Executive Director – Tennessee Center for Policy Research – Nashville, TN
The Tennessee Center for Policy Research (TCPR) is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to generating and encouraging public policy remedies grounded in the capacity of private enterprise, the ingenuity of individuals and the abilities of active communities to achieve a freer, more prosperous Tennessee. Since its founding in 2004, TCPR has come to be regarded as one of the most innovative, influential and effective free market think tanks in America.
Overview:
The Executive Director for the Tennessee Center for Policy Research is responsible for upholding and advancing the mission and principles of TCPR, while growing the organization and expanding its influence and impact. The Executive Director operates under the supervision of a Board of Directors and provides overall direction and execution of TCPR’s operations and strategic planning.
The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing and enhancing the following primary components of the operation of TCPR: Fundraising and membership, legislative/policy goals and strategy, staff management, staff recruitment and training, budget, marketing and outreach.
The Executive Director must possess financial, personnel and strategic planning skills suitable for a successful and growing non-profit.
General Responsibilities:
- Determine goals and overall strategy for TCPR’s efforts to expand free market principles in Tennessee
- Serve as the leader for TCPR’s fundraising and donor relations efforts
- Keep programs and projects on task and focused on advancing policy goals
- Ensure that TCPR’s research is unfailingly accurate and of the highest quality
- Produce print publications and electronic communications of outstanding quality, content and persuasiveness
- Lead the preparations for annual operations review and strategic planning
- Maintain thorough and consistent communications with the Board of Directors
- Uphold high professional standards
- Act as a credible and compelling public presence for TCPR, locally, statewide and nationally
- Communicate effectively to TCPR’s array of audiences, including donors and supporters, policymakers, political allies and the media
Development and Budget Responsibilities:
- Oversee the development staff and craft the annual fundraising plan
- Engage in major donor solicitation as defined by the plan
- Assist in donor relations efforts, grant proposals, event management and other fundraising tasks as needed
- Develop an annual budget that aligns with objectives, is built on realistic assumptions and provides enough flexibility for adjustment of resources, if necessary
- Ensure that overhead and operational expenses are reasonable and restrained
Staff Oversight Responsibilities:
- Hire excellent staff members capable of executing objectives
- Encourage low employee turnover and high employee morale
- Position staff in roles that allow them to utilize their strengths
- Train/mentor/develop senior staff and ensure that senior staff does the same for employees, contractors and interns under their supervision
- Delegate responsibilities among staff members to maximize effective use of time and resources
Evaluation and Implementation Responsibilities:
- Conduct regular reviews of staff
- Ensure all efforts, including projects, publications and events reflect the mission and principles of TCPR
- Measure outcomes of projects, continually refining evaluation instruments to quantify impact of projects
- Report project outcomes to the Board of Directors
Qualifications:
- Absolute commitment to the mission and vision of TCPR
- A passion for – and nuanced understanding of – the ideas of individual liberty, free markets and limited government
- A minimum of five years of management experience in a similar or larger-sized think tank, political organization, foundation, non-profit organization or the equivalent, with a proven track record of success
- A history of fundraising success and a demonstrated ability to develop and manage lucrative fundraising campaigns
- Willingness to cultivate lasting relationships with TCRP’s donors
- Knowledge of, and ability to accurately assess, Tennessee’s unique political and policy landscape
- Skillful in both written and oral communications, with the ability to represent TCPR in the media professionally and persuasively
- Fearless, unique and innovative approach to delivering public policy concepts to policymakers, the media and the public
- Familiarity with utilizing new media tools and developing technologies for marketing, communications and fundraising purposes
- Experience in marketing messages and products, including a demonstrated ability to create successful marketing plans
- Ability to travel frequently, both in-state and nationally
Compensation:
The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Health insurance benefits are included in the compensation package.
Location:
The Tennessee Center for Policy Research is located in a historic building in the heart of Downtown Nashville, just blocks from the State Capitol. Due to the nature of this position, remote or virtual employment is not possible.
Application Process:
Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter explaining your philosophical interest in the organization, as well as a résumé and salary history/requirements to: claire@talentmarket.org.
