Network Development & National Initiatives Director

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is America’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

Job Title: Network Development & National Initiatives Director

Department: Network Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position: Full-Time

Job Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Washington DC (Preferred)/National travel required

Business Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (eastern time zone)

Salary: Candidates can expect to be offered $116,000 as a new hire in the role. A new hire can expect to be offered $116,000 as a new hire in the role. The compensation for this role is set and not subject to negotiation.

Where we Operate: This position is open to candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States and currently reside in the following: Alabama, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

CAIR only accepts applications from candidates residing in these states. Applicants who are not currently located in one of these states may still apply; however, they will be formally notified that, if selected, they must relocate to a state in which CAIR operates and/or to a location aligned with the job announcement prior to the start of employment.

Position Summary:

The Director of Network Development & National Initiatives is a senior leadership role responsible for growing new chapters and strengthening the performance, and cohesion of CAIR’s national Chapter network by conducting nonprofit assessments, developing, executing high-quality training programs and resources, conducting site visits, and developing opportunities for network growth.

This role drives network-wide strategy across and oversees the planning and execution of CAIR’s network events and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and measurable impact. This position requires a highly strategic operator with strong execution discipline—capable of managing complex relationships, scaling systems, and delivering consistent results across a national network.

Essential Duties

Network Development, Engagement & Chapter Support

• Ensure expansion through the development of new chapters/satellites in underserved communities.
• Strengthen relationships through consistent, high-quality engagement across the national network.
• Lead comprehensive network development strategy, ensuring affiliates are supported, aligned, and operating effectively.
• Coordinate and conduct structured network staff engagement.
• Oversee onboarding and network orientation for all new chapter leaders.
• Serve as a primary liaison to chapter leadership, providing tools and resources.
• Develop and implement chapter improvement plans, identify strengths, and opportunities for growth.

Systems Strengthening & Network Infrastructure

• Advance adoption and effective use of organizational systems across the network
• Design and launch a Network Metrics Tracking Dashboard
• Develop and implement a monthly resource dissemination newsletter, including:
• Template creation and rollout.
• Regular distribution across the network
• Six compliance-focused editions annually

Chapter Performance Audit

• Oversee implementation of CAIR’s chapter performance assessment program.
• Conduct and track performance audits and service requests on a quarterly basis.
• Maintain a network-wide performance tracking system, including:
• Relationship mapping
• Performance Audit outcomes
• Responsiveness metrics
• Educate chapters on regulatory requirements, governance, and risk mitigation best practices.
• Develop and deliver compliance training and guidance across the network.
• Educate chapters on consistent documentation, reporting, and escalation of compliance matters.
• Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, and ethical leadership.

Training, Leadership Development & Capacity Building

• Lead development and implementation of ACTION Academy (network-wide professional development program)
• Maintain and publish an annual training calendar.
• Achieve 75% participation across chapters.
• Ensure all training content is housed and accessible via Disco.
• Collect and analyze participant feedback to improve programming.
• Provide coaching and advisory support to chapter staff and board members.
• Develop standardized tools, resources, and training materials to strengthen leadership capacity.
• Delivery governance, compliance, and operational training across the network

Policy Implementation & Strategic Alignment

• Lead dissemination and implementation of organizational policies across all chapters.
• Host and facilitate four annual strategic roundtables focused on policy alignment and operational priorities.
• Track policy adoption and implementation across the network.
• Support chapters in aligning governance documents, operations, and strategy with CAIR National standards.
• Ensure clarity and consistency in communication of policies and expectations.

National Initiatives & Network Events

• Oversee planning and execution of CAIR’s national network events, such as National Council Meetings (NCM)
• Support of National Advocacy Days (Hill Days)

Role Requirements:

• Ongoing travel to chapters and new territories is required for this position.
• Candidate is a key spokesperson for organization and public speaking/community engagement is required.
• 5 years of nonprofit management and/or business development experience.
• Familiarity the American Muslim community is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required

Compensation Package:

• Health Insurance is available through CAREFIRST.
• The employee cost share for health benefits is up to 20%.
• Dental and vision benefits are covered by the employer at 100%.
• 401K retirement benefits with an employer match up to 4%.
• We offer thirteen paid holidays.
• Vacation, sick, and personal leave are offered.
• Ancillary coverage is available: Life, AD & D, and long-term disability coverages.
• Optional FSA (flexible spending account)
• HSA (Health Savings Account) must meet certain requirements.
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program) is available.
• A professional development stipend is available.
• Tuition reimbursement (must meet certain requirements)
• If you currently have student loans, you can certify your employment annually for PSLF.