We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Chief of Staff to provide leadership in driving long-term strategic planning, executing our current strategic plan, and overseeing the operational effectiveness of Common Cause. This role is essential in ensuring the alignment of our organizational goals with our mission to defend and strengthen democracy.

The Chief of Staff will manage the processes for strategic planning, organizational planning, and evaluation, ensuring effective implementation and monitoring of our strategic initiatives. This role will also oversee governance, support our National Governing Board, and manage cross-team strategic projects. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a deep understanding of organizational strategy and operations, and a proven track record of managing high-impact strategic initiatives.

This is a full-time role reporting to the President & CEO; this role is based in Washington, DC, with an expectation to come into our office at least 2 days per week. We hope our new Chief of Staff will start in September.

Responsibilities

Oversee Long-Term Strategic Planning and Execution

- Lead the development and execution of long-term strategic plans that align with Common Cause’s mission and objectives

- Oversee the implementation of our current strategic plan, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and effective execution of initiatives

- Establish and manage a process for monitoring and evaluating the strategic plan on an ongoing basis

Manage Organizational Planning and Evaluation

- Oversee the annual organizational planning process, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and effective resource allocation

- Develop and implement a framework for monitoring and evaluating organizational performance, ensuring continuous improvement and impact

- Build out a research and evaluation function to support data-driven decision-making and strategic initiatives

Support Governance and Board Management

- Oversee governance and manage support for our National Governing Board, including planning and executing board meetings

- Provide strategic guidance and support to the board, ensuring effective governance and alignment with organizational goals

- Manage the preparation of board materials and communications, ensuring timely and accurate information flow

Oversee Strategic Projects and Cross-Team Initiatives

- Lead and manage strategic projects, particularly cross-team initiatives that advance organizational goals

- Ensure effective coordination and collaboration across teams, promoting a culture of innovation and high performance

- Provide strategic guidance and support to project teams, ensuring successful execution and impact

Enhance Senior Management Team Effectiveness

- Support the effectiveness of the senior management team, including running leadership team meetings and step-backs

- Facilitate strategic discussions and decision-making processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals

Manage Executive Support and Administrative Coordination

- Manage the Administrative Coordinator, ensuring effective administrative support and coordination by collaboratively setting goals, coaching and developing them towards these goals, and supporting their career progression and retention at Common Cause

- Oversee administrative processes and functions, ensuring efficient and effective operations

Collaborate with the Senior Vice President, External Affairs on Fundraising

- Work closely with the Senior Vice President, External Affairs and the Development Team to support fundraising efforts that advance strategic and operational initiatives

- Contribute to the development of fundraising strategies and campaigns, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives

- Assist with the preparation of grant proposals, reports, and other fundraising materials to secure financial support for strategic initiatives

- Engage with donors, foundations, and other key stakeholders to cultivate and maintain relationships that enhance fundraising efforts

You will thrive in this role if you have:

A strong commitment to Common Cause’s non-partisan mission and to advancing racial equity through our democracy agenda
Persuasive and inspiring communication skills, with the ability to distill complex topics into accessible narratives
Strategic thinking skills with a resourceful approach to problem-solving and the ability to navigate urgency and ambiguity to achieve goals
Ability to manage multiple long-term priorities with high attention to detail and adaptability to respond to urgent needs
Ability to quickly build rapport, trust, and credibility with diverse stakeholders
A track record of working collaboratively and navigating organizational dynamics to meet common goals

The following is required:

Experience leading long-term strategic planning and execution within nonprofit or advocacy organizations, ideally within 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 structures
Experience driving organizational planning and evaluation initiatives, achieving significant impact
Experience managing and developing high-performing teams, setting strategic direction, and achieving ambitious goals
Deep familiarity with organizational strategy, governance, and operations
Ability to work in-person in our DC office at least 2 days per week
Ability to work evenings and weekends if needed to respond to urgent needs and travel as required for team and/or all-staff retreats
Per our non-partisan policy, Common Cause staff members may not currently be in elected office (or running for office); on the Steering Committee or Finance Committee for any political candidate; or affiliated with the leadership of a political party

Additional information about this role:

This position is classified as management and therefore not included in the union-represented collective bargaining unit
Common Cause is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time; please note that if hired, you will be asked to produce documentation for authorization to work in the US

Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated.

Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has more than 1.5 million members and supporters living in every Congressional district in the United States, and offices in 25 states around the country.

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