Leaders We Deserve: Executive Director

Leaders We Deserve: Executive Director

Leaders We Deserve is a PAC and SuperPAC dedicated to electing the next generation of bold, young, progressive leaders to state legislatures and Congress. We collaborate directly with candidates on their campaign strategy, communication, fundraising, political outreach, and coalition building to help them run the best campaigns humanly possible and maximize their chance of winning. In the final months of their campaigns, we run hard-hitting independent expenditures on their behalf.

Leaders We Deserve was co-founded by David Hogg, Parkland survivor and Gun Safety advocate, along with Kevin Lata, Congressman Maxwell Frost's Campaign Manager and the 2022 Campaign Manager of the year.

The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in the success of Leaders We Deserve's ambitious and crucial programs in 2026 and beyond. The Executive Director will support the President, serving as the key implementor for the vision and direction that President sets. Further, while the President sets the organization's overarching vision and strategic direction, the Executive Director serves as a key advisor and partner in shaping that strategy, and leads the execution of all organizational and programmatic work. The Executive Director must be an accomplished people manager, an experienced strategist, and an adept implementor. The success of the Executive Director is the success of the leaders that report to them as well as the success of David and the organization as a whole.

Location: In-person, Washington, DC; LWD office

Target start date: March 2, 2025

Reports to: David Hogg, President

Direct Reports: Communications Director, Operations Director, Development Director, Campaigns Director

All successful Leaders We Deserve employees are:

• Creative thinkers: This person brings a high level of creativity and constantly questions conventional knowledge. They know that just because something was done one way in the past, that doesn't mean it has to continue to be done that way.
• Self-starters: This person possesses a can-do attitude and constantly thinks about how we can exceed what seems possible. They are an independent worker and collaborate across departments.
• Detail-oriented and thoughtful: This person understands that working at a small organization means that the details and precision matter, but also doesn't let perfection stand in the way of action.
• Excellent communicators: This person will be a proactive communicator with management and co-workers, and will engage productively in conflict when it arises. They can give feedback in a direct and respectful way - we're looking for radical candor, not "brutal honesty."
• Dedicated to electing young progressives: This person sees the value in electing progressive young people and believes they have a critical role to play in our party and in advancing the progressive agenda.

Executive Director Responsibilities:

• Programmatic Strategy and Leadership: Collaborate with the President to ensure all programs align with the mission of the organization and offer thought partnership in the execution of the mission of the organization.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization's strategic plan and departmental work plans.
• Organizational Leadership: Provide leadership to advance the organization's mission and execute on aligned strategies, which includes fostering effective and cross-departmental communication.
• Foster a work culture that is rooted in the organization's core values and principles.
• Balance being a relational leader with the ability to challenge thinking and offer original perspectives.
• Bring empathy, resilience and grit to the organization, through leading by example.
• People Management: Organize the Directors as true strategic partners and peers in strategy, integrating their expertise into mission-driven and proactive decision-making, and strengthening cross-team alignment.
• Provide ongoing feedback, troubleshooting, and support to Directors and staff at large for optimal performance.
• Model and foster a collaborative, inclusive culture grounded in equity, learning, and curiosity.
• Act as a coach and multiplier, ensuring Directors have the space, authority, and support to lead fully in their domains.
• Operational, Finance, Compliance, and Legal Management and Oversight: Ensure the organization operates in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Work in partnership with staff to hire, retain, and develop a strong team with a deep commitment to building a working environment that is values-aligned and driven by the mission of the organization.
• Oversee the collaboration of staff and vendors to ensure all campaign finance, legal, and operations practices are adhered to.
• Oversee and maintain an organizational budget, ensuring that the programs and operations of the organization are matched to the resources available.

Executive Director Qualifications:

• Previous experience as an Executive Director or senior leader within a similar political organization or a related type of organization. Progressive political experience is required.
• Able to communicate clearly, compellingly, and authentically, verbally and in writing.
• Comfortable speaking publicly about the next generation of young, progressive leaders and how the organization navigates the current political environment.
• Highly self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and effective.
• Adept at making smart strategic decisions in complex and fast paced situations.
• Brings a high degree of emotional intelligence and a leadership style driven by curiosity, active learning and listening, maturity, and judgment.

Executive Director Compensation and Benefits:

• Annual Salary: $160,000 - $190,000
• Moving allocation to be determined based on location
• Healthcare: 100% employer paid platinum level healthcare, dental, and vision.
• Benefits:
• 5% employer match for 401k retirement plan
• Cell phone stipend
• Transportation stipend
• Professional development stipend
• Classpass fitness benefit
• Paid time off policies:
• Vacation (starting at 15 days per year)
• Sick (10 days per year)
• 14 paid holidays, along with bereavement and voting time off
• 12 week paid parental leave policy, with a service qualification.

We value diversity, equity and inclusion. Leaders We Deserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community.