Executive Director

Position Summary: The Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership of Investor Advocates for Social Justice (IASJ), working with the Board of Trustees to identify and execute strategic priorities to fulfill IASJ’s Mission. The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day operations of the organization, including development and execution of programs, financial management, mentoring and supervision of staff, relationship building and community outreach, fundraising and development, representing the organization in networks and communications, serving as liaison to the Board, and management of and outreach to Affiliates and Clients. The position reports to the Board of Trustees.

The Executive Director responsibilities:

Strategic and Programmatic Leadership.

• With stakeholder input, design, develop, implement, and evaluate organizational priorities and programs to fulfill the mission. Provide vision and leadership for the organization and develop and implement its short-term and long-term goals.
• Design, guide, and oversee strategic corporate engagement (shareholder advocacy) priorities. In coordination with program staff, lead corporate engagements on behalf of faith-based institutional investor portfolios to advance social justice priorities with an equity lens. In coordination with program staff and partners, conduct research and analysis, draft investor letters, lead and facilitate dialogues, draft and file shareholder proposals, and coordinate with investor networks. Oversee company work plans for IASJ’s collective campaigns and individual client engagement priorities.
• Evaluate Mission-Aligned Investing (MAI) Program to identify and develop strategies and partnerships to equip faith-based investors to integrate faith values into asset allocation decisions and impact investing.
• Evaluate proxy voting services and oversee staff work in mission-aligned proxy voting program for institutional investor clients, including drafting and maintaining proxy voting guidelines and invoicing clients.
• Establish and maintain diverse relationships to advance the organization’s mission. Represent IASJ to our membership and the investment community, including investor networks such as the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), Racial Justice Investing Coalition (RJI), and Ceres.

Operational Leadership.

• Support the Board of Trustees in carrying out its responsibilities to govern the organization. Serve as principal liaison to and collaborate with the Board to identify, create, and implement strategic plans regarding organizational, financial, and programmatic development and progress.
• Report on a regular basis to the Board Chair regarding the state of the organization; organize and support Board Committees: Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Marketing & Communications Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee.
• Ensure financial viability of the organization. Submit an annual budget to the Board of Trustees for approval; manage organizational finances within the approved budget; work with bookkeeper to maintain books; conduct payroll; invoicing; manage insurance. Work with an accountant, as needed, regarding 990 annual tax filing.
• Monitor operations and ensure business practices comply with regulatory and legal requirements.
• Develop the organizational culture and promote transparency and collaboration throughout the organization.
• Identify staffing needs and qualified candidates; manage, mentor, and supervise staff, provide annual performance reviews, and foster staff development.
• Engage consultants as needed, determine scope of work, and oversee consultants.
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization, including maintaining records, information technology, equipment, office systems, and purchasing.

Relationships and Communications.

• Maintain and cultivate accountable relationships with a diverse set of key internal and external stakeholders, including civil society organizations representing workers and communities impacted by companies which IASJ engages through shareholder advocacy activities.
• Affiliate support and engagement. Work with Affiliates to understand their needs and priorities related to IASJ’s mission and provide relevant programming, support, advice, and tools to Affiliates to fulfill responsible investing priorities. Lead and convene annual Affiliate meeting.
• Client relationships: Manage relationships with clients for proxy voting and corporate engagement services; invoice clients; cultivate potential new clients and consider new services to meet constituent needs. Identify priorities, develop and execute work plans, report to relevant client committees (e.g. Finance, Investment, or SRI) as needed.
• Research, write, and edit documents and communications, edit newsletter, and develop website and social media content in collaboration with program staff.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization to stakeholders, media, and the general public in ways that strengthen and effectively communicate the organization’s mission.

Fundraising and Revenue Generation.

• Evaluate funding needs to fulfill organizational mission.
• Identify potential funding sources and organize fundraising efforts
• Develop grant proposal materials (i.e. concept note, Letters of Inquiry, and Proposals) and submit grant applications in a timely manner.
• Cultivate relationships with potential funders.
• Meet with funders and report on current grants to fulfill objectives.

Minimum Requirements

Education: This position requires a post-graduate degree in law, public policy, finance, economics, or other relevant specialty.

Experience: This position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of nonprofit management and 2-3 years of experience in responsible investing, shareholder engagement, or equivalent experience.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strong research and analytical skills, strategic thinking, and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
• Ability to approach and work with people in a manner that creates harmony and promotes cooperation.
• Skill in supervising others in a way that results in a motivated and productive workforce and fosters professional staff development.
• Effective communicator with all levels in the organization, partners, and external audiences. Strong oral, written, and presentation communication skills and a willingness to share information.
• Demonstrated commitment to mission-aligned work and IASJ’s mission priorities, including human rights, climate justice, racial justice, and the common good.
• Strong racial literacy and equity analysis, with the ability to identify, recognize, interrupt and counter structural racism or acts of oppression, including in organizational policies, practices, culture, and programmatic work.
• Substantive knowledge of relevant issue areas, including human rights, climate change, responsible financial practices, racial justice, Environmental, Social, and Governance integration, and shareholder advocacy strategies.
• Comfort working within interfaith settings; experience working within the Catholic faith tradition helpful, but not required. Commitment to learning about faith-based values and mission priorities of IASJ Affiliates and partners.
• Exceptional project management, time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic, integrity, and sound judgment.
• High degree of flexibility and ability to adjust to changing circumstances in a small, fast paced nonprofit.
• Proven ability to take initiative and work as both a self-starter and team member.
• Ability to manage a diverse set of responsibilities and prioritize multiple projects and timelines.

About Investor Advocates for Social Justice (IASJ)

Investor Advocates for Social Justice (IASJ) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of a community of investors with over $3 billion in assets under management, whose faith based values promote human rights, climate justice, racial equity and the common good. IASJ’s shared vision is an equitable economy where investors leverage their collective voice and resources to advance social, economic, and environmental justice. IASJ conducts programs and provides services for its Affiliates, who are faith-based asset owners who strive to align their investments with their mission and who recognize their investment portfolios can also be an instrument to advance their ministries. IASJ seeks to create an inclusive and equitable workplace and foster strong working and collegial relationships among the team. Founded in 1975, formerly known as Tri-State Coalition for Responsible Investment, IASJ has nearly fifty years of experience with shareholder advocacy and responsible investment.

Anticipated Start Date: January 2025

Location: Investor Advocates for Social Justice staff is working remotely, with increasing time in the office, which is in Montclair, NJ. The location is flexible and full-time remote work could be accommodated, if the candidate has a willingness to travel for the role as needed, including for training, occasionally to work in the office with the IASJ team, or travel for annual meetings or conferences. Must have legal authorization to work in the United States.

Compensation & Benefits: The starting annual salary range for this position is $95,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience. A benefits package includes health and dental insurance, a 403(b) plan after one-year, and generous vacation.

Equal Opportunity: Investor Advocates for Social Justice is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging.

To apply: Submit a resume, cover letter and application form to jobs@iasj.org by November 15, 2024 .