Managing Director for BLD PWR

Salesberry Group is currently managing the full recruitment and hiring process for this role. All emails and updates will come from Salesberry Group and will have the firm's branding.

The Organization

BLD PWR (Build Power) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose work focuses on engaging pop culture, education, and activism to build a community of storytellers and activists committed to advancing radical social change. BLD PWR partners with grassroots organizations and works across various social justice movements, including gender, racial, immigration, economic, and environmental justice.

BLD PWR aims to disrupt systemic oppression, combat state violence, and center wellness for marginalized communities. It is particularly active in mobilizing influential figures from the entertainment industry to use their platforms for social activism and liberation. BLD PWR also focuses on storytelling and hosting events that promote healing, mental health, and social justice. BLD PWR’s mission is to reimagine and realize the liberated future we know our people deserve!

Learn more about the organization on the BLD PWR website and Instagram account.

The Position

BLD PWR's growing team is in search of an experienced, visionary, and highly effective Managing Director to provide essential and foundational leadership. In partnership with the (Interim) Executive Director and the Board of Directors, this role serves as a primary source of stability and direction for the organization. The ideal candidate is a motivated, passionate, and capable leader with a proven track record of developing and implementing effective operational systems and ensuring ongoing, org-wide success. They possess the ability to move seamlessly from the strategic level to the programmatic level of the organization while improving clarity, enabling stellar performance and achievement of milestones, and cultivating a highly collaborative and motivated team. The Managing Director of BLD PWR is a powerhouse of values-aligned change-making and supports the organization during this exciting period of growth. We know we are looking for a unicorn, and we are dedicated to finding the perfect candidate who will walk with us for years to come!

Required Qualifications

Research shows that members of marginalized groups often do not apply if they do not meet all qualifications. If you feel you can excel at this role, please apply.

• 7 years of nonprofit management and operational, cross-functional leadership experience.
  • Proven track record of successfully growing organizational capacity, teams, and programmatic impact.
  • Demonstrated ability to create and ensure effective implementation of foundational systems and processes.
  • Ability to pair big-picture strategy with strong execution throughout the organization.
  • Effective at leading change management while cultivating buy-in and aligned performance.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple, simultaneous projects and events; coordinating multiple verticals and workstreams; and maintaining ongoing communication using effective project management tools.
  • Strong people management skills and experience overseeing and growing high-performing teams with humility and empathy.
• Familiarity with compliance and IRS requirements for 501(c)(3)s.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion principles within team-based work, stakeholder engagement, and community engagement.
• Experience with fundraising strategies, grant writing, and securing board approval for budgets.

Preferred Qualification

• 10+ years of nonprofit leadership experience - former Executive Directors, Founders, and Managing Directors welcome!
• Experience managing, coordinating, and enabling the success of production-based, multi-media programs and teams, particularly those with a focus on community engagement, events, and storytelling.
• Experience successfully cultivating semi-remote and hybrid teams.
• Familiarity with cultural events like Afropunk, Essence Fest, Donors of Color Conference in Houston, etc.
• Familiarity with the Houston, TX and/or Los Angeles areas is a plus!

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Decision-Making: Act as BLD PWR’s number 2 and provide the leadership to the BLD PWR team, contributing insights that enhance programs and key desired outcomes and influencing the strategic direction of the organization.
• Operational Systems Creation & Management: Create and train staff on any systems that are required to enable BLD PWR’s mission. Oversee daily operations, manage resources, and optimize processes cross-functionally and throughout all levels of the organization to ensure efficiency and productivity.
• Internal Systems Maintenance: Work with department leaders to regularly audit and oversee the performance of essential systems and platforms such as project management systems, CRMs, event planning software, etc., ensuring their smooth operation and addressing any issues promptly.
• Organizational Culture-Building & Values-Alignment: Work with organizational leaders to refine and maintain the shared set of beliefs, values, and behaviors within the organization that are consistent with BLD PWR's mission, vision, identity, and goals. Ensure this alignment throughout all levels of the organization, its policies, and systems.
• Strategic Direction Planning & Implementation: Develop and execute organizational strategies in collaboration with the (Interim) Executive Director and other key stakeholders, aligning them with BLD PWR’s mission, vision, and identity, and monitoring progress towards goals.
• Team Growth and Retention: Implement and manage programs that effectively hire, onboard, and retain high performing team members and leaders within the organization and co-create an engaging and supportive work environment.
• Compliance & Governance: Regularly evaluate and monitor organizational state of affairs and ensure that BLD PWR adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Financial Management: Co-manage and monitor the overall budget, investments, and financial performance, in collaboration with the Financial Strategy Director/Fractional CFO (once onboarded), Salesberry Group operations firm, and other department directors (once onboarded) to ensure financial health throughout the organization.
• Stakeholder Management & Relationship Building: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, donors, employees, community members, and partners. Assume the role of a lead point of contact when other leaders are not available.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Logistics - Compensation and Location

• This is a full time position with a salary of $110,000 - $125,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
• This role reports directly to the (Interim) Executive Director.
• This role is currently semi-remote with candidates based in Houston, TX or Los Angeles, CA highly preferred.
• Travel may be required for events and to facilitate the launch of future physical spaces.

How to Apply

To apply, please use this link to submit an application that includes your resume and answers to short application questions, which you will submit in lieu of a traditional cover letter. Priority will be given to applications received by February 6, 2026; we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

The target offer date for this role is March 16 with a flexible start date.

This hiring process includes multiple interview stages (please note that the stage order and type(s) may evolve):

• Application
• Screener interview
• Skills assessment exercise
• A short introduction recording
• Virtual panel video interviews (1-3)

EEO Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee or contractor for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.