Executive Director Washington, DC
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Executive Director Washington, DC DRi 3033 Wilson Blvd., Ste. E-537, Arlington, VA 22201 703-294-6684 www.driconsulting.com 1 ADVOCATING PROGRESSIVE VALUES AND EQUALITY FOR HUMANISTS, ATHEISTS, AND FREETHINKERS The American Humanist Association (AHA) has stood as the voice of humanism in the United States for over 80 years. AHA strives to bring about a progressive society where being good without a god is an accepted and respected way to live life. AHA is accomplishing this through their defense of civil liberties and secular governance, by their outreach to the growing number of people without traditional religious faith, and through a continued refinement and advancement of the humanist worldview. Humanism is a nontheistic worldview with ethical values informed by scientific knowledge and driven by a desire to meet the needs of people in the here and now. At the foundation of those values is an affirmation of the dignity of every human being. AHA counts humanists and other nontheists as the core of their movement, but is always willing to work with friends and allies on issues of common concern. The positions AHA holds and the actions the organization takes are not only about humanists and humanism but for the betterment of society and the world in which we live. THE MISSION The mission of the American Humanist Association is to advance humanism. Advocating for equality for nontheists and a society guided by reason, empathy, and our growing knowledge of the world, the AHA promotes a worldview that encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good. Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com 2 KEY ISSUES The AHA strives to bring about a progressive society where being “good without a god” is an accepted way to live life. The AHA accomplishes this through their defense of civil liberties and secular governance, by outreach to the growing number of people without religious belief or preference, and through a continued refinement and advancement of the humanist worldview. Defending Nontheists and Promoting Humanism: In a society where prejudice and discrimination against those who don’t believe in gods or other intervening supernatural powers is common, it is important for advocates to defend their equal rights. Religion and Government Separation: A secular, open, and pluralistic society where government does not ascribe to one worldview over another is a right to which every American is entitled, as guaranteed in the US Constitution. Social Justice: Humanists are naturally committed to social justice as a prerequisite to peace and happiness for the greatest number of people and see it as a moral failing to stand by while others are denied their civil and human rights. Humanistic social justice advocacy involves respect for the equality of all people, compassion for their dignity and welfare, and a conviction that positive change requires human intervention. Scientific Integrity: The AHA considers the integrity of scientific knowledge, where information is assigned a degree of certainty according to the weight of the evidence, to be essential to a humanist society. Promoting Peace: The AHA believes that cultural exchange, cooperation, peaceful conflict resolution, and diplomacy through multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, are the most appropriate ways to respect human rights and make the world a safer place for all of its inhabitants. Accordingly, the United States should abide by and help enforce international law and push other countries to strengthen the rule of law in their own societies. Furthermore, peace — not war — and respect for international law are the best forces in international and national policy to positively impact humanity. Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com 3 THE OPPORTUNITY The AHA is seeking a visionary Executive Director with a track record of non-profit leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to racial and social justice community building. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for overall strategic and operational leadership of a national non-profit, including building awareness of humanism, defining the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring adequate resources are in place to support the mission, and leading the staff. AHA seeks an Executive Director who will: ❖ Drive AHA’s mission, vision, and strategy: Work with the Board to provide strategic direction, guide the staff in linking strategy to specific programs and projects, with big picture, bold, strategic thinking. ❖ Lead and supervise in a collaborative fashion, with a focus on transparency and accountability in decision-making. ❖ Oversee recruitment of a diverse and inclusive staff; work with Directors to develop department work plans and evaluate performance of direct-report staff members. ❖ Lead AHA’s transition to a truly equitable and just workplace, ensuring fair hiring, promotion, salary, and workload policies and a culturally responsive climate. ❖ Act as primary spokesperson and the “face” of the AHA. ❖ Develop a comprehensive communications plan: Work with the staff to formulate messaging and deliver captivating content through social and earned media. ❖ Lead and coordinate fundraising efforts to ensure adequate resources to implement the mission: Work with development staff and Board members on overall funding strategies; create relationships and communicate with current funders, especially cultivation of major donors; help identify new prospects for funding. ❖ Broaden membership and supporter base, reaching out to underrepresented communities within our movement to develop innovative, culturally responsive programming, initiatives, and policies while utilizing the input of historically underrepresented communities. ❖ Cultivate relationships and deepen the AHA’s network: Engage in meaningful and regular communications with current members; identify needs and opportunities to support programs of chapters, alliances, and affiliate organizations; collaborate on mobilization tactics; recruit new organizational members. ❖ Engage with the Board, regularly update Board members on AHA activities, challenges, and opportunities. ❖ Oversee affiliate organizations, especially the Center for Freethought Equality, the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, and the Humanist Society. Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com 4 THE CANDIDATE The American Humanist Association is seeking a talented, highly experienced, strategic, and motivated leader to fill the position of Executive Director. The successful candidate will be an astute, strategic thinker and planner, and a skilled manager who is able to promote collaboration and partnerships while advancing the core goals of the organization. They should have substantial experience in public policy and with socially progressive organizations. Background and Education ❖ At least 10 years of non-profit experience. ❖ A relevant advanced degree or equivalent professional experience. ❖ Significant staff supervisory experience. Skills and Abilities ❖ Passionate commitment to the humanist life stance; to supporting the flourishing of local humanist groups; and to formulating rational, compassionate responses to theistic and/or unsubstantiated claims of public officials and thought leaders. ❖ Strong team leadership style and proven ability to effectively manage supervisory, mentoring, partnering, and collaborative relationships with staff, volunteers, Board members, donors and supporters, government and elected officials, and leaders of peer organizations. ❖ Sense of humor, creativity, patience, and entrepreneurial drive. ❖ Compelling writing and inspirational speaking skills. ❖ Proven experience in social justice community building and outreach, including racial equity, LGBTQ rights, anti-racist/intersectional feminism, and youth leadership development. ❖ Lived experience and proven skills centering communities of color traditionally at the margins of secular organizations and society. ❖ Strong philosophy of stewardship with a clear vision and plan for AHA’s financial sustainability and growth. ❖ Commitment to the AHA Strategic Priorities and the ability to accomplish the AHA Strategic Implementation Goals. ❖ Proven ability to broaden the base of support of the AHA through equity, diversity, and inclusion with regard to both staff and membership. ❖ Proven fundraising ability, especially the cultivation of major donors. ❖ Willingness to acquire and maintain up-to-date technical skills and the ability to effectively utilize them across a broad scope of electronic media. Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com 5 Applications can be submitted at https://driconsulting.com/position/executive-director-3/ All first-round interviews for this position will take place via telephone/video conference. Persons with mental and physical disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) are eligible for this position as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodations are made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible for this position. American Humanist Association provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, genetic information, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age, marital status, citizenship status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Search conducted by Development Resources, inc. www.driconsulting.com 6.