JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Executive Director

At Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), we work to protect and expand the rights of the LGBT people in Tennessee at the state and local level. As a 501(c)(4) organization, we work to shape public policy in city and county governments, school boards and the Tennessee General Assembly. TEP promotes and sustains the equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons through the establishment of fair and equitable laws protecting these rights and through the prevention and elimination of laws that would seek to counter this effort. Tennessee Equality Project Foundation (TEP Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) organization with the following objectives and purposes: (1) To encourage the distribution of information to the general public concerning discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender so that knowledge can be gained to help prevent such discrimination; (2) To conduct, finance, and promote educational seminars, conferences, and (3) To develop and promote programs to enhance understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons. (4) To engage in all other charitable, educational, and awareness activities permitted by law. TEP PAC supports the election of pro-LGBT rights candidates and supports the passage of pro-LGBT referenda, including laws, ordinances and resolutions in local, county and state governments.  TEP PAC may also work to defeat such candidates and referenda that would counter this mission.

The Board of Directors of TEP and the TEP Foundation is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Executive Director to lead both of organizations into a new era of growth and success. The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day management of the 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) organizations. This includes staff supervision, program planning and implementation, budgeting, fundraising, financial management, and general organizational management. The Executive Director is the primary spokesperson for the organizations. S/he reports to active Boards of Directors who are committed to the success of the organizations.

Supervisor:

This position reports to the 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) Boards of Directors.

Hours:

Full-time, with some evening and weekend work for speaking engagements, events, and public meetings.

Travel:

In-state for conferences and meetings with colleagues and regional steering committees is required.

Location:

Davidson County, Tennessee

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain sound financial practices by securing operating revenue and ensuring long-term financial stability.
• Implementing a comprehensive fundraising plan including grant writing, special events, memberships, corporate giving, special events, and as needed, capital campaigns or endowments.
• Coordinate organizational activities under guidance of the Boards of directors. Give reports of organizational activities to the Boards.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate the job performances of staff and contractors (where applicable).
• Work with staff, committees, and the Boards (especially the Treasurers) in preparing and executing a budget.
• Develop and implement strategic plans which will grow the organizations’ abilities to achieve their missions.
• Serve as a liaison to coalitions and partnerships with groups in the private, non-profit, and public sectors.  Promote, cultivate, and sustain positive public relations within the LGBT and allied communities.  
• Maintain and cultivate relationships between TEP, stakeholders and government officials.
• Serve as the chief spokesperson and manage the organizations’ campaigns and goals; manage media relations in the development of publications, e-newsletters, web sites, and social media communications for TEP and TEPF.
• Assist in identification, training, and support of regional committee chairs (particularly in underrepresented regions of Tennessee)
• Prepare and file applicable reports to regulatory agencies in order to remain compliant with state, local and Federal regulations.
• Maintain awareness of current events which affect the lives of LGBT people and their families in Tennessee.

Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of related experience.  Master's Degree is preferred.
• Experience in fundraising from individual, major donors, grant writing, and events (3 to 5 years preferred).
• Strong political acumen and ability to navigate local, state, and federal politics in a bi-partisan manner.
• Experience in non-profit or for-profit organizational management (at least 3 years preferred). Either professional or volunteer experience is acceptable.
• Knowledge of the LGBT community and the public policy issues facing that community.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in office software, including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and experience with Constant Contact and PayPal applications or similar programs.
• Experience with traditional, electronic and social media as well as printed publishing desired.
• Knowledge of IRS regulations regarding 501c3, 501c4, PAC organizations and intersection of the same desired.

Compensation:

Salary commensurate with skills and experience.

Generous holiday and vacation policy.

To Apply:

Send cover letter, resume with three professional references, and salary expectations via e-mail to jonathan@tnequalityproject.com before Friday, August 16, 2013. Questions can also be e-mailed to jonathan@tnequalityproject.com or hg@tnequalityproject.com. Phone calls discouraged.