Overview:
The State Alignment Lab (SAL) is a new organization that was formed out of previous work that focused on state-based collaborative efforts in support of reproductive health, rights, and justice. Now, we are in a transformative moment, with a goal to provide independent coalition coordination support, technical assistance, and limited financial support for shared projects with abortion/repro rights coalitions in eight priority states currently, with potential for growth or shifts in the future.
SAL seeks to be flexible and responsive to the needs of the state-based coalitions it will support. Activities may include coalition coordination, providing short-term specialists or contracts, conducting MOUS with states or coalitions on accountability, and limited grantmaking to specific states or coalitions for technical assistance or organizational capacity building. As a newly formed organization, we assume certain activities, but these may change as the organization develops and in response to state coalition needs.
We are currently anticipating an annual organizational budget of approximately $2.5 million. Once this position is hired, the Executive Director is expected to help build a team of 4 to 5 staff.
Position:
We are seeking an inaugural Executive Director (ED) to lead the work of SAL. As a new organization, the ED will have to set up all of the initial functions – although this will be done in conjunction with the Fiscal Sponsorship team at NEO Philanthropy, where SAL is housed. We are seeking a candidate that understands and has experience in the abortion access and reproductive rights work in the US and specifically, in coalition building and collaborative support. The ED will be a person who is comfortable being in the “background” in movement spaces, while supporting the needs of state-based coalitions to be in the foreground of the work on abortion access and reproductive rights. The ED will have experience managing and developing systems and teams – experience having run an organization previously is a plus.
This position will report to an advisory board for SAL, which will be a sounding board and provide overall guidance, while also overseeing the Executive Director’s performance. An advisory board has not yet been selected, but that process is happening in tandem with the ED search. It is possible that the new ED will take part in helping to create the advisory board, depending on timing.
The ED will work closely with SAL’s fiscal sponsor, NEO Philanthropy, a 501(c)(3) public charity. NEO’s fiscal sponsorship program is responsible for providing compliance, administrative, and legal support to over 50 projects. As a fiscally sponsored project, SAL will receive NEO’s legal and tax-exempt status in addition to a full HR infrastructure which includes payroll and benefits administration.
Location:
This is a fully remote position, with anticipated travel to visit state coalitions as needed. Applicants can be based anywhere in the United States.
Responsibilities:
- Working with an advisory board to ensure the ongoing alignment of the mission
- Spearhead the development, implementation, and management of an organizational strategy that seeks to support the collaborative efforts of state-based organizations as they advance transformative change for abortion access and reproductive rights. This includes both a long-term strategic vision as well as building out, with members of the coalition, short-term goals, priorities, and campaigns in their respective state.
- Overseeing the alignment, coordination and execution of all elements of coalition support toward shared goals (including making recommendations when additional staff/consultants are needed to fill gaps in capacity and supervising these positions).
- Ensure the organization and staff are living up to the articulated values of the organization and that conflicts or tensions are named and addressed generatively
- Ensure that leaders in the states have the supports they need to effectively engage and advance the work including recommending to NEO Philanthropy the appropriate use and oversight of Funds and re-grants to coalition partners.
- Develop measures of success in partnership with inaugural funder and provide regular progress and outcome reports.
- Keep abreast of current cultural, legislative and electoral events and moments related to abortion access and reproductive rights.
- Lead fundraising strategy for the organization (SAL) including outreach to funders, preparing grants and reports
- Ensure a strong relationship with the organization’s fiscal agent including preparing budgets for approval.
- Serve as the primary liaison between NEO Philanthropy and the state coalition partners.
- The Executive Director will have additional support in the form of hired staff and consultants to accomplish the following:
- Provide support for state coalition partners as they develop and implement plans including but not limited to narrative and culture change, research, and policy.
- Facilitate coordination, integration and alignment work across the state coalition partners.
- Identify opportunities and foster relationships for effective network building including the recruitment of new members and leaders.
- As a fiscally sponsored project of NEO, the Executive Director is responsible for maintaining its relationship with NEO by:
- Creating SAL’s budget in tandem with NEO’s fiscal year and financial schedule
- Note: SAL will receive an initial grant from a donor
- Meeting with SAL’s assigned portfolio manager on a monthly basis to review the project’s upcoming activities
- Ensuring SAL’s activities are 501(c)(3) compliant through support provided by NEO’s legal team
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 7 years of experience of directly related and progressive work experience in campaign or organizational leadership, managing state-based strategy, and non-profit management/operations
- Experience in managing a diverse team of employees
- Experience leading, developing or supporting collaboration among different organizations
- Experience leading, developing or supporting coalition building
- Familiarity with strategy development and implementation
- Experience and knowledge of the abortion access/reproductive rights movement or adjacent movement work in the US
- Experience managing budgets
- Experience working with donors
- Experience working at the state level
- Expertise establishing and executing contracts and memorandums of understanding
Preferred/Additional Qualifications:
- Experience working in priority states
- Experience providing or facilitating technical assistance
Vaccine Requirement:
SAL is fiscally sponsored by NEO Philanthropy, a 501(c)(3) public charity that operates grantmaking, technical assistance and strategic planning programs for institutional and individual donors interested in civic engagement, social justice and human rights issues. NEO follows CDC guidance regarding staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Accordingly, and in order to ensure that the wellness and safety of our staff to the greatest extend possible, NEO requires the COVID-19 vaccination and boosters for all staff. Requests for medical and/or religious exemptions from the vaccination requirement will be considered on an individual basis.
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $170,000 annualized, depending on experience, qualifications and internal equity. Through NEO Philanthropy, this position is offered a full benefits package, including 100% medical coverage for the employee and 90% medical coverage for dependents; 100% coverage for vision, dental, life/AD&D, long-term disability. NEO also offers a 401K retirement savings plan, Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Medical FSA, Dependent Care FSA, commuter benefits, Employee Assistance Program, other supplemental benefits and paid time off.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter for consideration. Applications submitted by March 8, 2024 will be considered. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted.
EEO Statement:
SAL at NEO Philanthropy is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people in order to create a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. NEO's work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.
