Penn Action is Looking for an Executive Director

Job Description

Penn Action /Penn Action Education Fund 
Executive Director

Posted December 22, 2009 

USAction and its sister organization USAction Education Fund (USAEF) are seeking a full time executive director for our state partner Penn Action and Penn Action Education Fund (PAEF). USAction builds power nationally and locally with our 27 state-based affiliates and partners. In our ten years of organizing, we have helped develop the model of the winning modern, coalition-based, progressive issue campaign. We organize for power for social, racial, economic and environmental justice for all. In 2009 we led fights for economic justice and security and for quality, affordable health care for all with Health Care for America Now.  Since its founding in early 2006, Penn Action/ PAEF have carried out USAction/USAEF federal issues campaigns and civic engagement campaigns. 

USAction/USAEF are dedicating resources to support an organizational rebuilding process through hiring an executive director for Penn Action/ PAEF.  In the first six months the executive director will prioritize fund development, a governing board, and advancing political relationships.   S/he will supervise regional staff to continue federal organizing campaigns in Erie and Bucks County. The executive director will be based in Philadelphia and will be on USAction/USAEF payroll for the first six months or until a solid foundation has been established.  Benchmarks and outcomes will be determined upon hire.

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Responsibilities

The executive director will be primarily responsible for developing a governing board and financial resources to build and sustain a powerful statewide organization, including the following responsibilities: 

• Work closely with USAction staff to design and implement a plan to build PennAction and PennAction Education Fund.  This plan should articulate a strategy for power in PA as part of our national strategy for progressive power.

• Establish a diverse board of directors to assist in the growth of the organizations.

• Create and implement fund development plans, including cultivating relationships with foundations, major donors, partners and business.

• Maintain the fiscal health of the organization by working with an accountant to develop accounting systems, financial policies, cash flow projections, and evaluate performance in relation to the organization’s budget.

• Lead the development and implementation of work plans and budgets and evaluate performance.

• Deepen organizational relationships with key allies at the state and national level.

• Represent Penn Action/ PAEF in their relationships with the media.

• Manage field staff in Erie and Bucks County to advance programmatic work. 

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 5 years experience in non-profit management, organizing, fundraising, and/or policy development. 
• History of successful fund development; relationships with Pennsylvania donors are preferred.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management.
• Previous experience working in partnership and coalition.
• Interest in and/or demonstrated experience in navigating state politics and legislatures.
• Experience managing staff from remote locations, preferred.
• Excellent communication skills including writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to social change and to working with diverse people and organizations.

Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience. 
 

Benefits: Includes health and dental insurance and generous leave policy 

Deadline:  January 22, 2010 

To Apply:   Send cover letter, resume, two writing samples, three professional references and salary history to:  Human Resources, USAction, 1825 K Street, NW, 210, Washington, DC 20006, fax: (202) 263-4530, e-mail: hr@usaction.org.

USAction is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, people of color, LGBT people, and people with disabilities to apply. We work hard to recruit, retain, and identify leadership positions for staff members who represent these communities and/or who are from low-income backgrounds.

No phone calls, please.