Progress Iowa seeks a thoughtful, strategic, creative, and results-oriented leader to fill the role of Executive Director. The executive director reports to the board of directors and is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic vision of the organization, managing our team of staff and volunteers, and leading the fundraising efforts to ensure we have the resources needed to achieve our goals.
About Progress Iowa
Progress Iowa is a multi-issue advocacy organization and our state’s progressive communications hub, and a fiscally sponsored affiliate of ProgressNow. Year-round, we promote progressive ideas and causes with creative earned media strategies, targeted email campaigns, and cutting-edge new media.
Founded in 2012, Progress Iowa has grown from one employee to a staff of seven and an annual operating budget of more than half a million dollars and an online network of more than one hundred thousand. As Iowa’s progressive communications hub we are a leading voice in the state, operating as a center for innovative research, data-driven messaging, training, and communication strategies for the progressive community and its elected allies.
Progress Iowa’s work builds a stronger progressive movement in Iowa, advances progressive public policy, and shifts the narrative, reshaping what is possible by educating the public and increasing civic participation.
Roles and Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
Develop strategic priorities and vision for Progress Iowa, in collaboration with staff and key stakeholders, and with approval by the board of directors
Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, progressive leaders, as well as state-based, and national organizations and funders in order to advance the strategic priorities and vision of Progress Iowa
Act as spokesperson for Progress Iowa with the media and work regularly with reporters to deliver a winning progressive message
Serve as a strategic communications advisor for progressive stakeholders, leaders, and elected officials in Iowa
Ensure the Progress Iowa board of directors receives timely information about and approves of the organization’s programmatic direction
Participate in ProgressNow activities including regularly scheduled meetings with state affiliate Executive Directors, meetings with national staff, and participation in national events such as COMMference and the ProgressNow all-staff meeting
People Management
Hire, manage, direct, and evaluate the staff of Progress Iowa
Working closely with our fiscal sponsor, ProgressNow, ensure adherence to standard human resource practices and the organization’s specific personnel policies
Manage coordination with staff, consultants, funders, and other partners as needed to meet relevant timelines and deadlines
Support the team’s professional development by identifying relevant training, support resources, and other opportunities for growth
Review and approve paid time off requests and expense reports
Foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration where creative ideas are encouraged and shared
Fundraising & Finance
Develop annual budgets for Progress Iowa with approval from the board of directors
Take responsibility for raising the budget of Progress Iowa as lead fundraiser for the organization, ensuring long-term fiscal security as well as the ability to achieve short-term programmatic goals
Develop and adjust fundraising strategies for success
Lead the planning and execution of any fundraising events
Maintain relationships with individual, organizational, and grant-based donors
Draft and submit grant proposals and grant reports on behalf of Progress Iowa
Oversee the organization’s finances to ensure compliance and soundness, working in collaboration with our fiscal sponsor, ProgressNow, and their operations team
Report regularly to the Progress Iowa Board of Directors
Our ideal Executive Director will have:
Minimum of 5-7 years experience in labor, issue, political or community organizing, and campaign communications
A passionate commitment to fighting for progressive values including worker’s rights, strong public schools, reproductive freedom, and equality for every Iowan and American
Significant relevant work experience building and deploying local, statewide, and/or national communications strategies
Knowledge of the work of Progress Iowa and/or ProgressNow state affiliates
Have experience working in Iowa in an advocacy, nonprofit, public policy, and/or political campaign setting
Possess knowledge of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) landscape and compliance
Experience with working with and securing coverage print, television, radio, and online media outlets
Ability to work in a fast-paced campaign atmosphere
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Experience as a non-profit or related manager
Cultural competency and experience working with diverse populations and staff
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment
Diplomatic and professional approach to problem-solving
A proven track record in fundraising, including grant writing, individual donor fundraising, and management of small-donor fundraising systems
Ability to manage several tasks/projects concurrently and prioritize work effectively
Ability to work independently, exercising good judgment and discretion
The ability to self-start, think strategically, problem solve, plan ahead and anticipate next steps
Proven ability to manage staff remotely, in person, and/or in a hybrid environment
Benefits, compensation, location:
Salary: $90,000 / year
Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance and paid time off that includes federal holidays, and flexible paid leave including vacation and sick days, as well as personal and family leave.
The executive director position is based in and requires living in or near Des Moines, Iowa. Progress Iowa has a remote work policy for staff. This is a full time, permanent position with Progress Iowa.