SPLC Action Fund is seeking an Executive Director to help deepen the organization's impact as a progressive political force in the Southeast. 

About the Organization

Created in 2018 by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the SPLC Action Fund (SPLC Action) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation that pursues the shared mission and vision of the SPLC utilizing the unique tools of (c)(4) organizations, namely, political activity. SPLC Action Fund seeks to build local political power for progressives and increase representation by people of color in local elected positions across the Deep South.

In addition to and in support of pursuing its social welfare mission, SPLC Action Fund conducts political activity primarily focused on local elections in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida. To change the political landscape into one that celebrates diversity and seeks to dismantle structural racism, we believe we must first engage and build a pipeline of candidates who reflect the communities they will serve. When we are successful in local elections, we can have substantial positive impact on the social and economic policies that matter to constituents.

We're based in Montgomery, Alabama and have offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and Washington, DC.

About the Role

All political activity that must be reported on campaign finance reports is conducted through SPLC Action Fund’s two affiliated political action committees: New Southern Majority IE PAC (a federal independent expenditure committee, a.k.a. a “Super PAC”) and New Southern Leaders PAC (a federal PAC). The Executive Director will manage the Political Department that conducts political activity through the Action Fund, New Southern Majority, and New Southern Leaders. SPLC Action Fund will primarily utilize internal resources for these campaigns. The Executive Director should be well acquainted with the creation and rollout of digital media and other creative assets for campaigns, with minimal reliance on external vendors.

While the Political Department is the primary SPLC Action Fund department that conducts political activity, staff from other departments are involved. For example, the Communications Department creates art and videos for independent expenditure campaigns and leads media relations. The Intelligence Project researches and reports on extremist candidates and publishes on the Action Fund website. The State Offices assist with candidate recruitment and training work through the PAC, leveraging their on-the-ground relationships. The Executive Director will coordinate this cross-department activity with department leaders to ensure compliance and project management.

What You'll Do

The Executive Director will be expected to help SPLC Action Fund grow its budget to deepen the organization’s impact as a progressive political force in the Southeast. The Executive Director will work with the Development team as a frontline fundraiser, strategizing with the Director of Development and other appropriate personnel to develop a 12-month and multi-year fundraising plan. They will also work with the Communications team to grow the profile and visibility of the organization.

Finally, the Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring that at least 60 percent of the Action Fund’s work be considered “primary purpose.” While political activity is a major component of the organization’s work and experience in that realm is critical for the role, public education and other forms of advocacy is primary to SPLC Action Fund, and the majority of staff’s time will be expended on these activities.

Who You'll Work With

• You will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer.
• You will manage the Director of Political Campaigns and an Executive Assistant and oversee a total team of approximately five.
• You will serve as a liaison to the Boards of Directors of the Action Fund, New Southern Majority, and New Southern Leaders.
• You will collaborate closely with the General Counsel, Development, Communications, and Intelligence Project teams.

Required Skills and Experience

Related work experience and education:

• A minimum of 10 years of significant leadership and managerial experience, with at least 5 years overseeing a team of 10-plus staff
• Extensive experience managing an organization or large department’s $5-plus million budget
• A minimum of 15 years of political and/or independent expenditure campaign experience with at least 7 years in a senior-level role and 7 years working in the Southeastern United States with demonstrated examples of usin