Executive Director, SPLC Action Fund

SPLC Action Fund is seeking an Executive Director to help deepen the organization's impact as a progressive political force in the Southeast. 

About the Organization

Created in 2018 by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the SPLC Action Fund (SPLC Action) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation that pursues the shared mission and vision of the SPLC utilizing the unique tools of (c)(4) organizations, namely, political activity. SPLC Action Fund seeks to build local political power for progressives and increase representation by people of color in local elected positions across the Deep South.

In addition to and in support of pursuing its social welfare mission, SPLC Action Fund conducts political activity primarily focused on local elections in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida. To change the political landscape into one that celebrates diversity and seeks to dismantle structural racism, we believe we must first engage and build a pipeline of candidates who reflect the communities they will serve. When we are successful in local elections, we can have substantial positive impact on the social and economic policies that matter to constituents.

We're based in Montgomery, Alabama and have offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and Washington, DC.

About the Role

All political activity that must be reported on campaign finance reports is conducted through SPLC Action Fund’s two affiliated political action committees: New Southern Majority IE PAC (a federal independent expenditure committee, a.k.a. a “Super PAC”) and New Southern Leaders PAC (a federal PAC). The Executive Director will manage the Political Department that conducts political activity through the Action Fund, New Southern Majority, and New Southern Leaders. SPLC Action Fund will primarily utilize internal resources for these campaigns. The Executive Director should be well acquainted with the creation and rollout of digital media and other creative assets for campaigns, with minimal reliance on external vendors.

While the Political Department is the primary SPLC Action Fund department that conducts political activity, staff from other departments are involved. For example, the Communications Department creates art and videos for independent expenditure campaigns and leads media relations. The Intelligence Project researches and reports on extremist candidates and publishes on the Action Fund website. The State Offices assist with candidate recruitment and training work through the PAC, leveraging their on-the-ground relationships. The Executive Director will coordinate this cross-department activity with department leaders to ensure compliance and project management.

What You'll Do

The Executive Director will be expected to help SPLC Action Fund grow its budget to deepen the organization’s impact as a progressive political force in the Southeast. The Executive Director will work with the Development team as a frontline fundraiser, strategizing with the Director of Development and other appropriate personnel to develop a 12-month and multi-year fundraising plan. They will also work with the Communications team to grow the profile and visibility of the organization.

Finally, the Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring that at least 60 percent of the Action Fund’s work be considered “primary purpose.” While political activity is a major component of the organization’s work and experience in that realm is critical for the role, public education and other forms of advocacy is primary to SPLC Action Fund, and the majority of staff’s time will be expended on these activities.

Who You'll Work With

• You will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer.
• You will manage the Director of Political Campaigns and an Executive Assistant and oversee a total team of approximately five.
• You will serve as a liaison to the Boards of Directors of the Action Fund, New Southern Majority, and New Southern Leaders.
• You will collaborate closely with the General Counsel, Development, Communications, and Intelligence Project teams.

Required Skills and Experience

Related work experience and education:

• A minimum of 10 years of significant leadership and managerial experience, with at least 5 years overseeing a team of 10-plus staff
• Extensive experience managing an organization or large department’s $5-plus million budget
• A minimum of 15 years of political and/or independent expenditure campaign experience with at least 7 years in a senior-level role and 7 years working in the Southeastern United States with demonstrated examples of using data to make decisions and measure impact
• Demonstrated exceptional understanding with laws governing 501(c)(3)- and 501(c)(4)-permissible lobbying and electioneering activity, as well as laws governing 527 organizations at the local, state, and federal levels
• Board governance experience
• High school diploma or GED

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local political structures across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi
• Ability to analyze polls and make data-driven decisions about messaging and targeting
• Knowledge and ability to devise controlled tests for efficacy of messaging and outreach
• Ability to provide staff guidance, mentorship, develop talent and oversee the professional growth of staff
• Ability to capably execute and react to critical short-term priorities while keeping the team focused on longer term strategies
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, take initiative, and receive constructive feedback
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing tasks and demands
• Ability to forge and maintain relationships among leaders, staff, and partners to inspire trust, invite collaboration, and engender an environment of teamwork
• Superior listening and communicating skills with a high level of emotional intelligence
• Strong writing and editing skills and demonstrated experience in both areas
• Excellent public speaking and media relations skills
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
• Passion for the mission and the courage to fully embrace the work
• Demonstrated leadership in building and maintain an innovative and positive working culture, including commitment to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion principles

Additional Details

Location

This role is based in one of the locations: Atlanta, Georgia; Jackson, Mississippi, Montgomery, Alabama, or New Orleans, Louisiana.

This role the following work designations options:

• Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at our offices or in the states in which the organization operates.
• Telework: Will work at an office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $265,000 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive medical and prescription drug benefits with the majority of the healthcare premium paid by the organization. Trans-inclusive and transition-related services covered under healthcare benefits. Assisted reproductive treatment also covered.
• A comprehensive dental plan that is fully paid by the organization. Low out-of-pocket cost for vision benefits, including eye exams, glasses or contacts. Premiums are pre-taxed to save you money.
• Generous time off, including 4, 5, and 6 weeks per year depending on tenure, and additional time off for 18 paid days per year including the week of July 4th.
• Free online, unlimited telehealth visits with board-certified doctors
• As a regular employee, you are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Retirement Plan on your date of hire. SPLC matches dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of your annual salary and adds a 6% discretionary contribution to your account.
• We are committed to supporting the professional development of their staff through training programs, seminars, conferences, certifications, and workshops. Each employee will be allotted an allowance of $1,500-$2,000 per fiscal year depending on their years of service.
• Tuition reimbursement is provided for employer-approved courses up to a lifetime maximum of $15,000. Employees may request 50% of their tuition reimbursement to be paid at the beginning of the course.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave upon birth, fostering, or adoption of a child. For employees with less than one year of service, parental leave is prorated in the amount of one week for each month or partial month of service.

Accessibility Language

We are committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals in the hiring process, including but not limited to those with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application or interview process, please contact HRrecruit@splcenter.org.