Executive Director

The Granite State Organizing Project (GSOP), New Hampshire’s largest and most diverse statewide community organizing organization, is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization’s work to strengthen communities and make concrete change in the lives of Granite Staters. GSOP strives to create communities where residents have a voice on issues like the high cost of housing and health care, unjust working conditions, challenges facing immigrants and youth, and more. The Executive Director will partner with the Deputy Director to lead our passionate team of staff, build a strong culture of organizing across our regional chapters and youth, clergy, and immigrant constituency chapters, and drive the strategic direction of campaigns. The Executive Director will also manage the day-to-day programs and operations and raise the funds needed to sustain and grow the operation.

More on Granite State Organizing Project

GSOP was founded in 2002 by religious congregations, labor union members and community leaders in southern New Hampshire for the purpose of building the power necessary to create lasting social and economic justice in the region. GSOP is a nonpartisan, multi-racial, and multifaith not for profit community organization, working to place human dignity at the center of public life. By uniting faith communities, tenant associations, youth, labor unions, and other organizations and individuals, GSOP strengthens the ability of Granite Staters to address local, regional, and national issues (including racial and economic inequities in education, housing, immigration, and healthcare). Our shared values and diverse faiths drive us to organize for a better world for our children and our children’s children. Leaders with GSOP organize to create a society where everyone, whether Black, Brown, or White, can thrive without exception. In 2018, GSOP established an affiliated 501(c)4 organization, Granite State Interfaith Action Fund, in order to engage more directly in electoral and advocacy work.

Position Description

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the organization’s vision, growth, staffing, funding, development, and execution of its mission. The Executive Director will develop a deep knowledge of the organization, core programs, operations, and business plans.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building and supporting a strong culture of base building and grassroots organizing to build the power necessary to achieve substantive change in the Granite State;
• Facilitating and increasing outreach in the state by engaging other faith organizations, labor union organizations, and community leaders;
• Supervising, training and mentoring staff in their development as powerful community organizers;
• Providing organizational leadership training for staff;
• Addressing the social justice needs identified by GSOP community members;
• Developing civic and leadership skills of community members;
• Ensuring consistent quality of administration, fundraising, grant writing, and communications;
• Developing a five-year strategic plan for the organization and review it annually with the Board of Directors;
• Recommending timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals of the organization;
• Working with the Internal Operations Manager, manage and oversee the organization’s finances and lead the organization’s development efforts;
• Providing oversight and coordination for GSOP’s affiliated 501(c)4 organization, Granite State Interfaith Action Fund, ensuring GSOP and GSIAF operate in compliance with applicable tax-exempt regulations & maintain appropriate separation between charitable and advocacy activities;
• Collaborating with NH partner organizations and national partners;
• Fostering a culture of shared planning, training, and accountability with the Board of Directors and conduct an annual evaluation to identify strengths and areas for growth.

What we’re looking for in candidates:

• You have a at least 5 years of community organizing experience and a bachelor’s degree;
• You have a strong commitment to economic and racial justice;
• You have experience working with diverse staff and communities;
• You have strong oral and written communication skills;
• You have fundraising, and grant application experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures. You are able to cultivate relationships with funders;
• You are a strong manager with mentoring and training experience;
• You have the ability to hold self and staff accountable to the goals and mission of the organization;
• You are flexible and able to work some nights and weekends, when needed;
• You are able to travel (both in-state and periodically out-of-state for meetings/conferences), when needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Spanish language proficiency
• Experience working with faith communities and/or labor unions
• Strong computer and technology skills

Compensation: Compensation is based on experience and is highly competitive, with excellent benefits. The salary range is $85,000-$110,000. Our excellent benefits package includes health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan with matching support. This is a full-time position.

Location: The expectation is that the Executive Director is working regularly out of GSOP’s Manchester, NH office or traveling to the communities we work with. Flexible hours and periodic remote work permitted.

Relocation support: GSOP welcomes candidates who are open to relocating to Southern NH to apply for the role and will provide financial assistance for relocation if you are moving from out of state.

More on the team: GSOP is made up of a diverse team of nine staff, including 5 organizers and 2 administrative staff. The organization is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds including diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, religious backgrounds, youth and more who care deeply about these issues. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming place for people of color, working families, parents, empty-nesters, and more. 

HOW TO APPLY: Please submit your resume with relevant experience and a cover letter detailing your interest in this position to applications@granitestateorganizing.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Granite State Organizing Project is partnering with Rooted Edge Consulting to support this search.

Granite State Organizing Project is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. GSOP encourages women, people of color, persons with disabilities, people with records of arrest or conviction, veterans, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals to apply.

Our excellent benefits package includes health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan with matching support. This is a full-time position.

Relocation support: GSOP welcomes candidates who are open to relocating to Southern NH to apply for the role and will provide financial assistance for relocation if you are moving from out of state.

English fluency required. Spanish and other language skills a plus.