The Mecklenburg County Democratic Party (“MCDP”) is seeking a full-time Executive Director who will develop and execute both short-term priorities and long-term strategic plans to advance the organization and Party objectives through the 2024 Presidential Election and beyond. This position reports directly to the Party Chair and works in close collaboration with the County Executive Board (the “Board”) in executing their duties and the day-to-day operations of the Party. Duties also include, but are not limited to:
Collaborates with the Party Chair to develop and execute an annual fundraising and operations strategic plan and operating budget.
Serves as the senior staff leader of the organization.
Oversees strategic initiatives from ideation to implementation.
Directs supervision of operational capacities of MCDP.
Builds and supervises a talented staff team (the Party currently has 4 full-time staff and aims to expand with additional full-time staff and fellows) and leads a dynamic, exciting, and inclusive workplace culture.
Assists with candidate recruitment and enables qualified candidates to say yes to a run.
Represents MCDP in key meetings and events; serves as a senior point of contact for partners and stakeholders; and acts as spokesperson for MCDP when needed.
Develops and maintains key relationships with volunteers, donors, key community groups, elected officials, and candidates.
In partnership with the Board and key volunteers, develops and executes a robust calendar of events to recruit, energize, and retain a vibrant and active slate of volunteers.
Supervises, coaches, and supports a capable and effective corp of volunteers.
Oversees programs and all aspects of program implementation with critical project management disciplines-timelines, deliverables, accountabilities.
Develops key performance metrics to ensure programs and activities meet MCDP outreach, leadership development, and fundraising objectives.
Consistently reports to donors on progress towards the strategic plan, fundraising program, and financial objectives.
Serves as a resource for elected officials, candidates, Area Coordinators, and volunteers.
Collaborates with the State Party and Coordinated Campaign to ensure Mecklenburg turns out voter populations that sway statewide outcomes.
Ensures the flow of timely, consistent internal and external communication through a defined editorial calendar.
Identifies and provides recommendations on improvements across the organization;
Attends meetings of the Board, County Executive Committee, and other committees as needed to inform and advise.
Works with the Board to deliver, monitor, and communicate progress towards goals in a structured and disciplined manner.
Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will be experienced in development and implementation of a strategic plan, a leader with both a professional and volunteer staff, an experienced political operative, highly organized, and a problem solver. They will be a passionate promoter of Democratic Party values. A familiarity with the Mecklenburg and North Carolina political landscape is preferred.
Proven success in project management, growth, marketing, or similar role.
Experience managing staff and volunteers.
Strong project management, strategy, and managerial skills.
Demonstrated experience creating and implementing a strategic plan.
Experience using VoteBuilder and NGP 8.
Experience managing relationships with principal candidates and elected officials.
Ability to read and translate polling data.
Preferred experience participating in aligned and allied tables.
Effective time management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work in a highly independent environment and juggle multiple ongoing projects, responsibilities, and relationships.
Demonstrated ability to be flexible and able to adapt quickly to meet project needs.
Preference for experience as a fundraiser.
Strong competency with all digital platforms.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Able to handle multiple projects at once, work well under deadlines.
Two cycles of working in a paid role as executive staff for the party or on an electoral or issue advocacy campaign is preferred.
Experience in North Carolina politics is preferred.
The annual salary range for this role is between $80,000-$100,000 and is commensurate with experience, with a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance.
Applicants must live in or around Mecklenburg County or agree to move to the area upon hiring. Preference given to applicants who can work in office. Applicants must have the ability to travel to events and meetings in the Mecklenburg area and must have a valid driver's license.
The MCDP (home to Charlotte) is at an historic inflection point. With more Democrats than any other county in North Carolina (320,000, as well as 277,000 Independents), Mecklenburg County also has experienced one of the worst turnout rates in the state (93rd out of 100 counties). Tens of thousands of votes are being left on the table here in Mecklenburg County. It’s our job to boost turnout and propel statewide candidates to victory. Mecklenburg is the county that will decide the next election.
When we succeed, the results will be big. In 2016, Roy Cooper (D) won the governorship by less than 10,300 votes. In 2020, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley lost her election by only 401 votes of the nearly 5.4 million ballots cast – two votes/precinct in Mecklenburg. Biden lost NC in 2020 by 75,000 votes.
You’ll work with a fresh and dynamic Board, one that is open to big ideas, and new ways of thinking. The Party Chair is excited to empower the ED to innovate and to try new things.