POSITION OVERVIEW:

DC Vote seeks a strategic and passionate Executive Director to lead our advocacy for DC statehood and autonomy while strengthening coalitions to protect against federal overreach. This role requires a balance of policy leadership, coalition-building, and nonprofit management, ensuring the organization remains a strong force in defending self-governance for Washington, DC. The Executive Director will oversee advocacy efforts, organizational operations, and financial sustainability while mobilizing supporters and policymakers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY

• Develop and execute a clear, focused strategy to advance DC statehood and autonomy while resisting federal encroachments.
• Build and strengthen coalitions with local and national partners to amplify advocacy efforts and align with broader democracy movements.
• Serve as a public champion for the organization, engaging with elected officials, grassroots activists, and community leaders to mobilize support.
• Monitor and respond to legislative threats that impact DC’s right to self-governance, ensuring proactive advocacy.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION

• Reporting to the board of directors, oversee day-to-day nonprofit operations, including budgeting, payroll, and tax-exempt compliance, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Lead and support a small, dedicated team fostering a collaborative, high-impact work environment.
• Ensure effective governance, working closely with the board of directors on strategic priorities and accountability.

FUNDRAISING & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

• Support organizational growth, secure funding through grants, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies that align with the organization’s advocacy goals and operational needs.
• Cultivate relationships with foundations, individual donors, and institutional funders to expand financial support.

COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

• Develop and execute a targeted communications strategy to raise awareness and drive engagement.
• Utilize media, digital platforms, and public events to educate and mobilize supporters around DC autonomy and statehood.
• Serve as a spokesperson, ensuring DC Vote’s mission and policy positions are clearly communicated to diverse audiences.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 4 years of senior nonprofit leadership experience, preferably in advocacy, policy, or coalition-building.
• Strong knowledge of DC autonomy, federal oversight issues, and the legislative process.
• Demonstrated success in coalition-building and advocacy campaign leadership.
• Proven ability to manage a nonprofit organization, including budgeting, compliance, and team leadership.
• Experience in fundraising and donor cultivation, with a track record of securing diverse and recurring funding streams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage media and policymakers from across the political spectrum, alongside stakeholders at all levels.