Executive Director

Organizational Background

Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom US Section is an integral part of the WILPF International network, spanning 40 countries. International offices are in Geneva, Switzerland and New York City. The WILPF US headquarters is in Des Moines, Iowa USA.  

WILPF US is a membership organization founded in 1915 by Jane Addams of Hull House and international women dedicated to creating a world at peace with human rights, social and economic justice for all. We are a radical peace organization committed to non-violent systemic transformation. Work in the US is carried out by individual members and branches across the country. For more information about the history of WILPF US, click here. 

For more information about the current activities of WILPF US, go here and here. 

Position Overview

Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom – US Section (WILPF US) seeks a visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead our historic women’s rights and progressive peace and justice organization. The Executive Director will lead a dynamic re-envisioning process and serve as spokesperson for WILPF US, responsible for guiding and executing the organization's strategic goals as set by the Board of Directors. The ED will provide leadership, manage organizational operations, and ensure WILPF's mission and values are upheld. The ED will work to align the values with strategic outreach for this complex, multi-issue organization.

This is a remote position with some travel expected annually.

The salary for this full-time position is $113,000.

Benefit compensation will be added if required by the candidate.

Key Responsibilities/Expected Experience and Qualifications 

Leadership, Aligned Values and Strategic Planning

• Experience working with volunteers and board members for empowerment, cohesion, and to maintain momentum that advances the work of the organization.
• Understanding of the theory and practice of social change. 
• Familiarity with facilitative leadership techniques that encourage others to share leadership.
• A commitment to sharing power and transparency.
• Understand and have experience with feminist leadership models.
• A demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity and dismantling of all systems of oppression. 

Program Management, Advocacy and Strategic Planning

• Work with the Program Chair(s) and President on program planning, strategy and advocacy.
• Deepen and maintain partnerships and coalitions among organizations and activists working at all levels, from the grassroots to the national level, within organizational guidelines and strategic goals.

Organizational Management 

• Manage routine operations. This includes drafting new and renewal contracts for, and communicating with, independent contractors, to ensure efficient organizational systems and processes. 
• Experience with Personnel policies and training. 
• Experience implementing and operationalizing organizational systems, structures, processes, and clearly defined roles.  
• Proven experience in talent acquisitions and management, team building, and mentoring and developing staff to create a leadership pipeline.
• Proven experience in inspiring and mentoring volunteers to create a volunteer leadership pipeline.
• Demonstrated record in increasing membership and visibility.

Internal & External Relations and Communication

• Act as the public face of the organization. 
• Experience and capacity to represent WILPF US and promote our legacy, positions, and our internal experts/presenters.  
• Experience guiding visibility and re-branding campaigns.
• A demonstrated record in increasing engagement in an organization. 
• Capacity for directing a strategic communications plan.
• Effective communications skills across wide audiences and diverse constituencies, including levels of membership and leadership internally. 

Financial Stewardship 

• Responsible for annual budget planning and fundraising efforts. 
• Work closely with the Board Treasurer to monitor the budget, fundraising income and grow the organization.   

Board Governance and Support 

• Work with volunteers and volunteer boards and committees to streamline meeting and planning, to accomplish timely goals.

Additional Qualifications

• A strategic collaborator with keen listening skills and the ability to foster alignment across groups and galvanize those affected to action. 
• Takes initiative and is motivated to succeed. 
• Competency in spreadsheets, Microsoft Office, Zoom technology and other communication platforms.
• Deep listening skills; a commitment to transparency; power sharing; and experience managing conflict.
• Proven analytical and strategic thinking skills. 
• Skills wielding a public presence and media savvy, in the interest of furthering the mission and visibility of WILPF’s work.
• Written and oral communication skills and experience.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in non-profit finance and budgeting, with a deep understanding and competency in these areas.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience leading fundraising campaigns and donor outreach.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in social change movement-building with a commitment to leadership informed by those most affected by prioritized issues.  

Application Process

Submit as one PDF a resume, a cover letter and three professional references. 

In a separate PDF submit 2 writing samples. 

The deadline for applications is Monday, November 4.  

All application materials will be held in confidence. 

WIILPF US is an equal opportunity employer.