The Jefferson Council (TJC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that brings together a robust network of alumni, students, donors, faculty, and community members who are committed to leading the University of Virginia back to Thomas Jefferson’s legacy of freedom and excellence. In pursuit of that overarching mission, TJC seeks to:
- Promote a culture of civil dialogue, intellectual diversity, and the free exchange of competing ideas
- Restore fiscal stewardship and academic accountability
- Preserve the beauty of the Lawn as the historic center of the Academical Village
- Champion and reinvigorate the Honor System
For more information, listen to TJC president, Tom Neale, discuss TJC’s work here.
TJC is seeking a highly motivated and creative Executive Director. This position will work closely with the President and Executive Committee to oversee the management, operations, and strategic growth of the organization. This is a full-time, executive level position, ideal for someone who has experience leading in a fast-paced role within business or nonprofits, or for someone nearing the end of their career who seeks to apply their expertise toward an important mission-driven organization.
A strong connection to the University of Virginia is essential for the Executive Director. Ideal candidates will be UVA alumni, though we will also consider current or former faculty and staff, parents of current or former UVA students, or spouses of alumni. Familiarity with the unique traditions and values of UVA, such as the Lawn, the Honor Code, and the legacy of Jefferson, is critical to successfully navigating the institution’s distinct culture and objectives. This role requires more than an appreciation for intellectual diversity and civility—it demands a deep understanding of the traditions that define UVA’s community.
Core Responsibilities
Team Management (50%)
- Set priorities and agendas for regular Executive Committee, Advisory Board, and other such meetings to drive organizational goals and ensure efficient project management
- Manage staff and vendors, coordinating roles and responsibilities to meet project deadlines and ROI
Public Relations and Content Creation Oversight (40%)
- Create a public relations strategy that will allow TJC to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences including media, partners, potential members, and key influencers within the UVA ecosystem
- Stay informed on issues related to UVA and general higher ed trends across the United States, identifying objective-aligned opportunities
- Oversee the creation and distribution of original content in coordination with vendors and staff, including but not limited to statements and press releases, op-eds, semesterly Board of Visitor welcome briefs, and research papers
- Interface with media for live, pre-recorded, and written interviews
- Moderate virtual and in-person events
Fundraising (10%)
- Coordinate with the Executive Committee, Advisory Board, and committee chairs to identify fundraising opportunities and develop a strategic vision to meet measurable goals
- Manage vendors and staff to execute fundraising strategies, effectively utilizing both traditional and digital methods
- Develop and cultivate major donors
- Prepare materials to support grant applications
- Collaborate with the TJC president in identifying and supporting regional ambassadors
- We are working with a nationally recognized fundraising firm focused on not-for-profits. Our primary contact is a UVA alumna, local to Charlottesville, so this is more of a coordination job, i.e., the candidate is NOT expected to know potential foundations or wealthy donors.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership position or equivalent business management experience
- Strong, personal connection to UVA – an alumnus, alumna preferred
- Must concur with TJC’s four founding core pillars
- Exceptional internal and external communication and problem solving skills
- Working knowledge of a tech stack that includes but is not limited to Slack, Google Workspace, Squarespace, MailChimp, Stripe, and HubSpot; and a willingness to learn new technologies
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and respond to opportunities outside of traditional working hours
- An existing network of relationships and media is preferred
Location
- Candidates must be located within a two hour driving distance to Charlottesville, VA and willing to commute to Charlottesville multiple times a week
Benefits and Compensation
- Annual salary compensation commensurate with experience
- All out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed
- Should the Executive Director not have health insurance, we will arrange for individual coverage with the broker whom we use for our insurance coverage
To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Cover letter
- Resume
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.
Questions can be directed to Stephanie Keaveney, Senior Manager of Outreach at 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 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.
