Executive Director

Rust Belt Rising

Job Announcement

Executive Director

Description:

Rust Belt Rising (RBR) is committed to reinvigorating the Democratic Party’s root commitment to working people and their families through leadership development of candidates for local and statewide public office in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. RBR conducts training programs for Democrats via Zoom and in-person, coaches leaders, develops messaging and runs get-out-the-vote programs. RBR works with Democratic candidates to win elections throughout the region at the local, state, and Congressional levels of government. Significantly, RBR focuses on helping candidates develop compelling, authentic messages, emphasizing fundamental economic issues like education, healthcare, and jobs.

Rust Belt Rising seeks an experienced leader to serve as the organization’s Executive Director. The Executive Director must have a passion for RBR’s mission, a visionary approach to growing the organization, strategic planning ability, effective communication skills in both writing and speech, and experience working in partnership with an engaged Board of Directors and other volunteers. This person must be an energetic champion for the organization, moving the Democratic party towards more victories, and helping shape more leaders for our region’s future.

DUTIES:

• Manage all administrative functions of Rust Belt Rising.
• Build relationships and partnerships within each of the six targeted states.
• Design and produce biannual targeted courses to support and empower Democratic candidates running for office in the Rust Belt.
• Spearhead and coordinate a robust recruitment effort of training session participants.
• Coordinate a comprehensive mentoring program for selected candidates.
• Facilitate ongoing mentoring and support for RBR participants.
• Curate and facilitate valuable presenters for seminar-style Zoom sessions for participants.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the public, participants, strategic partners, and the Board of Directors.
• Oversee all public-facing communications efforts, including listserve emails, web copy, and social media, as well as the design and development of marketing tools to support fundraising and recruitment.
• Support and coordinate fundraising efforts, including identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts.
• Manage the organization’s budget and write reports to the Board of Directors and supporters.
• Source and manage staff, vendors, and consultants.

Qualifications:

A successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:

• Recent campaign experience
• A strong commitment to the Democratic Party’s fundamental commitment to working families.
• A strong, mature team player with excellent communication and people skills.
• An entrepreneurial spirit, preferably including experience developing and implementing partnerships with collaborating organizations.
• Strong writing skills.
• Talented, engaging public speaker.
• Excellent at training via Zoom; experience and ideas for online learning, website management, and social media.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Experience overseeing accounting, budgeting, and financial management preferred.
• Creativity, good judgment, and valuable insights to drive illuminating new training programs that benefit Democrats.
• Excellent mentorship ability, an inclusive personality, and the energy to recruit new participants. A genuine interest in potential candidates and an ability to engage them and offer useful advice.
• Strong messaging judgment and instincts to work with our Messaging Committee of communications veterans in the region on new talking points and guidance for our party.
• At least three years of political campaign and/or community organizing experience within the six-state region is preferred.
• Political experience and relationships in one of our six states is preferred.
• Understanding of and experience with state and/or local parties is a plus.

Compensation: Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Starting Date: The position is open immediately.

Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to: info@rustbeltrising.com

Rust Belt Rising does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, physical or mental disability or any other protected status in admission or access to, or employment in its programs and activities.