Deputy Director (Executive in Transition)

Job Summary

At People's Budget Birmingham (PBB) we empower people across Birmingham through community education and organizing, ensuring neighborhoods have direct and democratic control over local resources and municipal spending while holding our government accountable and responsive to community needs.

The Deputy Director works in close partnership with the Executive Director to advance PBB's mission, manage day-to-day operations, lead key strategic initiatives, and ensure organizational effectiveness across all programmatic pillars. This role combines strategic leadership, operational management, and direct program work, and requires a candidate with demonstrated experience who is prepared to take on executive-level responsibilities while continuing to grow through targeted coaching and support..

The ideal candidate brings strong fundraising, supervisory, program management and operations experience,and shares PBB's values and commitment to base-building work. A background in community organizing is a plus.

This is a unique leadership development opportunity designed to build executive capacity while contributing meaningfully to PBB's growth during a critical phase of organizational maturation. The Deputy Director will engage in all aspects of executive leadership, from board relations and fundraising to strategic planning and staff management, while leading substantive projects that advance participatory budgeting in Birmingham.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Leadership Development & Succession Planning

• Participate in structured leadership development and executive training, including mentorship from the Executive Director
• Gradually assume executive responsibilities in preparation for transition to Executive Director role
• Represent PBB at select external meetings, coalitions, and convenings, building relationships and organizational visibility
• Attend and participate in Board of Directors meetings, developing understanding of governance and fiduciary responsibilities
• Support Executive Director in fundraising activities, including grant writing & reporting, donor cultivation, and stewardship
• Contribute to long-term organizational planning and priority setting, helping to ensure implementation of PBB’s strategic plan
• Build relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, partners, elected officials, and community leaders
• Participate in national and regional participatory budgeting networks to deepen expertise and build connections

Operations Management & Organizational Systems

• Oversee day-to-day organizational operations, serving as operational leader and problem-solver
• Manage organizational finances in collaboration with Executive Director and Board Treasurer, including budget tracking, expense management, and financial reporting
• Support HR operations including payroll processing, benefits administration, and policy implementation
• Ensure compliance with all nonprofit regulations, filing requirements, and organizational policies
• Manage organizational technology tools, including CRM systems (VAN, Reach), project management platforms, and data infrastructure; ensure staff is appropriately informed of and consistent in practices and standards across use of systems, data and other resources.
• Lead or support special projects related to organizational development, strategic plan implementation, and capacity building
• Serve as Acting Executive Director in absence of ED, maintaining organizational continuity

Program Coordination & Strategic Support

• Coordinate across PBB's four programmatic pillars (community outreach & education, budget advocacy, research & data collection, litigation & defense) to ensure alignment and integration
• Support program staff in implementing strategic priorities and achieving programmatic goals
• Monitor program outcomes and effectiveness; ensure quality data collection across all programs; oversee the production of reports and impact data to provide insight to internal and external stakeholders as well as inform future program design.
• Help develop and refine program strategies, curricula, and organizing approaches
• Support the development of training materials, educational resources, and organizing tools
• Facilitate internal coordination meetings and support cross-team collaboration
• Assist in troubleshooting programmatic challenges and adapting strategies as needed

Direct Organizing & Base Building

• Working closely with the Executive Director and staff members, facilitate project management aspects for major events, as needed. This includes:
  • Fundraisers, volunteer appreciation, lobby days, community gatherings, and staff/board bi-annual retreat(s) and other programmatic events.
• Support staff responsible for executing canvassing programs, community outreach, and grassroots leadership development
• Help facilitate educational workshops, teach-ins, and political education programming
• Build authentic relationships with community members and grassroots leaders

Staff Support & Team Development

• Support staff team through coaching and problem-solving
• Supervise specific staff members or projects as assigned by Executive Director
• Take on as-needed assignments from Executive Director that advance organizational priorities
• Support onboarding and training of new staff members
• Contribute to building a healthy organizational culture aligned with PBB's values
• Assist in developing staff capacity around key organizational systems and practices
• Foster collaboration and clear communication across the team
• Policy and practice development and implementation, as needed, to ensure a safe, productive and healthy work environment in which staff have access to the resources and support they need to be successful and grow in their positions.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience & Expertise

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in community organizing, nonprofit management, or social justice advocacy, with at least 3-5 years in executive or senior management roles AND specialized and demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas:
  • 2+ years in organizational development and/or fundraising
  • 2+ years of organizing experience, familiarity and comfort in working with diverse partners in a wide range of communities
  • 2+ years of direct staff management
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervisory or project management responsibilities
• Strong operational and administrative skills, including budget management and systems development
• Experience with grassroots base-building, community organizing, and participatory governance approaches
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting, local government, and/or participatory budgeting principles
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously
• Track record of taking initiative, solving problems, and working independently
• Experience with or willingness to learn about nonprofit operations, including basic HR, finance, and compliance

