Mobilize.org

Director of Network Initiatives

Organizational Description:

Over the past nine years, Mobilize.org has grown from a student organization on one campus with ten students into a national Millennial movement reaching tens of thousands of people throughout the country. Mobilize.org’s underlying theory of change is that more effectively engaging Millennials in decision-making and problem-solving will lead to better solutions to social problems, better economic outcomes and a more vibrant democracy.

Mobilize.org is pioneering an innovative engagement model that leverages the unique characteristics of the Millennial Generation – collaboration, diversity, technological savvy and an entrepreneurial spirit – to address the most pressing issues facing our generation, and our country. The mission of Mobilize.org is to empower and invest in Millennials to create and implement solutions to social problems. More information can be found at www.Mobilize.org, @mob_org, or our Facebook Page.

About the Position:

The Director of Network Initiatives leads all programs, outreach and external-facing partnerships of the organization and coordinates the activities of the program staff. The Director reports to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and is part of the senior management team, with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), COO and Director of Development. The Director of Network Initiatives recruits, manages and trains the Program and Outreach Managers. The Director develops program plans and goals with particular emphasis on aligning programs, partnerships and evaluation with the vision and long-term objectives of Mobilize.org

Responsibilities:

The Direct shall divide her/his time in the following manner:

40% – Organizational + Program Strategy
25% – Program Management + Planning
20% – Partnerships
15% – Evaluation

Responsibilities will include:

• Develop, oversee and refresh, as needed, the Millennial engagement program model, including summit events, special projects, community outreach, leadership training and development, evaluation and research.
• Lead the development of research, data and information needed to make the case for programmatic work.
• Maintain consistency in all program elements with organization’s strategy, theory of change, mission and vision.
• Manage program staff, at community and national level, and program interns to carry out long and short-term program goals and work towards organizational vision.
• Support the evaluation practice of Mobilize.org, and implement evaluation tools within programs.
• Maintain and develop appropriate and necessary local and national partnerships to achieve program goals.
• Coordinate with COO to develop all systems and resources necessary for program operations. Ensure adequate reporting structures to manage program and project budgets with COO.
• Seize current events, trends and evolving opportunities to showcase and leverage the programmatic work and voice of Mobilize.org, its awardees, fellows, alums and others in the network.
• Work with Communications Associate to develop a robust online program presence and metrics, focused on building the interactivity of the online network of Mobilize.org and creating more collaboration between our online and offline work.
• Work with Communications Associate to share the successes of funded projects and Millennial engagement programs at the local level with the national civic engagement community.
• Identify and manage strategic and program partnerships in collaboration with CEO.
• Coordinate with Director of Development to ensure evaluation and programmatic commitments are consistent with awarded grants and future funding metrics.
• Coordinate with CEO and COO on evaluation for overall growth of program outreach.

Key Qualifications

As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the Millennial-focused vision of Mobilize.org and be driven by the mission. Beyond that, we are seeking a candidate that has proven experience in scaling an organization and a demonstrated ability to build program models that are consistent with the organization’s strategy.

• Program Development – Proven experience in managing and developing programs in a way that best utilizes the organization’s resources and staff, as well as fulfills the program goals and overall organization mission. Experience and ability to see “interconnectedness” of communications, development and program efforts.
• Strategic Vision and Agility – Ability to think strategically, anticipate needs and incorporate trends, best practices, partners and other initiatives into the programming plans.
• Partnership Building – Familiarity with the broader civic engagement community and ability to identify, build and maintain strategic partnerships at the community and national programming level. Experience working with and engaging board members, corporate partners and other stakeholders in program work.
• Leadership – Capacity for managing and inspiring peers. Excellent communication skills that enable the programming staff to work together on the community and national level. The Director will manage a Program Manager and an Outreach Manager and several remote Community Mobilizers.
• Ability to “manage-up,” be proactive, attuned to details but not suffering from “analysis paralysis.”
• Comfortable working in a small shop, dynamic environment and committed to feedback and improvement.

Compensation

Mobilize.org is prepared to offer an attractive compensation package, including a competitive base salary as well as health, dental and vacation benefits. Flexible work arrangements are also available. This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in the evolution of a fast-growing, highly respected organization.

Application Information

To apply, submit a thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of this position, salary requirements, a resume and 2-3 references via email to Jennifer Stark, Chief Operating Officer (jen@mobilize.org) by December 19, 2011. We anticipate that this position will begin in January 2011 and will be based in our Washington, DC office.