Executive Director

Our client, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), is a leader in cannabis advocacy and has been spearheading reform and policy change within the industry for the last 20 years. The Executive Director will shepherd the nation’s leading cannabis policy reform organization through the end of marijuana prohibition in the U.S. and into an era of continual improvement of medical and adult-use cannabis systems in the states. The position is responsible for the financial stability of the organization and requires a substantial amount of time dedicated to raising millions of dollars for the organization and campaigns. The position develops and implements the organization’s political strategy, philanthropic support, and goals in conjunction with the staff and Board of Directors.

Specific responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Policy Reform

• Developing and supporting key staff in annual and long-term policy strategy
• Leading efforts to change federal laws with grassroots political organizing, lobbying, and coalition building
• Supporting policy directors in efforts to change state laws through ballot initiatives and legislative reform
• Negotiating with a broad range of stakeholders with interests in policy outcomes
• Leading a diverse movement of passionate stakeholders and organizations with interests in public health and individual liberty

Fundraising

• Directly raising philanthropic funding from high-net-worth individuals, companies, and foundations
• Developing and overseeing execution of annual philanthropic strategy
• Supporting execution of grassroots fundraising strategy and membership programs
• Seeking and overseeing foundation, donor-advised, and corporate grants
• Collaborating with members of the Board of Directors to meet write-and-raise commitments

Communications

• Communicating with the media to shape public opinion
• Securing thought leadership and commentary opportunities with top-tier local and national media
• Advising and participating in stakeholder communications

Board Development

• Work closely with the Board and Executive Committee to recruit, retain, and develop an effective Board of Directors
• Ensure regular reporting is provided to the Board on financial, programmatic, and governance activities
• Attend all Board meetings and attend Committee meetings as needed

Administration

• Overseeing budgets, financial reporting, internal controls, and contracts
• Directly managing leadership staff and executive support staff; improving all staff’s effectiveness, productivity, and job satisfaction
• Fostering and maintaining a positive and ambitious work environment for all staff
• Developing and maintaining a staff-wide bonus structure based on achievement of fundraising and policy goals

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have a track record of fundraising six- and seven-figure gifts and a demonstrated ability to run a fast-paced, mission-driven organization with a primary focus on changing laws.

Additional qualifications:

• Ten or more years in a professional capacity with increasing levels of responsibility, preferably in politics, public policy, or organizational management
• A track record of executive leadership in growing organizations
• Excellence in verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; ability to motivate teams and participate in and facilitate group meetings
• Experience in strategic planning and execution; knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and political deal-making
• Ability to adapt and respond to a rapidly changing environment and to encourage and motivate others to do so
• Experience managing budgets, raising at least $1mm annually in philanthropic funding, and nonprofit administration
• Interest in or personal commitment to marijuana policy reform and related issues

This position is required to work from, or make regular visits to, Washington, D.C. headquarters. Frequent travel and hours commensurate with a C-level position are required. This position reports to the Board of Directors.