About the Organization

Jefferson Forum is a 501(c)(3) public policy organization that crafts and promotes public policy solutions to advance prosperity and opportunity for all Virginians. Jefferson Forum formed from the merger of two state-based, free-market think tanks: Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy and Yorktown Foundation.

With Virginia at a critical crossroads in its history, it is more important than ever that there be a strong free-market policy voice in the state. The combined revenues of the two organizations in recent years were $400,000-$500,000, though our goal is to be a $1 million organization within the first year. Jefferson Forum’s areas of focus center on advocacy for education choice, affordable and reliable energy, workplace freedom, and economic freedom. We also celebrate Virginia’s history of leadership in the founding of America and want to renew an appreciation for that history. The Forum has a strong cadre of scholars who regularly write for our Jefferson Journal. The Forum is also building a network of business leaders around the state and will oversee a scholarship program begun by Yorktown Foundation.

About the Opportunity

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will report to the Board of Directors and serve as chief fundraiser, spokesperson, and strategist for the organization.

The CEO’s responsibilities include:

  • Grow the Forum to $1 million in revenue within the first year, and achieve further revenue growth in the coming years. This requires cultivating the existing donor base, but will rely more on adding new major donor relationships. The CEO is expected to spend a significant portion of his/her time cultivating and securing major gifts.
  • Measurably raise the awareness and influence of the Forum in Richmond and across the state, expanding our reach to new audiences. By the end of 2027, we want to see a significant increase in legislators and media turning to Jefferson Forum for its perspective.
  • Build, lead, and retain a dynamic staff that works in partnership to advance the organization’s goals.
  • Collaborate with the board to lead the organization in accomplishing high-value results consistent with its vision and mission to be a strong, influential voice for free-market, liberty-oriented policies that allow all Virginians to flourish and prosper.
  • Manage day-to-day affairs so that staff time and resources are aligned, coordinated, and focused on achieving strategic objectives.
  • Cultivate strategic partnerships that strengthen the organization’s ability to accomplish its mission, not just in Richmond and Northern Virginia but around the state.

The Board is open to a candidate living anywhere in Virginia, with a strong bias toward full-time presence in Richmond or Northern Virginia. A successful candidate will have the ability to travel the state to visit donors and to be involved in Richmond as necessary during the legislative session and other times. Travel estimated to be 25-40%; more if outside of Richmond or Northern Virginia.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a results-oriented builder. This role is for someone ready to build and scale a small team over the coming years into an organization that is looked to for its clarity of purpose, excellent arguments, and clear influence. The CEO must be willing to publicly challenge policymakers and other influential voices when necessary while maintaining the civility and respect that define the “Virginia Way.”

Additionally, a successful CEO will possess the following experience and attributes:

  • 10+ years of professional experience
  • Proven relationship builder with demonstrated success in progressively responsible leadership roles
  • Background in fundraising, public policy, communications, and/or marketing is desirable. Past experience with major-donor fundraising or sales is very strongly preferred.
  • Ability to think, plan, and decide strategically
  • Entrepreneurial; ability to create opportunity and generate new ideas
  • Ability to execute major initiatives while protecting and advancing the Forum’s unique mission and brand
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ethical character
  • Bachelor’s or higher degree (preferred)

The start date will be as soon as possible after hire. We seek to fill the role as soon as possible.

Compensation
The target salary range for this position is $140,000 to $180,000, commensurate with experience. The organization does not currently offer benefits, but the incoming CEO will have the opportunity to establish a benefits package for employees as revenues grow.

To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

  • A cover letter detailing how your experience is relevant to the CEO position, your fundraising experience, and your salary requirements
  • Your resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link:

https://talentmarket.org/candidates/apply-for-your-dream-job/

Questions can be directed to Claire Kittle Dixon, President of Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [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, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) 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. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.