Toggle High Contrast
Toggle Large Font Size
Mobile Menu

Executive Director

Location: Washington, D.C. | Remote
Status: Exempt, Full-time

Position Summary

Demand Justice works to mobilize the public against the capture of our nation’s courts by corporate and partisan interests. Our federal courts are supposed to be a place that protects the rights of all Americans, but the institution has become too anti-democracy, too political, and too powerful. We are building a movement fighting to restore the ideological balance and legitimacy of our courts by advocating for court reform and the confirmation of progressive, diverse judges at all levels of our judicial system.

Five years after its founding, Demand Justice seeks a bold, visionary Executive Director to lead the organization into its new chapter. The Executive Director must be committed to values of equity and inclusion, as evident in work products, leadership skills, and interpersonal relationships, and to building a progressive movement to restore ideological balance and legitimacy to our nation’s courts.

A fair judiciary is essential to protect everything from voting rights to gun violence prevention to access to abortion, so Demand Justice’s work intersects with many of the most urgent issues facing our communities today. At Demand Justice, it is important to build a team of diverse individuals committed to making our courts work for all communities, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Program Leadership

  • Work with the Board of Directors and staff to develop and implement Demand Justice’s strategic goals.
  • Ensure that Demand Justice’s programs and activities are in alignment with strategic goals, mission, and values. Oversee at a high-level the development and implementation of programs, working with staff to ensure that programs are effective, executed with excellence, and create the most impact for Demand Justice’s mission.
  • Evaluate program outcomes and performance on an ongoing basis, using data and feedback from stakeholders to make strategic adjustments and improvements, as needed.
  • Work with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Promote Demand Justice’s programs and services to key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, partners, and the media, to increase awareness and support for the organization’s mission.
  • Ensure that programs are implemented in accordance with all relevant regulations and guidelines, maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Communications & Media

  • Develop and direct a comprehensive communications strategy that maximizes Demand Justice’s visibility and reach.
  • Create and maintain Demand Justice’s brand and messaging across all channels.
  • Act as Demand Justice’s spokesperson and represent the organization at public events and speaking engagements.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets and reporters to secure press coverage and promote the organization’s activities.

Fundraising & Development

  • Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy that aligns with Demand Justice’s mission and goals.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with high-level donors, foundations, and other potential funding sources, working closely with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to engage donors and secure major donations.
  • Work with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to establish fundraising priorities and opportunities.
  • Provide leadership and direction to staff involved in fundraising and development activities, ensuring that all efforts are aligned with Demand Justice’s goals and priorities.
  • Develop and implement donor stewardship plans to maintain strong relationships with donors and secure ongoing support, including regular communication, recognition, and engagement opportunities.
  • Ensure that Demand Justice raises enough funds to meet its annual goals and expand its mission reach and impact, monitoring progress toward fundraising goals and making adjustments as needed.
  • Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to continuously improve Demand Justice’s fundraising efforts.

Staff Management

  • Provide guidance, motivation, and support to help the team succeed in their roles.
  • Foster a positive work environment and promote teamwork and collaboration, encouraging staff members to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
  • Provide regular feedback to staff members, both in the form of ongoing coaching and formal performance evaluations, to ensure that they are meeting performance expectations and growing in their roles.
  • Develop and implement staff development plans to support the ongoing growth and professional development of each team member.
  • Model and promote Demand Justice’s values and culture, setting a high standard for ethical and effective behavior in all interactions.
  • Ensure that staff members are fulfilling their roles effectively and work with them to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

Financial Management 

  • Oversee Demand Justice’s high-level financial management, ensuring that the organization is financially sound and operating with financial prudence for long-term sustainability.
  • Lead the development of Demand Justice’s annual budget, alongside program and operations staff, to ensure that it aligns with the organization’s goals and priorities.
  • Monitor financial performance on an ongoing basis, tracking revenue and expenses and making adjustments as needed to ensure that Demand Justice is operating within its budget.
  • Ensure that financial reports are accurate and provided to the Board of Directors in a timely manner.
  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost savings, while also ensuring that Demand Justice remains financially stable and sustainable for the long term.
  • Ensure that Demand Justice’s financial policies and procedures are in compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.

Organizational Leadership & Board of Directors Relations

  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to ensure that Demand Justice is fulfilling its mission.
  • Provide regular updates to the Board of Directors regarding Demand Justice’s operations and performance.
  • Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement policies and procedures that support Demand Justice’s mission and goals.

Qualifications

The ED will be thoroughly committed to Demand Justice’s mission. All candidates should have proven leadership, coaching, and relationship management experience, including:

  • At least 10 years of senior management experience; track record of effectively leading and scaling (regionally and/or nationally) a performance- and outcomes-based organization and staff; ability to point to specific examples of having developed and operationalized strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth.
  • Experience in progressive politics and the federal judiciary.
  • Unwavering commitment to strategy, quality programs and data-driven program evaluation.
  • Excellence in organizational management with the ability to set and achieve strategic objectives, manage a budget, manage and develop high-performance teams, and coach staff.
  • Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships.
  • Strong communications and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in fundraising and development.
  • Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and budgeting, especially within multi-entity organizations.
  • Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to planning.
  • Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
  • Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.

How to apply

Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR” in the subject line. This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled.

 

Demand Justice provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.