Director of Strategic Development

Our Mission

We are building a Gen Z-led movement seeking to empower young leaders to advocate for transformative policy and bold political action, predominately at a state and local level. We are committed to a bottom-up movement that prioritizes the needs of the communities we represent and seeks to reclaim our future by advocating for social, economic, environmental, and other kinds of political reform.

POSITION SUMMARY

Beyond the Ballot is committed to an employee and volunteer-orientated, high-performance culture that emphasizes empowerment, education, continuous improvement, and the recruitment and ongoing development of a superior workforce. The Director of Strategic Development is considered a Leadership position and reports to the Chief of Staff. The Director of Strategic Development shall act as the head of the Department of Strategic Development, and as such, may determine certain procedures, functions, and positions within the limitations of the Bylaws.

The director is expected to lead the development of the organization’s Annual Mobilization & Strategy Outline in conjunction with any corresponding directors. The director is responsible for the maintenance of the annual strategy including developing, maintaining, and researching new organizing strategies and tactics best suited for our specific calls to action, and ensuring adherence to an approved overall national strategy organization-wide. The Director is expected to provide strategic input on political activities and issues. In addition, the Director shall assist state chapters with the development of their individual state-wide political strategy while ensuring broad adherence to our national political strategy.

Due to the remote nature of work at Beyond the Ballot, this position can be performed in different time zones than the organization’s ‘central branch’.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or technical school preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience in a nonprofit position
• Previous experience in a political position (whether volunteer or paid)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to manage and complete projects with attention to detail and both local and national political strategy, demonstrating strong organizational skills.
• Ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal.
• Ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Ability to actively listen to others, build, and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to skillfully navigate existing political structures/systems.
• Ability to motivate, inspire, and move others into action to achieve assigned goals.
• Ability to comprehend and improve political strategy.
• General knowledge of an ever-changing political landscape.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Ability to work successfully independently or with a team.
• Ability to coach, coordinate, and lead teams.
• Ability to tailor a message for a specific audience, with appropriate context, and mode of communication.
• Ability to establish clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Ability to set clear agendas and facilitate effective meetings.
• Ability to develop, articulate, and implement strategic political decisions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Develop and maintain the organization's Annual Mobilization and Strategy Outline in conjunction with Chapter convention delegates.
• Create actionable plans and timelines for achieving strategic objectives.
• Stay responsive, aware, and up-to-date of ongoing political circumstances on a federal, state, and local level as directed or approved.
• Identify, establish, and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including other organizations, businesses, and community leaders.
• Oversee the development and implementation of new programs and initiatives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs and recommend improvements or adjustments.
• Ensure that all programs and initiatives align with the organization’s strategic priorities and contribute to its overall mission.
• Work closely with the Director of Budgeting & Fundraising to identify and secure funding opportunities, or recommend funding appropriations during an annual budget period.
• Communicate the organization’s strategic vision and goals to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and present regular reports on the progress of strategic initiatives to the executive team and board of directors.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in all strategic planning and implementation activities.
• Monitor and evaluate the external environment for potential challenges and opportunities that could impact the organization’s strategy.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards in strategic development activities.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical abilities, working conditions, and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification.

• Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.
• Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.
• Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.
• Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.
• Remote Work Requirements: Subject to change. Please ask for the most updated policies.
• Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between various in-person working environments. Will require travel to multiple sites.

Beyond the Ballot does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserve the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.

POLICY OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT AND NONDISCRIMINATION

Pursuant to Article 2 Section 3 of the organization's Bylaws, Beyond the Ballot will not practice or permit any unlawful or unethical discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, physical handicap or disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.

We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. Beyond the Ballot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and our policy is clear and concise: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.

Allegations of discrimination should be promptly delivered to the Executive Director, the Chief Human Resource Officer, and/or any member of the Board of Directors.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE

Beyond the Ballot is committed to building a diverse workforce, ensuring and creating equity across our processes, procedures, and systems, and fostering an environment that’s inclusive and representative of the communities we serve. Our organization was founded on the free expression of ideas, and our environment reflects those ideals by ensuring meaningful mechanisms are in place to ensure that the visions and interests of every individual employee has a seat at the decision-making table.