Chief of Programs and Partnerships Officer

Fair Elections Center is a non-partisan organization dedicated to safeguarding the future of our democracy through innovative efforts focused on voting rights and civic engagement. We use advocacy, litigation, organizing, education, and technology to protect and expand the right to vote, understanding the particular impact on disenfranchised, underrepresented, and marginalized communities. Through our unique partnerships with hundreds of campuses across the country, we are able to empower millions of new voters to participate in our democracy. Our litigation and advocacy efforts across dozens of states allows us to anticipate and counteract threats to free and fair elections. With our visionary use of technology we are able to support election administration throughout the nation.

Position Summary

Fair Elections Center is seeking a full-time Chief of Programs and Partnerships Officer. The Chief of Programs and Partnerships Officer is a key member of the Executive Team and is responsible for driving the strategic development, execution and evaluation of all programmatic initiatives. This position will also oversee the organization’s three flagship programs. Reporting to the President & CEO and serving on the senior leadership team, this role ensures alignment, collaboration, and impact across all program areas.

In addition to supervising program directors, this position is responsible for developing and managing a comprehensive partnership strategy which involves identifying opportunities to connect, enhance, and expand our work through external relationships. The ideal candidate is a systems thinker who can bridge advocacy, organizing, and engagement efforts across a diverse ecosystem of partners.

Key Responsibilities

Program Oversight and Strategic Alignment

• Lead, supervise, and support directors of the Voting Rights Project, Campus Vote Project, and Work Elections Project to ensure program effectiveness and strategic alignment.
• Facilitate cross-program collaboration and knowledge sharing; identify synergies and opportunities for joint initiatives.
• Evaluate and refine program goals using data, stakeholder feedback, and policy analysis to guide continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage program budgets in coordination with the finance and development teams.

Partnership Strategy and Management

• Build and execute a holistic external partnership strategy that supports all three programs and advances organizational impact.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with national and local grassroots organizations, coalitions, academic institutions, funders, public agencies and other partners.
• Identify and steward high-leverage partnerships that enhance litigation impact, boost student engagement, and support poll worker recruitment pipelines.
• Represent the organization in external meetings, conferences, and coalitions to build influence and expand impact.
• Collaborate with communications and development teams to amplify program achievements and leverage partner relationships for visibility and fundraising.

Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate with the President & CEO and senior leadership team on organizational planning, strategic development, and equity-centered leadership.
• Contribute to board updates, development efforts, and public messaging to communicate programmatic successes.
• Promote a healthy, collaborative internal culture with a strong commitment to racial equity, accessibility, and shared leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, public administration, social impact or other related field required, advance degree a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in program management, coalition building, or strategic partnerships.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of voting rights, civic engagement, and/or democracy-focused advocacy, including legal, policy, and grassroots dimensions.
• Proven ability to manage and align multiple programs with distinct goals, while maintaining cohesion and shared impact.
• Exceptional partnership and relationship-building skills, with a strong record of collaboration with grassroots groups, student networks, institutions and civic organizations.
• Skilled in staff development, cross-functional teamwork, and inclusive leadership.
• Exceptional people management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience working in non-profit, advocacy, or movement-building contexts is highly preferred.
• Experience with litigation or legal advocacy preferred but not required.

Location, Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time remote position with a salary range of $155,000 - $165,000, depending on experience. Fair Elections Center offers generous employer paid health, vision, and dental insurance, 3 weeks vacation, and a 403(B) retirement plan with employer contribution.

Fair Elections Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity in our work environment and believe it furthers our mission to create and preserve an inclusive democracy for all voters and for underrepresented and marginalized communities in particular. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Please send your resume, a cover letter detailing your approach to leading integrated programs and partnerships, and three references to Fatou N at anjie@fairelectionscenter.org with the subject line: Chief of Programs and Partnerships Officer. The priority deadline is October 10th, 2025 but applications will be considered until the position is filled. Applications without both a cover letter and resume will be considered incomplete.