Executive Director Job Opportunity

Position Description

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Are you passionate about strengthening our democracy, increasing diversity within our government, and reducing polarization in politics? Join the California Ranked Choice Voting Institute as our first Executive Director, leading our nonpartisan nonprofit in promoting Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in California. We need an experienced nonprofit leader to grow our grassroots supporter base, fundraise, manage budgets, and motivate volunteers for RCV campaigns.

 

As the Executive Director, you’ll have overall strategic and operational responsibility for Cal RCV’s education, lobbying, and campaigning efforts, guided by a clear focus on our mission: to expand the use of Ranked Choice Voting to all Californians to ensure we have a greater voice in our democracy. Learn more about Cal RCV at https://www.calrcv.org/about-us.

 

Responsibilities:

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Fundraising and Program Oversight ​

• Accelerate our fundraising activities across our grassroots supporter base, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals to fund additional staff/consultants and expand program budgets.

• Personally make asks of high net worth donors and RCV supporters to meet budgetary requirements. Travel as needed for key fundraising opportunities.

• Oversee and be accountable for all fundraising activities, including the design and implementation of annual and long-range plans, the development and realization of annual revenue goals, and setting philanthropic priorities. 

• Work with the Board to set operating budgets. 

• Track and report progress toward revenue and program goals to report to the Board.

• Oversee donor communications and stewardship.

 

Grassroots Movement Building

• Organize and energize volunteers to build our grassroots supporter list via canvassing and digital list building and maintain the energy and engagement of our supporters with an effective communications strategy, including participating in online and in-person volunteer meetings.

• Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization's work. 

 

Strategic Visioning

• Under the direction of the Board, develop and execute a strategy supporting Cal RCV’s mission, and report to the Board on progress. 

• Work with Cal RCV’s political consultants and partner organizations to maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.

• Communicate regularly with the Board of Directors, volunteer leaders, Advisory Board, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure continued alignment around Cal RCV’s mission and strategy.

 

Coalition Building

• Create and maintain partnerships with other organizations and leaders from across the political, economic, and identity spectrum to advance and support Cal RCV’s mission.

• Within the electoral reform space, maintain complementary positioning of the organization and strong relationships with other leaders. Contribute to the continuous improvement of these relationships and the work of these organizations by being an authentic, engaged partner. 
   

 

Qualifications:

 

• Demonstrated experience as a “roll up your sleeves” leader including scaling grassroots movements, managing strategic partnerships, and fundraising within early-stage nonprofit organizations.

• 5+ years of nonprofit and/or campaign leadership experience with a proven track record of organizational growth and effective program execution.

• Direct experience in nonprofit development, specifically major gifts, with a documented history of securing contributions from foundations, corporations, individual donors, and additional sources, as well as working knowledge of industry best practices and compliance.  

• A high degree of comfort with public speaking and ambassadorship. Must be willing and able to build and manage strategic relationships across every kind of constituency (from high net worth donors to high school students), and clearly communicate and advocate for Cal RCV’s mission and vision.  

• Proficiency in Google Workspace, CRM (like EveryAction), and online project management and collaboration platforms (like Basecamp) is required. Must be digitally fluent, flexible, and adept at end-to-end execution within a fast-paced, pared-down environment. 

• A deep commitment to maintaining and strengthening a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

• An ethos of nonpartisan public relations and messaging, including engagement with individuals from a broad spectrum of political views, and the ability to show total restraint on expressing personal partisan opinions.  

• Must be able to travel up to 25% and have availability to work on evenings and weekends.

 

Reports to: Board of Directors

 

Schedule: Full-time, remote work with flexibility during business hours. Some evenings and weekends required.

 

Location: Remote work from anywhere in California. Up to 25% travel may be required.

 

Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary ($115,000 - $130,000 based on qualifications and experience) with health insurance subsidies, 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and paid holidays.

 

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

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Does this sound like you? 

 

If you are interested in this opportunity please complete the application below and we’ll be in touch to get to know you better!