job: executive director, DC

[colist at comm-org.wisc.edu]

[ed:  this job post includes salary info.]

From:     Lee Winkelman <lee at veatch.org>

Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation
                   
Executive Director    

The Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation (FCCP) brings together 
grantmakers who are committed to enhancing democratic involvement in all 
dimensions of civic life, including elections, governance, media and 
civil society, with a particular focus on the participation of 
historically disenfranchised and disempowered communities. FCCP was 
established in 1983 and is a recognized affinity group of the Council on 
Foundations. Following the 2004 election the FCCP and the Voter 
Engagement Donor Network or VEDN merged. The coordinator of the VEDN 
became the coordinator of the FCCP, which became a staffed affinity 
group for the first time in many years.

FCCP’s mission is to educate its membership and the larger philanthropic 
community about barriers to full participation, strategies for fostering 
civic involvement, and the means by which effective strategies can be 
supported through grantmaking. FCCP has been a driving force in the 
donor community—advancing effective voter registration philanthropy in 
the 1980’s, supporting campaign finance reform in the 1990’s, and 
exploring effective voter engagement strategies in the aftermath of the 
2000 and 2004 elections, including the use of new technologies.

FCCP is expanding to serve a growing and influential group of funders 
who are joining our growing membership, who are now working to preserve 
and expand the gains made in nonpartisan civic/voter participation 
during the 2004 election cycle. In order to do this, the FCCP is 
expanding support for civic engagement work by collaborating with 
issue-based and constituency-based funders; organizing donors; informing 
and improving the practice of voter engagement funding by sharing 
lessons learned; researching new experimental models; studying what is 
most effective; and providing ongoing information to funders.

FCCP will continue to host topical monthly conference calls, First 
Mondays; hold 5-6 regional meetings annually and an annual meeting for 
members; and host/co-sponsor funder events.

Position Description

Summary
The Executive Director provides leadership and direction to advance the 
Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation’s (FCCP’s) mission and serves 
as a valued resource and an effective force in philanthropy. The 
Executive Director is responsible for the management and oversight of 
programs, committees, information resources, membership, communications, 
fundraising and financial systems, legal compliance, and human 
resources.  The Executive Director also acts as a spokesperson for FCCP 
and is accountable to and takes direction from the Steering Committee.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The Executive Director fulfills these responsibilities working closely 
with the Steering Committee.

Organizational Leadership, Vision, and Direction
-    Provides leadership in the development and implementation of the 
annual program plan and of the vision, goals, and priorities of the members.
-    Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of 
programs, products, and services that successfully advance FCCP’s mission.
-    Undertakes fundraising to ensure the long-term financial health of 
the FCCP.
-    Staffs and develops FCCP’s programmatic and organizational committees.
-    Provides leadership and guidance to Steering Committee and other 
staff members on matters related to national, regional and local trends 
in civic/voter engagement.
-    Communicates regularly with Steering Committee members.
-    Implements governing board directives and policies and procedures.
-    Recruits, retains, and expands FCCP’s membership base.
-    Cultivates and maintains effective relationships with colleague 
affinity groups, regional associations of grantmakers, and other 
philanthropic trade institutions.

Program
-    Oversees the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation 
of all FCCP programs, including briefings, membership meetings, site 
visits, and conferences.
-    Contracts with and directs consultants and vendors to achieve 
program objectives.  

Information Resources
-    Directs all research, resource materials, and information 
dissemination activities.
-    Serves as editor of all FCCP online and printed publications and 
informational materials.
-    Website management and maintenance.

Membership
-    Oversees and evaluates membership recruitment and retention, 
including database, membership materials, and member services.
-    Cultivates and maintains effective relationships with members.

Communications
-    Serves as a spokesperson for FCCP, representing the organization 
with members, other constituents, and key audiences.
-    Communicates with Steering Committee members, staff, members and 
others throughout the country via electronic and other means of 
communication.  

Fundraising and Financial Systems
-    Manages all aspects of fundraising, serving as the point person for 
donor cultivation, proposal writing, and grant reporting.
-    Develops, monitors, and manages organizational budget.
-    Oversees financial performance of the committee.  

Supervisory Responsibilities
-    Supervises part-time support staff member.
-    Oversees the work of consultants and vendors to ensure achievement 
of contractual goals and objectives.

Skills and Qualifications
-    Ability to develop and implement innovative and strategic programs.
-    Knowledge of issues and trends related to civic/voter engagement.  
-    Ability to recruit and support funders to work in FCCP activities, 
campaigns and committees.   
-    Strong working knowledge of the field of philanthropy.
-    Ability to raise funds.  
-    Excellent writing and communication skills; good editorial skills.
-    Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen 
effectively.  A sense of humor would be helpful.
-    Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, including 
balancing multiple needs and interests.
-    Intermediate or better proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Desktop 
Publishing.
-    Comfortable with managing Website.
-    Ability to travel.

Education/Experience
-    Undergraduate degree; Master’s degree preferred.
-    Minimum three years experience in a management position in a 
nonprofit, preferably in the area of philanthropy.
-    Experience working on civic/voter engagement activities would be 
helpful.  

Salary and Benefits
-    Range $60,000-$80,000, with appropriate benefits.  

Please send resume and cover letter by July 31, 2006, to:


Funders’ Committee for Civic Participation
C/o Arca Foundation
 1308 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036