North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation (NC FREE) is a non-profit nonpartisan political research organization that conducts analytical research on candidates, campaigns, voter attitudes and demographic factors that impact the state’s electoral landscape. The primary audience for this information are business leaders and business-oriented membership organizations and trade associations, as well as the general public.
The vision of the organization is to give leaders the freedom to run their business with minimal government encroachment by empowering them with political intelligence, topical data, and situational awareness.
About the Role
NC FREE is seeking a creative and dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization forward and navigate a constantly changing landscape while creating value for the organization’s members and the business community. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with NC FREE’s Board of Directors to lead the organization. They must have strategic leadership and critical thinking skills, practical fundraising experience, proficiency in public speaking and making presentations, and the capacity to compile and analyze data important to the consumers of NC FREE’s products.
The Executive Director is responsible for planning, organizing and executing all research undertaken and conducted and for all programs/events/presentations provided by NC FREE, under the direction of the organization’s managing company and leadership of the Board of Directors. This is a full-time, in person position based in Raleigh, NC.
Key areas of responsibility
- Develop and execute a strategic plan that, as approved by the Board, accomplishes NC FREE’s mission and programmatic agenda, and provides operational stability and long-term financial viability for the organization
- Conduct fundraising efforts necessary to secure NC FREE’s annual budget
- Establish and consistently maintain an absolute non-partisan organizational disposition
- Manage any staff and outside vendors, contractors, interns and others as may be needed to accomplish all functions of the organization
- Build and maintain relationships with Board members, NC FREE supporters, business leaders, government affairs professionals, association executives, elected officials, media, collaborative research partners, academic experts, and others related to the mission and operation of the organization
- Direct and oversee research projects including the publication of Almanac of North Carolina Politics, Legislative Business Ratings of the North Carolina General Assembly, PAC and Outside Group Giving Summary, North Carolina State Government Directory, Conventional Voting Behavior (CVB) District Ratings, NC FREE/Polling Program Partnerships, Post-Primary and Post-General Election Summary, Election Year Update and Insight presentations, and other communications and reports consistent with the NC FREE mission
- Coordinate and host political briefings, candidate forums, events featuring noted political experts, and other events that provide relevant information, insights and analysis
- Speak frequently to business leaders, business organizations, and the media on issues related to the state’s political environment
- Manage extensive databases containing voter demographic data, voting history, district profile data, biographical information and other data on elected officials, etc.
- Oversee the maintenance of the NC FREE website, social media presence, and related branding efforts
Qualifications
- 3+ years of relevant experience in project management or communications; non-profit project management experience preferred
- Ability to travel approximately 25% mostly within the state of NC
- Bachelor’s degree in political science or another relevant area of study required
- Graduate degree and/or background in business management a plus
- Solid understanding of North Carolina’s dynamic political environment and business climate
- Excellent writing, analytical and presentation skills
- Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and relevant data management software
- Self-motivated team leader who is able to maintain an objective, non-partisan approach and who possesses high standards for accuracy and clarity in their communications
If you read through this job description and feel you are a fit, regardless of your experience level, you should apply!
Competitive salary and benefits package will be available to the successful candidate based upon qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Résumé
- A cover letter explaining why you’re interested in NC FREE
- 3 references
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.
Questions can be directed to Katy Gambella, Director of Outreach at Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: [email protected].
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.