Drum Major Institute - Executive Director

Position: Executive Director

Organization: Drum Major Institute

Location: New York, NY

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy (DMI) seeks an Executive Director to lead all facets of this dynamic, non-partisan think tank founded during the civil rights movement. DMI’S mission is to put the best arguments and most effective tools into the hands of those advocating on the frontlines for progressive economic and social change. The Executive Director is the chief public face, strategist, and institution builder of DMI, and serves as a liaison to the Board of Directors and DMI funders.

DMI offers a powerful antidote to the successful efforts of the conservative right to influence the way Americans view their government and public policy, while offering its own vision of a progressive policy agenda that can actually improve the quality of people’s lives:

DMI was out in front making the case that the interests of the middle class are, in fact, best represented by a progressive agenda through years of research, analysis, the creation of TheMiddleClass.org
DMI’s analysis on the shared interest of the middle class in a progressive immigration policy has been heralded and utilized throughout the country to advocate for comprehensive reform
DMI’s Marketplace of Ideas series highlights progressive policies from across the country that are practical, progressive, and effective and works to inspire their replication
Out of the belief that we change the conversation about public policy by changing who participates in it, DMI launched the DMI Scholars program, training young activists from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in public policy and successfully connecting them to internships and jobs
DMI views New York City as a laboratory for progressive ideas, and is a leading voice and convener here, regularly producing reports and analysis in the city’s media outlets. DMI recently published “From Disaster to Diversity: What’s Next for New York City’s Economy?” an edited volume and blueprint for a post-recession economy. DMI advocates for policies like paid sick leave, living wage requirements for recipients of economic development subsidies, and progressive transportation policies like congestion pricing.

This is an incredible opportunity for someone excited by the idea of building progressive institutions and the opportunity to work with dynamic colleagues on today's hottest political debates. The ED must care about urban America, as s/he will be responsible for implementing a strategic plan that focuses DMI’s resources on advancing a progressive agenda in and for cities. The ED will have the support of a committed board and manage a team of 10 talented staff. The ED will have significant opportunities to serve as a public intellectual and voice.

The ideal candidate will bring a vision for the role of think tanks in shaping critical debates and working in partnership to influence public policy. Top candidates will also be excited by the idea of driving a new strategic course for the organization and will understand that aggressive and thoughtful communications are essential to DMI’s success. This is a full-time, exempt position located in New York, NY.

Responsibilities:
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for:

Directing day-to-day work in an atmosphere that is consistent with the vision, values and mission of DMI
Setting long-term strategy and goals that build on DMI’s strengths and opportunities presented in the political and policy discourse
Overseeing the research and analysis agenda, including projects, reports, briefs, books and on-line projects
Driving the communications agenda, including positioning of the organization and on issues
Supervising leaders of the research, communications, operations and development teams and providing the support for their success and growth
Raising funds for the organization from foundations, private, labor and individual donors, and overseeing all resource development and grant compliance matters
Working with the Board of Directors, managing Board relationships, planning for Board meetings, and recruiting new board members
Communicating with policymakers, current and aspiring elected officials and their staffs
Representing the organization in the media, to partners, and at public events
Developing relationships with partner organizations that inform and utilize DMI’s work

Qualifications:

Be a passionate and charismatic leader who can powerfully convey DMI’s analysis on key issues to our core audiences of policymakers, influencers, press and the public
Be a great boss and thoughtful organizational leader who can inspire the best in staff
6-8 years experience in the field of public policy (can be in government, advocacy, academia, foundations, etc.); focus on urban policy is a plus but not essential
Experience and a commitment to institution building and management
Proven success at fundraising from foundations and individual donors
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills

Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with an organization of this size.

To Apply:
Drum Major Institute has engaged Koya Consulting to help in this hire. Please send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Molly Brennan at executivesearch@koyaconsulting.com.

Drum Major Institute is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBT applicants.

About Drum Major Institute (DMI):
DMI is an exciting organization that has rapidly become a respected player in the world of progressive ideas. They care about winning important political battles and challenging tired ideologies—not about issuing reports that sit on shelves.