National Director

Dream Corps seeks an experienced, strategic and mission-driven leader to serve as the National Director of #cut50. The National Director is responsible for the overall success of the #cut50 program. This position oversees a dynamic team, responsible for federal, state, and local strategies to push forward bold decarceration and other reform campaigns that safely and smartly reduce crime and incarceration across the United States. As a responsible leader and manager, the National Director partners with other Dream Corps programs and simultaneously inspires, develops and holds accountable a dynamic staff of policy experts, campaigners, storytellers and organizers to help achieve the organization’s goals. The National Director maintains and leverages a large and growing network of bipartisan partners and grassroots leaders throughout the country. The National Director is a decision-making member of the Dream Corps Leadership Team and takes an active role in maintaining and strengthening a strong organizational culture across Dream Corps and all its programs. 

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Develop and implement strategic short and long term plans to advance the vision and goals of #cut50, in alignment with Dream Corps’ priorities and values. This includes prioritizing federal and state legislative efforts, as well as grassroots activations and storytelling.
• Design creative, outcome-driven and compelling policy advocacy campaigns to achieve the organizational goals, including both online and offline organizing and campaigning.
• Communicate #cut50’s mission, vision and values on the national stage -- to media, legislators, donors, leaders, partners and via social media. Seek out opportunities to represent Dream Corps at key conferences and events.
• Track the national political landscape around criminal justice reform and catalyze the field towards our vision.  
• Convene and collaborate with diverse partners-- including #cut50 advisors, elected leaders, policy-makers, funders, influencers, and activists.
• Provide high-level direction and leadership for our national Empathy Network composed of leaders and activists who have been impacted by the criminal legal system.
• Maintain excellent bi-directional relationships with national partners.

Management

• Manage, motivate and mentor #cut50 staff in an environment that supports professional growth, results, and accountability.
• Collaborate with other programs at Dream Corps as necessary. Coordinate actions with the Engagement, Communications, Development & Operations teams.
• Contribute to the financial sustainability of Dream Corps operations by providing support as requested by Development staff and the Chief Executive Officer.
• Contribute to the annual planning and budgeting process, ensuring that needed resources are identified and secured. 
• Shepherd the team through the execution of the annual plan and maintain accountability for project expenses.

Fundraising

• Help secure and grow the annual #cut50 operating budget.
• Coordinate with the development team to identify and cultivate new prospects that include foundations, donors, and investors.
• Build and maintain relationships with existing major funders and donors.

Qualifications

Candidates for the position must have at minimum:

• 6+ years of proven experience in organizational development and leadership, preferably in a national advocacy or nonprofit organization focused on racial justice, criminal justice reform and/or analogous foci. 
• A profound and well-articulated commitment to social justice. Understanding of a broad range of criminal justice issues, advocacy and organizing strategies. A personal connection to the criminal justice system is helpful.
• Experience in working with diverse audiences, including elected officials, community leaders, bipartisan coalitions and the public. Preferred history of experience in working with justice-impacted individuals and people who have been incarcerated.
• Comfort and confidence in public speaking, media appearances, and with high-profile individuals.
• Project management and collaboration experience including inter-departmental or multi-disciplinary projects and shepherding projects from inception to completion.
• Proven ability to work within an organization emphasizing teamwork and excellence.