Executive Director, DSA Fund

About Us: The DSA Fund is dedicated to advancing democratic socialism by supporting grassroots organizing, community development, and educational initiatives. We empower individuals and communities to advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice. Our work is fueled by a commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. Learn more at fund.dsausa.org.

Position Overview: We are seeking an Executive Director to be the head staffer of the DSA Fund. The Executive Director will be responsible for strategic leadership, administration and operations including staff management, fundraising, programming, and event management. This role requires a passionate advocate for democratic socialism who can inspire a team, engage stakeholders, and drive the organization’s mission forward. The Executive Director reports to the Board through the Board chair.

The ED will work closely with the board to establish strategic goals for the organization. This person also supervises staff, is responsible for evaluating staff performance, and guiding staff work. The ED is an ex-officio member of all committees, and their involvement in committees can depend on other staff responsibilities and/or volunteers performing the work.

Key Responsibilities:

1) Leadership and Strategy:

• Develop and implement the strategic vision and direction of the DSA Fund with the Board.
• Collaborate with the Board to establish goals and evaluate progress.
• Foster a positive organizational culture that promotes teamwork and innovation.

2) Fundraising:

• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet financial goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors, foundations, and individual donors.
• Oversee grant writing and reporting to ensure funding compliance and sustainability.
• Organize and lead fundraising campaigns, leveraging digital and traditional platforms, including but not limited to the year-end campaign.

3) Programming and Events:

• Develop and implement impactful programs that align with the organization’s mission, especially under the How We Win umbrella.
• Plan and execute events, including workshops, conferences, and volunteer outreach initiatives, particularly on socialist history, public policy, and with democratic socialist elected officials.
• Collaborate with partners and other nonprofits and organizations with similar missions to expand program reach and effectiveness.
• Evaluate programs and events to assess impact and areas for improvement.

4) Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders such as the board, but also key volunteers, major donors, DSA and socialist activists, and elected officials & their staff. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the DSA Fund, representing the organization at public events and in the media.
• Engage with the DSA Fund community to promote involvement and volunteer opportunities to grow our scale.

5) Administration and Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring effective administration and compliance with regulations and best practices around risk management, HR, benefits management and operational efficiency.
• Manage with equitable practices a diverse team of at least (2) other staffers, providing supervision, mentorship and professional development opportunities. This will include hiring a staffer in 2025.
• Develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field.
• Relevant work experience will be strongly considered in lieu of education. Minimum of 4 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, with a focus on fundraising and programming.
• Proven track record in successful fundraising strategies and donor relations.
• Strong understanding of democratic socialism and related social justice movements.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience in event planning and community engagement.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to work with Board committees up to five times a month for an evening or weekend meeting on Zoom and travel for a weekend or multi-day event up to four times per year.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should apply via the link by 11/30/2024. Please ensure you upload a resume and answer the questions outlined in the application.

Alternative link: https://airtable.com/appWvcf3qLbcUlkt8/shr0Wth7GC0c793Tn

The DSA Fund is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us in our mission to empower communities and advocate for a just and equitable society!