The Keystone Research Center (KRC), a Harrisburg-based, Pennsylvania-focused 501(c)(3), is recruiting an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter as its founding Executive Director steps down after 30 years.
The board of directors seeks a visionary leader to solidify KRC’s role as a thought-leader on policies that benefit and lift up all people of Pennsylvania. Given the longstanding challenge of inequality and as our economy changes with the rise of AI and transition to carbon neutrality, KRC’s new leader will guide the organization to a place of prominence in debates about how to achieve shared prosperity, hire and supervise staff, and have responsibility for the organization’s compliance with legal regulations governing 501(c)(3) organizations.
The board also seeks a candidate who can bring KRC’s vision to new funders to grow our ability to make an impact on policy in PA. The position is based in Harrisburg. Candidates must move to the Harrisburg area and must commit to being in Harrisburg often enough to perform the job effectively.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, writing samples (up to 20 pages and/or links), and references with contact information to office@keystoneresearch.org, subject line “Application for Executive Director.” Initial interviews will be scheduled starting in late January. The position will remain open until it is filled.
Job Responsibilities
Raises and manages an annual budget of about one million dollars from a mix of foundations and government grants and manages a staff of seven plus periodic use of outside consultants.
Continually refreshes a grounded vision of shared prosperity in Pennsylvania and the public policies needed to achieve that vision and ensures that the KRC strategic plan and goals operationalize how to advance that vision.
Develops a strategic plan that defines the future direction of the organization consistent with KRC’s mission to promote shared prosperity.
Provides support to the KRC board to enable it to carry out its management and fiduciary responsibilities.
Has ultimate responsibility for administrative (human resources, office management, facility and technology), fiscal health (including budgeting, accounting, reporting, and auditing activity), and program operations.
Develops the organization’s annual budget.
Confers with board members, organization officials, and staff members to establish KRC’s strategic and action plans, research priorities, budget, and human resource policies.
Oversees development of KRC’s research agenda and allocation of project management duties among research staff to complete funded projects and research deliverables.
Oversees development and implementation of KRC’s communications strategy, including web page, earned media, and social media, to increase KRC's visibility and impact on PA public policy.
Serves as a spokesperson for KRC including with media, legislators, the executive branch, and other policymakers, and supports other research staff to also serve as credible spokespeople.
Reports to the Board of Directors, including at quarterly meetings and through the operation of board committees.
Job Requirements
Commitment to KRC’s mission and goals.
Proven knowledge and expertise in economic and policy analysis.
Ability to “market” the organization’s vision and mission.
Excellent writing, analytical, and quantitative skills.
Ability to inspire confidence in the organization’s mission and the possibility of a progressive revival in Pennsylvania.
Strong ability to communicate technical details to lay audiences and the news media as well as technical audiences.
Ability to initiate projects and balance multiple projects at once.
Ability to collaborate consistently and effectively with KRC staff and outside contractors.
Job Qualifications
Advanced degree in economics, public policy, or related field.
At least five years of professional experience in public policy analysis or related field.
Previous experience in government or a nonprofit public policy organization a plus.
Experience working with labor organizations a plus.
Fundraising and grant-writing experience a plus.
Salary determined by potential and experience.