Co-Founder, Transcend Stigma Project

Location: Remote

Commitment: Part-time, with the potential to evolve into a full-time role

Compensation: This is a volunteer role initially, with the goal of building financial sustainability for future compensation

About the Transcend Stigma Project

The Transcend Stigma Project is an emerging organization dedicated to dismantling stigma, challenging societal norms, and fostering liberation by empowering marginalized communities to live authentically and without fear. Guided by the principles of liberation psychology, we work to build genuine allyship, hold ourselves accountable, and amplify the voices of those often silenced by stigma. We are in the foundational stages of building this initiative into a nonprofit, with a vision of creating lasting, systemic change in mental health, social justice, and community empowerment.

Our work is rooted in core values that shape our approach and drive our commitment to the communities we serve:

• Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and the impact they have on marginalized communities, actively addressing biases and working to make amends when necessary. We believe that real change comes from a foundation of transparency and accountability.
• Authenticity: We foster an environment where individuals can be true to themselves, free from societal pressures to conform. We honor each person’s unique story and experiences, especially those underrepresented in mainstream narratives.
• Unapologetic Allyship: We stand firm in our advocacy for marginalized communities, confronting systemic barriers even when it challenges comfort zones. Our work does not compromise on inclusivity or justice.
• Community: We are committed to building solidarity among marginalized individuals and their allies, emphasizing collaborative engagement that promotes trust, mutual understanding, and resilience.
• Knowledge: We prioritize continuous learning and education on the complexities of stigma and social injustice, encouraging critical thinking and openness to new perspectives to better understand and address the issues impacting mental health and autonomy.
• Liberation: Inspired by liberation psychology, we aim for true freedom from stigma and societal restrictions. We advocate with communities, amplifying their voices and supporting sustainable actions that lead to genuine empowerment.

We envision a world where mental health is prioritized, diverse identities are celebrated, and every individual is empowered to reclaim their voice and live without stigma.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Co-Founder who is passionate about social justice, mental health, and community-driven advocacy. As Co-Founder, you will partner with the existing founder to shape the organization’s vision, develop our strategic direction, and build the operational framework to establish Transcend Stigma Project as a recognized nonprofit. This is a unique opportunity for someone who is ready to invest their skills and ideas in a high-impact, mission-driven start-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Vision and Organizational Development: Collaborate on refining and articulating the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Work alongside the founder to develop a strategic roadmap for transforming the Transcend Stigma Project into a fully operational nonprofit.
• Fundraising and Financial Planning: Co-lead fundraising initiatives, including grant applications, donor cultivation, and partnership development to secure sustainable funding. Play a key role in setting up financial structures and budgeting.
• Program Design and Implementation: Design and lead early-stage programs addressing stigma, mental health, and allyship. Ensure these initiatives authentically reflect the needs of marginalized communities.
• Community and Partnership Building: Develop meaningful relationships with community leaders, advocates, and potential partners. Act as a representative of the Transcend Stigma Project, fostering genuine connections that align with the mission and values of the organization.
• Outreach and Communications: Help create a brand identity and outreach strategy to build awareness and engage community members. Lead social media, website, and communications efforts to amplify our message and impact.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a co-founder who:

• Shares a deep commitment to social justice, mental health advocacy, and the liberation of marginalized communities, with either personal or professional experience in these areas.
• Has experience in nonprofit start-up environments, advocacy, mental health, or community engagement and is excited about the challenge of building a nonprofit from the ground up.
• Embodies the values of accountability, authenticity, and community allyship, demonstrating these through prior work or lived experience.
• Is strategic and adaptable, able to develop big-picture ideas and roll up their sleeves to bring them to life within a start-up environment.
• Communicates effectively and is comfortable building the organization’s public presence in a way that amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, rather than speaking over them.

Why Join Us?

Becoming a co-founder of the Transcend Stigma Project means joining at a pivotal moment when your contributions will shape the future of the organization. This role is not only about strategic leadership but also about creating a foundation for sustainable social change. If you are a visionary leader ready to co-create an organization grounded in liberation psychology and committed to dismantling stigma, we would love to hear from you.

To Apply: Please upload a resume and a brief statement on why you’re passionate about joining the Transcend Stigma Project as a co-founder below. Share your background in social justice or mental health and what you envision for this role.