Job Posting: Va21 Searching for New Executive Director

Position: Executive Director
Organization: Virginia21
Contact: Kelly Porell at kporell@virginia21.org

Overview

What is Virginia21?
Virginia21 is an action-tank involving young people across the Commonwealth in the political process by providing information, directing advocacy and coordinating political action on a non-partisan issue agenda. With 45 campus chapters and over 45,000 members, Virginia21 is the Commonwealth’s and the country’s first true generational advocate for young people: the AARP of the next generation. Virginia21 maintains a student leadership committee comprised of student body presidents and campus coordinators at every four-year and two-year public college in the state.  The SLC provides policy guidance and connection to our campus chapters.  Our Board of Directors includes prominent business and community leaders who provide support as well as political guidance. Virginia21’s full-time professional staff maintains the day-to-day political, communications and fundraising operations of the organization.

Why Virginia21?
We want to turn good ideas into good policy – to build a Commonwealth that we will be proud to call our home.  Virginia21 is different from other groups because we know the issues matter.  We aren’t particularly interested in ‘rocking the vote’ or ‘declaring ourselves,’ and we don’t know many young voters who are.  We care about issues like education, economic development and good government – issues that affect our lives every day.  So we tell 18-30 year olds about these issues and why they matter. We give them the facts, show them how to impact the process, and point them in the right direction.  A voter that’s informed about the issues and voting because they have a stake in those issues has become more than just a voter – they’re an active citizen.

We’re looking for a few good ideas, and we don’t really care if you’re a Republican or a Democrat or neither.  We want to turn good ideas into good policy – to build a Virginia that we will be proud to call our home.  Amidst all the controversy associated with politics and governing, Virginia21 is here to make sure that the young voter is heard at our state capitol.  We’re here to represent our generation because decisions are made by the people who show up.

Political power rests not in the ability of one organization to give out lots of money, but on the ballots of an active group of informed voters.  Virginia21 rests its activism on the shoulders of the students at Virginia public colleges and universities, their parents, family, and friends.  Virginia21’s technology-based grassroots activism techniques are tailored for our members, who are just as at home with a laptop as they are with a phone.
18-24 year olds are a truly bipartisan generation, with the vast majority identifying as moderate, independent voters.  Virginia21 is non-partisan, but not non-political.  Activism without an agenda may involve a young person for one election cycle, but a directed, issue-oriented agenda will keep participants engaged for the long-term.  Thus, the Virginia21 voter is a consistent and dependable force when voting in their home district for candidates that support mainstream issues and core services.

When is this position available?
Virginia21 currently seeks its next Executive Director.  The position opens May 2008, and the expectation is that a successful applicant will serve as Associate Director of Virginia21 through a ten-month training and transition period, assuming the Executive Director position in April 2009.  Those with interests in education, economic development and good government policy are encouraged to apply.

What’s involved?
The Executive Director of Virginia21 is a big job, so we’re looking to train a very talented individual to lead our organization in its next phase of development.  While supported by a staff of 2-3 individuals, the Executive Director is ultimately responsible for pressing forward on big-picture, long-term goals while also running the day-to-day operations of a small non-profit organization.

Management.  The Executive Director of this 501(c)4 organization must be prepared to assume the role of CEO, CFO, HR Director and Office Manager.  He or she is responsible for all legal, financial, human resources and procurement needs, and is the chief liaison to the Chairman and Board of Directors.

Development.  The Executive Director serves as chief fundraiser for the organization, responsible for securing the annual budget.  As grassroots membership continues to expand, the Director must seek out new and diverse methods of non-profit fundraising, including individual and corporate giving as well as grant support, to meet the organization’s development needs. 

Communications.  Virginia21 currently employs a Creative Director to lead the online technology and graphic design aspect of our communications, but the Executive Director is responsible for message development and press relations.  The ED writes press releases, coordinates public relations events, and serves as an “on the record” spokesperson for our 45,000 members.

Legislative.  Virginia21’s legislative agenda is driven by our Student Leadership Committee, but it is the Executive Director’s responsibility to conduct extensive research on higher education, economic development and good government issues.  The ED functions as VA21’s chief lobbyist, and is therefore expected to develop relationships throughout the Virginia state government community. 

Electoral Strategy.  Virginia21 works with a sister organization, the 527 Political Action Committee led by students called Virginia21PAC.  Guided by Virginia21’s legislative priorities, the Executive Director works closely with candidates, campaigns, and other sources of information to identify candidates worthy of Virginia21PAC’s support.

Event Planning.  The Executive Director leads all campus, regional and statewide events.  These include fundraisers, legislative receptions, candidate forums, campus chapter meetings and more, and responsibilities range from introducing a keynote speaker to licking invitation stamps!

Qualifications
Successful applicants will be highly motivated, hardworking and independent, demonstrating strong writing skills, computer proficiency and an understanding of the political process.  Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to work long hours on a small staff with demanding deadlines… it sounds like a lot of work, but we also have a lot of fun!  Political or student/grassroots experience required; non-profit or organizational leadership a plus. Position is based in Richmond, Virginia. 

Applications

Inquire with questions or application via email to kporell@virginia21.org, subject line “Executive Director Application.”  Please include resume, cover letter and writing sample.

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