by identifying, training and encouraging women to run for local public office, get elected and to seek higher office. Emerge began in California in 2002. Our approach is unique: we offer an intensive, five-month group training program that provides in-depth training on all aspects of becoming a candidate and running for office. Our results are undeniable: 50% of Emerge alumnae hold office, and of those who have run for office, nearly 70% have won. We have a strong record of diversity: 50% of our alumnae are women of color.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director position provides an amazing opportunity for an experienced and successful leader to take the helm of a strong organization poised for continued growth and mission impact.

During the last several years, Emerge California has increased its visibility, reach and effectiveness, increased its income, and expanded its program statewide, while increasing both the run and win rates as well as the overall diversity of its alumnae pool. Emerge California has produced concrete results for getting more Democratic women elected to public office.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Board of Directors and in conjunction (or partnership) with Emerge California staff and consultants, coordinate and execute the organization’s strategic and operational plans.

Fundraising:

• Oversee major annual fundraising events, our corporate and union fundraising programs.
• Meet the strategic short-term fundraising goals.
• Expand upon our major gifts program to become a more robust component of our overall revenue base.

Partnerships and Relationships:

• Oversee the overall communications strategy.
• Manage relationships with the broader Emerge California community, including program members, alumnae, friends and advisors.
• Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, activists, non-profit organizations, press and others within the California Democratic political community.
• Represent Emerge California in a variety of capacities (meetings, speeches, panels, councils) throughout the state.
• Work with the Emerge national umbrella organization, Emerge America and other Emerge affiliates.

Staff Management and Board Coordination:

• Oversee and collaborate with the key Board Committees to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Oversee a team of five staff members.
• Attract, inspire and develop a strong staff.

Finance and Administration:

• Maintain financial management systems and accounting records.
• Develop and manage annual budgets that are aligned to strategic goals of the organization.
• Ensure financial soundness, transparency and high ethical standards in the financial and administrative activities of Emerge California.
• Staff and support the Board of Directors meetings and committees.

Ideal Experience and Capabilities

• Strong, persuasive communicator comfortable being the public face of the organization in a variety of settings, ranging from small, intimate meetings to large public forums, including conventional and social media.
• We are seeking a strong leader with deep passion for our mission who can take our successful organization to the next level. Previous familiarity with Emerge California is highly desirable. The ideal person is a creative problem solver with a passion for our mission; they have a vision of where we are going next, a plan for how to get there and the inspiration to lead the team through the journey.
• An understanding of the role of the Board of Directors, of the dynamics between an organization’s staff and its volunteer directors and the ability to manage that dynamic.
• Knowledge and experience working in California politics is required.
• A significant and proven track record of fundraising, including running a major gifts program.
• Organized executor who can manage multiple and varied projects.
• Experience building, inspiring, developing and managing a small staff.

Job Location & Schedule

Emerge California is a statewide organization and the Executive Director can be located anywhere in California. The job includes statewide travel with some evening and weekend work.

Compensation

Emerge California offers a competitive salary that will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s experiences and qualifications. The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000. This is a full time, exempt position that reports to the Emerge California Board of Directors.

Candidates

This search is being run by NRG Consulting Group. Please apply by filling out this application. Should you have questions about this position or how to apply, please send an email to [email protected]. Emerge California is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage candidates who represent and can work with people of many different backgrounds and orientations.