By David Borden
Students for Sensible Drug Policy is seeking a new executive director to replace outgoing ED Aaron Houston. The Executive Director will provide leadership, management and coordination of the organization’s overall mission and vision. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director manages the daily operations of the organization, which includes the immediate supervision of staff. Pursuant to the organization’s objectives and strategic plan, the Executive Director devises and implements specific objectives, tactics and activities to accomplish the organization’s overall mission. The Executive Director must coordinate fundraising, outreach and communications for the organization. The Executive Director must demonstrate a deep understanding and connection to drug policy reform and youth development and advocacy.
Specific Responsibilities include:
Administration:
- Provides regular, thorough and timely reporting to the Board on all programs and activities.
- Manages and supervises staff, including the hiring, evaluation, and termination as necessary.
- Serves as a leader and mentor for staff, interns and chapter leaders.
- Oversees the organization’s finances, which will be carried out in a highly structured and disciplined fashion with careful, regular reporting to the Board.
Advocacy and Policy Development:
- Develops annual objectives to meet organizational goals that are consistent with established priorities and the organization’s long-term strategic plan.
- Plans and proposes programs consistent with the vision, values, and mission of the organization, including its commitment to diversity. Proposed programs should include detailed plans for implementation and measurable goals.
- Develops programs designed to strengthen the skills of students, provide opportunities for chapters to accomplish political, policy and fundraising objectives, and advance SSDP’s role and profile in advancing sensible drug policy.
Fundraising:
- Coordinates with the Board and staff to raise funds to sustain and strengthen the organization.
- Promptly notifies the Board on all significant financial developments, including significant new donors, foundational grants, losses in funding, large contracts, potential litigation, etc.
- Cultivates existing individual and institutional donor relationships; solicits new individual and institutional donors, including foundation and grant opportunities.
- Encourages chapters and students to develop expertise in fundraising.
Communications:
- Effectively communicates with media and the public in an organized, clear and concise manner in order to promote SSDP’s mission and goals.
- Maintains clear and regular communication with SSDP staff, Board and chapters, as individuals and groups, regarding SSDP’s mission and objectives.
- Cultivates cooperative relationships with organizations and individuals working for sensible drug policies to carry out the organization’s objectives, strategies, and tactics.
- Serves as the primary spokesperson for the organization, but encourage students and chapter leaders to serve as spokespersons whenever possible and appropriate.
Salary will be commensurate with experience; please include salary requirements in your cover letter. The Executive Director will work out of SSDP’s International Headquarters in Washington, DC. Start date is October 1, 2013.
Applications will be accepted until September 9, 2013, with consideration on a rolling basis starting immediately. No applications will be accepted after September 9. To apply, email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Visit https://www.ssdp.org for further information about SSDP.
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