New York Civic Engagement Table (NYCET) Mission
The New York Civic Engagement Table (NYCET) builds power with communities of color, immigrants, poor and working people to tackle racial and economic inequality in New York. Collaborating with a diverse group of social justice and service-based organizations, we produce lifelong voters, develop leaders, and win concrete changes in people’s lives. NYCET fosters a culture of innovation and creativity by piloting and implementing tools, tactics, and organizing strategies. Through our seamless and continuous coordination of electoral, base-building, issue advocacy and mass engagement strategies, we work to create a better democracy. NYCET is a fiscally sponsored project of NEO Philanthropy, Inc. and is an affiliate of the State Voices national network.
NYCET seeks a full-time Executive Director. The current Co-Executive Directors are stepping down after almost 10 years leading the organization. You can read about the transition here. The job description has been revised and the organization has been structured with the plan for one person to step into this role.
NYCET’s new Executive Director, in conjunction with table partners from across the state, will help shape the next iteration of this important civic engagement organization. NYCET works with over 60 table partners and our collective work has resulted in a voter base of over 1 million constituents and continues to grow every year. Through effective collaboration with table partners, the advisory board, and staff, the Executive Director will develop a strategy and identify priorities for NYCET. The strategy will be informed by the political landscape, the needs of our partner organizations, and identified opportunities to make an impact on voter participation and representation. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of organizing and civic engagement, proven track record fundraising, and experience in staff management. The Executive Director will also serve as the leader of New York Civic Engagement Power (NYCEP), a fiscally sponsored 501c4 project of NEO Action Fund.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
The right candidate will serve as the senior most executive tasked with:
Strategic Leadership
Provide clear vision and direction to guide programs.
Lead all organizational efforts at mission attainment through the creation, implementation and evaluation of programs and other activities. Supervise programs to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in collaboration with the Deputy Director and Data Director. You can read more about our programs here.
Create strategic statewide alignment for civic engagement work in collaboration with partner network.
External Representation
Expand the coalition by identifying and meeting with non-profits across the state that work with historically underrepresented people and communities.
Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization. Proactively seek and accept opportunities to raise the organization’s profile and prominence.
Protect and expand NYCET’s reputation and influence in the civic and community engagement spaces at the local, regional, state, and national levels.
Identify and pursue key partnerships in collaboration with the Deputy Director to enhance the impact of NYCET’s mission and increase the effectiveness of programming.
Engage in planning, coordination, and networking at a state and national level.
Actively participate in the State Voices’ network, learning from and engaging with other state tables to bring new ideas and best practices to New York.
Resource Development
Lead and manage all organizational fundraising efforts. This includes individual donors and institutional donors to diversify funding streams.
Prepare grant proposals and reports for all funding opportunities.
Facilitate donor prospecting activities.
Steward existing funding relationships.
Manage the Development Associate who will assist with all organizational fundraising efforts.
Advisory Board Partnership & Communications
Work closely with the advisory board to ensure strong governance, fostering a relationship to achieve NYCET’s current and future objectives; oversee all aspects of board management including providing necessary information for the board to fully participate in governing activities including financial management and decision-making.
Partner with the advisory board to plan for quarterly meetings and regular updates.
Collaborate with Board members on a range of strategic initiatives, including identifying and orienting new Board members, fundraising, and supporting governance activities.
Organizational Management
Implement best practices for effective organizational management, including practices that assess the effectiveness of projects undertaken by NYCET.
Ensure the organization is competent and current on the latest technology, trends, current events and policy developments regarding our state and issue areas. Lead the organization through ongoing change and innovation.
Oversee financial operations, including financial controls and budgetary planning, and human resources in partnership NEO Philanthropy.
Ensure that the Board is kept informed on the condition of the organization and that Board meetings and Board committees operate effectively and efficiently.
Vet and manage vendor and consultant contracts required to implement plans and meet programmatic goals.
Team Management
Supervising a staff of 6 people to build capacity of our partner organizations through ongoing training, convening, provision of data and technology, and coordination of coalitions.
Motivate and maintain a cohesive staff, ensuring that there is strong internal communication, coordination, and accountability.
Work with staff members to establish goals for their respective areas of work and encourage and motivate the staff to focus on the organization’s mission. Ensure that the staff has the resources needed to accomplish their goals.
Foster a supportive team-oriented environment where independent thinking is encouraged, and staff are held accountable to specific metrics and goals.
Serious candidates with a commitment to the mission and principles of NYCET should apply and should be able to speak to the following qualifications:
A minimum of 5+ years of professional managerial experience in a political, nonprofit, labor, or community organization
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, creatively problem-solve, exercise good judgment, and lead change; ability to transparently and honestly make and communicate decisions that advance the mission of NYCET
Proven fundraising and financial management experience
Experience in fundraising, including cultivating relationships with funders, making presentations, writing grants, and drafting reports
Experience facilitating group process and coalition building
Demonstrated knowledge of 501c3 legal compliance as it relates to voter education and lobbying activities
Knowledge of New York’s political and policy landscape
The right candidate will be able to:
Inspire, connect, and motivate staff and table members to perform at the highest levels
Collaborate with various individuals and work with different personalities and leadership styles
Communicate effectively through writing and public speaking
Offer a strongly defined racial justice analysis
Travel regularly within New York (including by car, with a valid driver’s license) and some national travel
Location:
New York State. Location in New York is flexible, with a strong preference for the New York City metro area.
Salary Range/Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $120,000 annualized, commensurate with experience, qualifications and internal equity. Through NEO Philanthropy, this position is eligible for 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, short-term and long-term disability. NEO also offers a 401K retirement savings plan, Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Medical FSA, Dependent Care FSA, Employee Assistance Program, 12 paid holidays, and generous paid time off.
Basis: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt
Vaccine Requirement
NEO Philanthropy follows CDC guidance regarding staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Accordingly, and in order to ensure the wellness and safety of our staff to the greatest extent 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 .
To Apply:
To submit an application, please upload your resume and fill out the application questions on this page. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by ** June 7, 2024. **
This search is being led by NRG Consulting Group. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Nominate someone for this position: Let us know if you know someone who would be perfect for this role.
NEO Philanthropy is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. NEO Philanthropy’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.