Council for a Livable World & Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
Job Description
Council for a Livable World and the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation are seeking an Executive Director to serve both organizations. This individual will lead an experienced staff of nine and have the support of two distinguished boards of directors, two advisory boards and a national on-line network of supporters around the country.
The organizations
Council for a Livable World is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization dedicated to reducing the dangers of nuclear weapons and increasing national security. The Council was founded in 1962 by nuclear physicist Leo Szilard and other scientists who pioneered the development of atomic weapons and immediately became concerned about their use and spread.
The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation is a co-locared Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan research organization dedicated to enhancing international peace and security. Center experts provide in-depth analysis and commentary on such issues as nuclear weapons, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear terrorism, Iran’s nuclear program, military policy, missile defense, national security spending, and the North Korea threat.
Council for a Livable World’s Candidate Fund and PeacePAC is a connected PAC to raise funds for pro-arms control candidates running for the Senate and House of Representatives.
Taking advantage of this unique combination, the three organizations work together for non-proliferation, deep reductions and the eventual elimination of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
Position Summary
The Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership to advance the organizations’ mission of advocating for sensible national security policies, to help elect congressional candidates who support them, and for implementing these programs. The Executive Director reports to the boards of directors, which provide oversight, guidance and assistance.
The ideal candidate is a self-directed, energetic administrator with a passion for national security policy, a familiarity with the advocacy and educational communities and a vision for how a small organization with 50 plus years of involvement in key national security issues can shape future debates on US global engagement and US foreign policy priorities.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
=Work with the boards to grow the organizations and shape their strategy and programs to meet the needs of its stakeholders and the broader national security and nonproliferation community;
=Develop and implement the Center’s and Council’s work program on a day-to-day basis, and ensure progress toward advancing the organizations’ missions;
=Manage the staff, and work with the boards of directors and on-line supporters to continue to inform and shape national security debates;
=Successfully raise funds for both organizations through a combination of foundations, individual meetings with major donors, direct mail to supporters, on-line solicitations, and occasional fundraising events for both the organizations and the candidates we support;
=Manage bequest and major gift outreach and campaigns;
=Manage the organizations’ finances including developing annual budgets, raising revenue, authorizing expenditures, and maintaining and reporting to the boards accurate financial records of revenues and expenses;
=Meet regularly and maintain strong relationships with donors and key stakeholders;
=Work with national networks of foreign policy thinkers and activists, as well as specific issue advocacy coalitions;
=Serve as a prominent voice in delivering the Council’s and the Center’s messages to key stakeholders, both publicly and privately, including policymakers, the media, funders, and other issue experts;
=Follow politics with an eye to choosing candidates to endorse and prepare endorsements;
=Work with Members of Congress and their staffs on national security legislation and maintain regular relationships with policymakers;
=Work with political campaigns; and
=Oversee all external communication of the organizations, including blogs, tweets, op-eds, e-alerts and letters to supporters.
>Qualifications: We do not expect that any candidate will come fully equipped with all these attributes, but hope she or he will be willing to aspire to achieve them.
=Five to ten years of experience in an advocacy organization or a think tank;
=10+ years in a policy or management position at a think tank, advocacy organization, in the federal government, on Capitol Hill or in the military;
=Demonstrated leadership, inter-personal and organizational skills;
=A proven track record in individual and institutional fundraising;
=A broad network of relevant professional relationships;
=Experience in electoral and congressional politics, and as a lobbyist;
=Experience with coalitions;
=Excellent public speaking and communications skills;
=A demonstrated ability to work independently and collegially in a campaign-style environment; and
=Strong writing and oral communication skills, and skills in managing organizations.
Compensation
Competitive non-profit salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package included.
The Council and the Center are equal opportunity employers and committed to building a diverse workplace; women, minorities, and candidates from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The position is located in Washington, DC, on Capitol Hill; some national travel is required.
Please send a cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample to jobs@clw.org by February 4, 2014.
