Description
About Alliance for a Better Iowa
The Alliance for a Better Iowa convenes a growing community of informed donors, foundations, state and national stakeholders, and Iowa-based leaders who share a common strategic vision for the future of our state. Rooted in our shared values, vision, and commitment to transparency, our collective of donors and doers are committed to providing Iowa that works for everyday working people.
Our Vision: An Iowa where all have access to a healthy democracy that protects and advances Iowans’ health, education, and natural environment.
Our Mission: Build, organize, and align permanent political infrastructure that builds collective power and sustains beyond election cycles and decades.
Overview
We are searching for a dynamic executive leader for Alliance for A Better Iowa (ABI). The position is remote, allowing for flexibility, however most place based work will occur in Des Moines. The Executive Director will work with the Board of Directors, comprised of donors, organizational leaders, and strategists. The ideal candidate brings an entrepreneurial mindset, is a strategic thinker, a confident fundraiser, and a collaborative leader.
Candidate Profile
We recognize that there is a spectrum of lived and professional experiences that will set candidates up for success in this role. Ideal candidates will display most but not all, of the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
A seasoned executive leader with demonstrated experience leading across complexity, power dynamics, and uncertainty.
A clear communicator and relationship builder.
Demonstrated success in major donor fundraising and resource development; ability to build and maintain relationships both with major donors and with movement partners.
Knowledge of, and relationships with, local and national progressive organizations and the ecosystem, as well as knowledge and relationships with Iowa groups and national leaders.
Experience working with state PACs, legislative caucuses and/or 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations and a grasp of the legal and administrative requirements and opportunities working with varied nonprofit statuses and utilizing other independent expenditure and PAC funding tools.
Responsibilities:
Fundraising, Member Engagement and Member Advising (40%)
Identify, recruit and on-board major donors, working with board and member leaders.
Work individually with donor-members to advise on their political and charitable giving aligned with ABI’s short and long term plans.
Retain and increase the ongoing support and political engagement of our donors through regular stewardship - primarily individual conversations and some virtual and in person events.
Work with our Board of Directors and other staff or consultants to write and implement a multi-year fundraising and major donor development plan.
Plan, design and distribute progress reports and other educational materials to donor-members and prospects about the political and nonprofit landscape.
Develop inspiring materials and verbal presentations for communicating our work across individual donor and foundation audiences.
Strategic Thinking, Planning, and Collaboration (40%)
In concert with board of directors and staff, develop and execute strategic plan to meet ABI objectives.
Work with organizational partners and strategists to support their activities, including helping design plans and campaigns in Iowa.
Provide visible, respected political leadership around the State.
Communicate effectively and sensitively with a wide range of stakeholders through strong written, verbal and relational skills.
Elevate equity as a core lens through which we measure success.
Provide oversight, assessment and targeted assistance to grantees where needed.
Identify gaps and suggest solutions in our progressive ecosystem.
Develop strategies to ensure we are doing the most important things to build a healthy progressive state political ecosystem.
Promote and replicate successful models from our state and follow innovations from other states to incorporate best practices into our strategy.
Executive and Operational Management (20%)
Optimize board engagement by maintaining regular communication with the board for input and guidance outside of meetings.
Develop annual budgets and operating goals with the board and oversee the annual budget.
Recruit and retain excellent staff. Provide professional development opportunities, motivating career paths, and rewarding success.
Supervise all staff and consultants to the organization.
Ensure legal and financial compliance and strong fiscal position and supervise bookkeeper.
Manage annual funding recommendations, creating grant applications and agreements, tracking the progress on grants, and reporting on metrics to members, donors, and funders.
Work with legal counsel to review materials, programs, governance, and compliance issues.
Qualifications
Compensation and Benefits
The Executive Director role is a full-time, remote position based in Iowa that will require frequent time in Des Moines and traveling from time to time to visit partners and members throughout Iowa and nationally.
We offer a competitive contract compensation commensurate with experience and will explore full-time employment benefits based on fundraising benchmarks and the needs of the team. Compensation range will be $125,000 to $150,000 for 40hrs/wk. with additional benefit compensation.
Commitment to Equity
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are principles of our organization, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law. Women and Persons of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications received by December 19th will be given full consideration. All applications will be acknowledged via an email receipt. Consideration will be given to applications as soon as they are received with an anticipated combination of phone, virtual, and in-person interviews beginning in early January.
Requirements
Minimum 8-10 years of relevant work experience with 5+ years in senior management roles including staff supervision, major gifts fundraising, c3/c4 accounting practices, board oversight and/or operations in a nonprofit organization.
Experience managing boards and committees.
Experience in senior roles in fundraising, programmatic or campaign management; past executive level experience highly desirable.
Demonstrated commitment to pro-democracy values, preferably with experience in campaigns, non-profit organizations, advocacy, or legislative offices.
Experience with the full range of major donor fundraising, including prospecting, cultivation, stewardship and making direct asks.
Excellent communicator and writer, with experience as a spokesperson who can tailor messages to different audiences.
Proven ability to work in a dynamic environment and build strong partnerships. Takes initiative and can make tough decisions.
Expert relationship builder, with a variety of people: staff, consultants, donors, stakeholders, external allies, and organizational and elected leaders.
Understanding of 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 527, and independent expenditure procedures and regulations preferred.
Strong people skills, ability to exercise good judgment, and extreme discretion are a must.
Ability and willingness to travel is required.
