Executive Director

Who We Are

Builders is a movement to empower flexible thinkers and problem-solvers—Builders—to push back against the destructive forces of extremism. We believe pluralistic democracies help people thrive and drive innovation when leaders support:

• Accountability to their communities
• Freedom of expression
• Equal application of the rule of law
• Majority rule, while protecting the rights and dignity of all

Today, rising extremism and polarization have gridlocked government institutions, undermining their ability to serve the people. Nowhere is this more evident than in Texas—a political bellwether where frustration runs deep across party lines.

What We Do

Builders tackles these frustrations with: 

• Builders Media: Exposes Americans to content that challenges these divisive narratives and encourages a mindset of flexibility and problem solving.
• Civic Activation Programming: We seek to educate voters and increase voter turnout in elections - especially amongst registered voters who typically skip primaries and run-offs. Additionally, our Citizens Solutions programming brings people across political differences together to craft policy proposals that reflect the public’s real needs.
• Education & Toolkits: we craft different resources that empower citizens to solve divisive problems in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
• Build Relationships: Builders is a movement of 4+ million citizens and over 320 of the foremost leaders, and growing every day! 

By restoring a government focused on solutions, we can break the cycle of division and dysfunction. To learn more about us, you can watch Daniel Lubetzky’s TED talk or read about our programs on MSNBC, Fox News, News Nation, Associated Press, and Pivot Podcast.

What You'll Do

As the Executive Director of Builders Texas, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to scale national and local programs that spread the Builders values and mindset, empower citizens to hold themselves and their political representatives accountable to choose problem-solving over partisanship, and maximize the measurable impact of our programs. This includes implementing Builders' national mission at a local level, fostering a movement of Texans committed to bridging divides and tackling the state’s most pressing challenges. The role will include fundraising accountability, stakeholder engagement, and leading a talented remote team currently numbered at 12. Candidates should be based in Texas.

Movement Activation and Engagement

• Oversee all civic programming to engage and galvanize a movement of citizens who are actively supporting Builders work and values and can work to hold the government accountable to the will of the people.
• Move digital followers through the pipeline of engagement– from clicks and likes to using their voice to affect policy.
• Develop the toolkit: educational workshops, training programs and tools to service the audience of Builders and encourage flexible thinking

• Create a credentialing system, volunteer programs, local chapters, and/or town halls to move members through the pipeline of engagement

Organizational Development & Team Management 

• Build, grow and lead a high-performing team.
• Foster a culture of Builders within the organization focusing on role clarity for individuals, strong and aligned OKRs and professional development opportunities. 
• Manage program budgets and resources efficiently.

Partnerships, Fundraising & Civic Engagement 

• Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy to key stakeholders in Texas to support Texas-focused programs. 
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities through grants, partnerships, and donor relationships. 
• Develop and implement strategies to grow grassroots membership and the Movement Partner coalition. 
• Develop best-in-class mechanisms for encouraging local elected officials to stay accountable to the will of the people.
• Act as a public-facing spokesperson for Builders Texas, attending conferences and events, as well as conducting interviews with both local and national media.

Strategic Leadership and Vision Execution 

• Collaborate with Builders Media to align media campaigns, civic engagement and educational initiatives. 
• Implement impact measurement frameworks to track program effectiveness and outcomes.

Requirements

What You'll Bring to Builders

You Are:

• A builder—a flexible thinker and constructive problem-solver who recognizes the dignity of all people.
• Entrepreneurial, with a track record of taking initiatives from concept to execution.
• A decisive, confident leader with low ego and a high level of accountability.
• Someone who operates with integrity, kindness, empathy, and transparency.
• A dedicated people manager, experienced in coaching and developing talent.
• Strategic and executional—capable of translating big ideas into concrete action plans.
• Resourceful, solutions-oriented, and persistent in overcoming obstacles to achieve goals.

You Have:

• At least 10 years of experience leading initiatives, coalitions, or programs, ideally in the political realm, in civic engagement, or community impact as an Executive Director or CEO of a mission-driven organization.
• Deep knowledge of the political, cultural, and social landscape, both in Texas and nationally, gained through experience working in or alongside the government, community organizing, or civic engagement.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentational communication skills.
• Experience building and scaling programs or initiatives from the ground up.
• A proven ability to bring diverse groups together to achieve common goals.
• Expertise in managing complex projects, including event planning, stakeholder coordination, and budget oversight.

Benefits

Compensation and benefits:

• Competitive annual salary.
• 25 days of paid time off, 5 sick days, and 20 personal days.
• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance with base level plans covered at 100% by Builders. 
• Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Short-term and Long-term Disability.
• Flexible remote work environment.
• 12 holiday/office closures per year + summer Fridays in July and August 
• Retirement plan with employer matching program. 
• Charitable gift-matching program.

EEO:

At Builders, we are committed to an inclusive workplace where diversity in all its forms is championed. Builders is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability status, gender identity, or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For applicants with disabilities, our recruiting team will actively work with you to accommodate any needs in order for you to be able to interview at your best. We will keep any medical information you provide confidential and separate from the rest of your application.