Maine Democracy Collaborative - Executive Director

Who We Are

The Maine Democracy Collaborative is a funding collaborative that brings together donors with shared values. We build lasting power through year-round investments in strategic, progressive, long-term infrastructure in Maine.  We invest in progress.  We invest in pro-democracy values and policies.  
 

Our Why

We believe that real change takes time, collaboration, and focused investment. We are the only organization in Maine that uses strategic philanthropy to advance our state’s progressive movement.  We envision a Maine that is a healthy, just, and sustainable place to live, with shared economic success and security and a democracy that works for all. 
 

The Position 

We are looking for an exceptional person to lead our organization. This is a full-time position and requires a unique and diverse set of skills, attributes, and experience. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring a healthy and dynamic organization so that:

• We have a winning and focused strategy;
• We are raising enough money to fund our programs and are building and maintaining strong relationships with our donor members;
• We have a strong board and staff team. Each member understands their role and is set up to succeed;
• Our work plan is ambitious but matches our resources;  
• Our relationships with partners and allies are strong and mutual; 
• We are driving MDC into the next phase of professionalization and structure.

Our next E.D. will be excited about the chance to energize funders and will put first and foremost the coordination and vibrancy of Maine’s progressive movement. They will care deeply about Maine.  As E.D., you would have the ultimate responsibility for the health of MDC and of building and supporting Maine’s progressive infrastructure, especially through fundraising and donor member engagement. The job is very flexible, but demanding of your talents.  It requires you to say “no” and have complicated and nuanced conversations with prominent people. The job is exciting, and complex, with much responsibility. 

Organizational Culture

MDC’s Executive Director is an essential salesperson for Maine’s progressive movement. To succeed at the MDC, you’ll need to care about building for the long-term. We look beyond single election cycles and single issues - we are visionary, big-picture, and strategic. Good judgment is paramount - discerning what is truly urgent, what is important, and knowing - and admitting - when you don’t know. Knowing how to find out answers is key to our success.  

Authentic communication and relationships are the cornerstone values of MDC. We tell people what we think, what we think is strategic, and we do it clearly and kindly. Relationships with our member-donors and relationships with our partner organizations are essential to our success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising and Member Engagement (50%)

• Lead the design and implementation of multi-year fundraising and major giving campaigns to support MDC’s long-term investment strategy.  This includes: managing $3-4 million annually (including contributions to MDC and those donor members are advised to give directly to infrastructure organizations); managing relationships with national donors; growing the donor base; setting annual organizational fundraising metrics; and utilizing proven systems to track progress.
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist the board, staff, and other MDC members with their solicitation and advocacy on behalf of the organization (e.g., provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and assist with donor communication). 
• Recruit and on-board new members, working with the Deputy Director, Recruitment Committee, organization’s boards, and member leaders.
• Work with the organization’s Deputy Director to develop compelling and mission-driven presentations, events, and branded materials that educate and inspire the MDC donor community and national partners toward deeper alignment and partnership.
• Maintain strong relationships with foundation partners.
• Manage external and national relationships: provide political leadership in national spaces, identify and help fill gaps in our infrastructure, & work with national funders to align more funding in Maine.

Organizational Management and Program Leadership (30%)

• Recruit and retain excellent staff. Provide professional development opportunities, motivating career paths, and reward success. 
• Supervise director-level staff, including the Deputy Director. Provide support and guidance through weekly and ad hoc check-in meetings and yearly reviews.
• Manage conflict within MDC and among partners as necessary. Pursue, push, and fund collaboration. 
• Convene, and lead, infrastructure “Chiefs of Staff” - donor alliance Comms Hub, c3 and c4 alignment tables, and Leadership Hub, as well as hard-side Directors when appropriate.
• Ensure legal and financial compliance and a strong, transparent fiscal position.
• Optimize board engagement, working with the Deputy Director. Maintain regular communication with the board for input and guidance outside of meetings.
• Participate in a leadership role to shape and guide the implementation of high-priority organizing, file, communications, and leadership development programs.
• Develop and implement transparent and efficient programs for re-granting funds to partner organizations.
• Provide strategic advice and targeted assistance to grantees.
• Lead by example, and support a fun, challenging, rewarding, and warm team culture.

Organizational Mission & Strategy (20%)

• The E.D. drives the organization, with governance and grantmaking support from the boards.  
• Prioritize actions that are critical to building a healthy, progressive infrastructure.
• Lead organizational strategy and implementation through a clear strategic plan and aligned work plan and budget. 
• Provide leadership that is affirmatively anti-racist and INCLUSIVE.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 8-10 years of relevant political or civic engagement work experience.
• 5+ years in senior management roles, including staff supervision, fundraising, finance, board oversight, and/or operations in a nonprofit organization.
• Experience with and passion for individual donor fundraising, with an ability to make big asks and maintain donor relationships.
• Understanding of the issues facing Maine and its people, the governing process of the state and its communities, and the ability of the MDC to affect change. 
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Understanding of and commitment to racial justice, social change, and progressive movements backed by direct experience with grassroots and/or electoral efforts.
• Excellent communicator and writer with experience as a spokesperson who can tailor messages to different audiences and inspire others to get involved.
• Experience and cultural proficiency working with diverse communities.
• Proven ability to work in a dynamic environment and build strong partnerships. Takes initiative and can make tough decisions.
• Success supervising and mentoring staff and teams, including professional and leadership development.
• Strategic systems thinker. Creative problem solver.
• Collaborative leadership style. Engaging and confident interpersonal style.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and a hunger to take Maine’s Democracy to the next level through supporting innovative programs, hubs, and teams.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This is a full-time position (40 hours/week) with flexible hours and a creative work environment. At  MDC, we expect people to have a life outside of work - balance is very important.

• SALARY: Competitive salary, dependent on experience. Range of $115,000 – $130,000/year.  
• BENEFITS: Benefits include flexible, ample vacation, a medical reimbursement, and a retirement plan option. 

TO APPLY:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority application deadline is September 15th, 2024. This search is being led by NRG Consulting Group. Please send any questions to [email protected]. 

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental 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.