Leadership & Management

• Demonstrated leadership potential and aspiration to grow into executive director role
• Strong people skills with ability to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and facilitate collaboration
• Strategic thinker who can see both big picture and operational details
• Ability to make sound decisions, exercise good judgment, and navigate nuance
• Commitment to shared leadership while developing executive decision-making capacity
• Willingness to receive feedback, learn from experience, and grow through challenges
• Equity-centered leadership approach aligned with PBB's values

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Financial literacy and budget management skills
• Proficiency with technology tools including Google Workspace, CRM systems, and data management
• Ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and develop strategic recommendations
• Skilled at facilitating meetings and building alignment among diverse stakeholders
• Comfortable with public speaking and representing the organization externally
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong attention to detail with systems-thinking mindset
• Ability to work in an environment where priorities may shift due to changes in the political and economic climates of the city, state, region, and nation.

Values & Commitments

• Deep and demonstrated commitment to racial and economic justice and pre-existing commitment to improving the material conditions of our communities
• Alignment with PBB's values: community commitment, anti-racism, anti-capitalism, anti-carceral stance, gender equity, disability justice, anti-colonial perspective, global solidarity, intergenerational inclusion, and accountability & reflection
• Belief in participatory democracy, community control of resources, and grassroots power-building
• Commitment to centering the leadership and priorities of Black, Brown, queer, and working-class communities
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, one-on-one and in a group
• Belief in leadership development of self and others and that growth relies on an individual's ability to own important projects and achieve success for themselves
• Commitment to work in a collaborative organizational culture while developing executive leadership capacity
• Understanding of and commitment to base-building organizing approaches

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived experience as a Birmingham resident or deep familiarity with Birmingham's neighborhoods and civic landscape
• Experience with ballot measure campaigns, electoral organizing, or direct democracy initiatives
• Background in popular education methodologies and curriculum development
• Experience with organizational transitions, strategic planning, or capacity building
• Knowledge of participatory budgeting models and democratic governance innovations
• Experience working with boards of directors or in nonprofit governance
• Fundraising experience, including grant writing or donor relations
• Multilingual skills, particularly Spanish
• Experience with data analysis and program evaluation
• Legal, policy, or advocacy experience
• 2+ years management experience

Benefits

• 32-hour work week
• Flexible work hours
• Employer-paid Health and Dental Benefits
• "Work From Anywhere" stipend
• Paid Vacation and Wellness Leave
• Paid Family Leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Executive leadership training and mentorship
• Pathways to Executive Director role

Work Environment & Expectations

• Position is based in Birmingham, AL with flexibility for remote work arrangements
• Regular in-person presence required for team coordination, community events, and organizational activities
• Some evening and weekend work required, especially during budget season and major campaigns
• Occasional travel to conferences, trainings, and partner convenings
• Physical requirements may include canvassing, tabling at community events, and extended periods of standing during assemblies and public hearings
• Must be able to work in dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
• Commitment to long-term organizational development and leadership succession planning

This position is explicitly designed as a leadership development and succession planning role. The anticipated timeline for transition to Executive Director is [Summer 2026], though the specific timing will depend on organizational context and leadership development progress. This is a genuine investment in building Birmingham-rooted, values-aligned leadership for PBB's long-term sustainability.

The Deputy Director will receive:

• Structured mentorship from Executive Director with regular coaching and development check-ins
• Exposure to all aspects of executive leadership including board relations, fundraising, strategic planning, external relations, and organizational management
• Opportunities to represent PBB at increasingly high-level external engagements
• Participation in executive leadership training programs and professional development
• Gradual assumption of executive responsibilities in preparation for transition
• Clear pathway to Executive Director role based on performance, organizational needs, and leadership readiness

How To Apply

AI Use: We want to get to know you as a person, therefore AI use should not obscure or replace your judgement, creativity, or personality. If you use AI in preparation of your application materials, you should disclose that you used AI and describe how.

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications, leadership aspirations, and connection to PBB's mission
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references (including at least one from a direct report and one from a supervisory relationship)
• Brief writing sample (3-5 pages) demonstrating analytical thinking, grant-writing, or strategic planning

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ~ COMMITTED TO A DIVERSE WORKPLACE

Employees and job applicants are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

People's Budget Birmingham is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color; women; LGBTQ people; immigrants or refugees; people with disabilities; and people from low- or moderate-income backgrounds. Our work is led by and centers Black, Brown, queer, and working-class communities.

Benefits

• 32-hour work week
• Flexible work hours
• Employer-paid Health and Dental Benefits
• "Work From Anywhere" stipend
• Paid Vacation and Wellness Leave
• Paid Family Leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Executive leadership training and mentorship
• Pathways to Executive Director role

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