Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Executive Director Job Announcement
Help Build the Movement for Tenants Rights: Join the Tenants Union!
Washington State tenants have won important legal protections, but these rights don't go far enough. Help build the movement to protect and expand tenants rights and make the promise of safe, healthy, affordable housing a reality: 
Organizational Overview
Founded in 1977, the Tenants Union (TU) carries on a proud legacy of empowerment-based education and powerful grassroots organizing. The TU is a membership organization. Our work creates concrete improvements in tenants’ living conditions and challenges and transforms unjust housing policies and practices. We achieve organizing victories through outreach, training, leadership development, strategic analysis, creative direct action and legislative advocacy.
“For all my struggles and hardship; facing horrible discrimination; it put me in touch with the Tenants Union. And I got to go to Olympia and be a real live lobbyist. I felt so empowered. In 2008, when the bill passes, the Tenants Union will have a huge claim to fame, a milestone showing that what seemed like an impossible battle against miles of red tape and marble covered hallways became a positive change for what is fair and what is just. Working with Michele and going to Olympia makes me feel as if being homeless was worth it. Washington State needs the Tenants Union to give hope and help to those facing bleak situations.” (Chris J)
The Executive Director is the face of the organization and serves a key leadership role both internally and with external stakeholders, the local community, public policy makers and legislative entities. This position has responsibility for the TU’s operations, people and financial management. The Executive Director is also the force behind strategic planning to achieve the organization’s mission and objectives, and implementation of those plans.
Position Summary
The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the organization. The position combines administrative, fundraising, policy, community organizing and leadership skills. Excellent health benefits and generous vacation and personal leave are provided. The position is full time (40 hours per week) and the salary is $40,000 to $45,000 DOE, with salary increases available based on achievement of designated milestones.
Organizational Development and Values
In collaboration with board, staff, and tenant leaders, the Executive Director develops the strategic plan for internal organizational development and incrementally grows the budget to support the TU’s goals.
The Executive Director works to sustain a positive work culture that reflects the mission of the agency and maintain and expand strategic, collaborative relationships with allied social and racial justice organizations, housing organizations, elected officials and funders.
To ensure the continuity of the TU’s mission, the Executive Director guides and supports the TU’s membership, staff and board in protecting and fostering the TU’s values.
Fundraising
The Executive Director has responsibility for setting and achieving fundraising goals to fulfill organizational strategies and objectives. The Executive Director has ultimate responsibility for achieving membership recruitment goals and sustaining and building on all sources of revenue. Current sources include government contracts, foundation grants, major donor gifts, special events proceeds, and membership dues.
Management and Fiscal Oversight
The Executive Director is responsible for the management of staff, including performance management and office operations. Systems currently used for this purpose include work plans, annual appraisal and other operations management systems.
She or he must ensure the financial soundness of the organization through ongoing financial oversight and management, including developing and submitting the annual budget for board approval, managing revenues and expenses to meet budget targets and ensure adequate cash flow, and maintaining transparent, auditable financial records and management and financial reports.
Community Organizing, Advocacy and Education
The Executive Director is responsible for direct services, is a leader in public policy advocacy and a role model for social change. The Executive Director:
- Provides tenants rights counseling with clients and members approximately 2-4 hours per week as part of the Tenants Union’s Education Program;
- Gives public presentations on housing policy issues and tenants’ rights to a broad variety of audiences, including low-income tenants, elected officials, and community organizations;
- In collaboration with staff, makes strategic organizing campaign plans to further social change goals, i.e., holding institutions and individuals accountable for unjust housing policies or practices;
- Serves as a subject matter expert and legislative advocate in legislative initiatives, through research, legislative testimony, position papers, etc.;
- Represents the TU in the media and creates positive media exposure for organizational initiatives and campaigns through press releases, organizing press events, editorial board meetings, pitching stories to reporters and editors, and developing and maintaining strong relationships with individual reporters;
- Prepares or supervises the preparation of annual reports, donor communications, website content, and guest editorials.
Qualifications
While all applications will be reviewed and considered, the ideal candidate will have:
- A demonstrated commitment to and leadership experience in grassroots organizing for social and racial justice and a deep understanding of the complex personal and institutional impacts of racism, sexism, classism, and other oppressions;
- A proven track record raising funds through individual donors, foundations, and grassroots fundraising efforts;
- Experience supervising and supporting staff, with a demonstrated ability to foster a supportive, accountable and collaborative work environment;
- Commitment and ability to lead in an equitable, collaborative work environment;
- Excellent policy analysis and policy advocacy skills;
- Excellent communication skills and be multi-lingual; and
- Experience coordinating complex projects.
To apply
The position is open until filled, with priority given to applications received before April 11th. A full Job Description is available upon request.
To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and compensation expectations and optional affirmative action form via e-mail to Melora@tenantsunion.org or mail to Tenants Union, ED Search, 5425 B Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98118.
To learn more about the Tenants Union, visit our website at www.tenantsunion.org.
The Tenants Union is an equal opportunity employer, working toward a diverse workplace. People of color, women, LGBTQ folks, immigrants, disabled folks and renters encouraged to apply. You may submit an optional affirmative action data form, available on request.