Executive Director Jobs

Center for Story-based Strategy (CSS) is seeking a talented and driven Executive Director (ED) to help us achieve our strategic objectives and lead our organizational development efforts. As the ED, you will work closely with a talented staff team and our Board of Directors to implement our Theory of Change and make Story-based Strategy (SBS) an essential ingredient in our movement culture for years

to come.

The ED will strengthen internal systems, assess the best conditions for organizational stability, manage and oversee CSS’s organizational management/compliance, and steward fiscal sustainability while shepherding a values-driven organizational culture. In the first year, the main priorities for the incoming ED will be organizational strategy & direction, fundraising & financial stewardship, and organizational development & governance. This position is full-time and exempt.

About CSS:

CSS cultivates imagination spaces where story, grassroots leadership, organizing, and democracy are interwoven strategies to build power.

CSS is excited to embark on another 20 years of changing stories and cultivating radical imagination in movement spaces. With board and staff members leading the way, a new chapter is dawning as we search for an Executive Director who will continue the incredible legacy of past CSS movement leaders.

Key responsibilities:

• Additional Responsibilities
• Organizational Development & Governance
• Fundraising & Financial Stewardship
• Guide the implementation of CSS’s business model and revenue strategy (including foundation grants, individual donors, fee-for-service, and more).
• Work with staff to strengthen internal systems and assess the best conditions for organizational sustainability.
• Represents the organization in working closely with the Resourcing Narratives staff to achieve our resourcing goals and meet the benchmarks set by the team.
• Set and maintain a work plan that will be shared with the board and relevant team members
• Lead and facilitate long-term organizational structure decisions, consider and assess interim and mid-term leadership needs.
• The Executive Director will be integrated into a strong organizational culture of regular internal communications, organizational development meetings, and mechanisms to promote ongoing team-building, smooth and transparent information-sharing, and alignment with organizational values.
• Collaborates with the board through the Board Executive Committee
• Provide leadership and vision in establishing CSS’s organizational direction.
• Oversee external communications & key programmatic priorities, engage the board's External Affairs Committee.
• Supervise senior-level staff
• Use CSS-designated tools and platforms for team coordination, including communication platforms, file management systems, shared calendars, project management systems, etc.
• Org Strategy & Direction
• Lead top-level organizational development priorities and facilitate the Organizational Management Team’s efforts to build effective organizational systems & practices.
• Support and provide leadership in developing the organization’s strategic plan and program direction.
• Responsible for CSS’s financial health & budget, in partnership with the board’s Internal Affairs Committee and CSS finance and resourcing staff.
• Cultivate various revenue streams with the support of the Resourcing Narratives Director.
• Participate and facilitate relevant staff and CSS community meetings and planning retreats.
• Staff Management
• Like all staff members, additional responsibilities will include:
• Build and sustain a values-driven organizational culture prioritizing power sharing, sustainability, and anti-oppression.
• Make top-level human resources and administrative decisions in consultation with operations, and resource development staff.

Desired Qualifications and skills:

• Anticipate, plan ahead, and act to prevent major catastrophes
• Ability to clearly communicate roles and expectations
• Is comfortable sharing decision-making power with staff
• Leads with integrity and equity, giving feedback to staff and not practicing favoritism
• Familiarity and kinship with CSS’s methodology as detailed in the book Re:Imagining Change
• Some experience with or knowledge of processes and strategies for movement groups navigating leadership transitions and change
• Experience in resource development and finance
• Collective Approach
• Great Organizational Skills
• Computer skills and working knowledge of various organizational software and platforms
• Experience with writing and editing, with an emphasis on managing details
• Manage and work daily with both a long and short-term perspective
• People-oriented
• Focused on Results
• Thought leadership in narrative strategy and organizational development
• Actively participate in meaningful and ongoing dialogue to facilitate team alignment and achievement of goals
• Demonstrated application and facilitation of SBS. Or willingness to be immersed in SBS within the first few months.
• In touch with organizational culture, community politics, and leader interactions
• Work effectively and efficiently alone and within teams: self-starter and self-directed while committed to communication and collaboration
• Project management and multitasking experience
• Aware of the need for rest and team/community regeneration
• Be challenged, energized, productive, and demonstrate mature self-confidence and grace
• Willingness to assess and continuously learn about the changing landscape of narrative, story, media, and technology as it relates to CSS’s mission and work
• Movement & Power Building Oriented:
• Grounded in narrative strategy, grassroots movement, power-building/training, and building tangible wins that benefit frontline communities
• Interest in organizational leadership, team building; investment in building the organization, as well as building the capacity of our partners and Just Transition work

Compensation and Benefits:

We take care of ourselves and each other. That's why we're proud to provide a competitive salary and a range of benefits that prioritize the well-being of our employees and their families. The salary range for the Executive Director is $155-165K.

We've got you covered with health, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, 12-16 paid holidays, stipends for cell phone and wifi (for remote work) and your own budget for self-care and personal tech. As our resources grow, we're committed to continually improving and expanding the support we provide to our whole team.

How to apply

Send resume/CV, cover letter, and three references to [email protected] with “[Your Name]: Executive Director” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter why you are interested in working with CSS, and how your experience aligns with this position. Please send your application materials in PDF format, with your last name in each file name.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, preference will be given to candidates that apply by July 20th.

CSS is a values-based organization with a deep commitment to building transformative culture and challenging racism, sexism, homophobia and oppression in all its forms. CSS is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds and challenging historic patterns of political marginalization and oppression. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, working-class people, disabled people, women, and LGBTQ+ persons are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn more about this position at storybasedstrategy.org/executive-director-2023