Co-Executive Director

Summary

Americans for Financial Reform is seeking a Co-Executive Director, a highly-collaborative, strategic, and anti-racist leader who would be energized by the opportunity to work in partnership with a dedicated and talented team fighting to transform the financial system in a way that centers economic justice and imagines a world in which there is prosperity for all.

Location

This position is remote with limited travel. Must be based on the East Coast (Washington, DC area preferred).

Compensation

The annual salary is $172,000 plus benefits as a full-time exempt employee.

Timeline

Priority application deadline: October 7, 2024.
Anticipated start date: January 27, 2025.

About Americans for Financial Reform & Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund

“Progressives need to pay specific attention to rethinking, challenging, and changing the rules of finance. We can’t build a more just society and economy without winning dramatic change in this sector, and we can’t have a robust and resilient democracy if policymakers can’t or won’t take on Wall Street power in order to do so.” – Lisa Donner, Co-Executive Director

Americans for Financial Reform is a nonpartisan and nonprofit coalition of more than 200 civil rights, consumer, labor, investor, faith-based, and civic and community groups. Launched in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, we use policy analysis, advocacy, research, communications, education, and mobilization to transform the financial system so that it serves the economy as a whole—with a focus on those most often targeted for wealth extraction: people who are Black, Indigenous, of color, female, and from low- and moderate-income communities.

Our vision is a world where the rules that govern the economy center on human needs and help all families and communities to flourish.

Through this work, we have played a crucial role in winning policy changes to advance economic and racial justice. These include the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and vital rules it has put in place to stop tens of billions of dollars of unfair fees, lending discrimination, and other abuses. We have also advocated for better safeguards against unjust foreclosures, tougher regulation of the biggest banks, stepped-up oversight and accountability for Wall Street private funds, and growing recognition of the dangers of climate financial risk.

We have an annual budget of $6.5M+ combined across a 501(c)(4) — Americans for Financial Reform — and a 501(c)(3) — Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund. Our highly talented staff of 33 work collaboratively with deep commitment to advancing a fundamentally important set of levers for racial and economic justice. We work across multiple intersecting issue areas, including fighting predatory lending, advancing renters’ rights, reigning in private equity misdeeds, and addressing the financial risks of climate change.

We are fighting to eliminate inequity and systemic racism in financial systems to create a just and sustainable economy for all. Join us!

Co-Leadership Model Overview

Americans for Financial Reform (AFR) will be led by two Co-Executive Directors who will share in executive leadership and management. They will work collaboratively to develop and operationalize a vision and strategy to further our mission of economic and racial justice. Both will report to the Boards of Directors (501(c)(3) + 501(c)(4)) and be responsible for the overall fiscal and operational health of the organization.

The Incoming Co-ED will join our current Executive Director, Lisa Donner, who has experience working successfully with this leadership model. While AFR has thrived under her solo leadership, Lisa is eager to introduce this shared leadership model to the organization, a commitment enthusiastically supported by our boards and staff.

Responsibilities

The Co-EDs will provide executive-level leadership for AFR, including shared leadership across all organizational functions. Together, they will create a generative and supportive shared leadership model, building trust, open communication, and accountability.

Team Leadership, Strategy & Governance

• Co-lead the Senior Leadership team, which includes our COO, Managing Director of Research and Campaigns, Managing Director of Policy, and our Chief of Staff.
• Provide direct supervision to a group of Director-level reports, coaching them in their management practice.
• Develop and foster a governance structure with the Board of Directors (501(c)(3) + 501(c)(4)) to support AFR’s mission.

Coalition Building & Program Strategy

• Represent AFR across the movement ecosystem by developing relationships with coalition partners.
• Work across the leadership teams to define and advance policy, advocacy, and research priorities.
• Serve as an expert and conversation partner with policymakers and key staffers on Capitol Hill and at regulatory agencies.

Development & Fundraising

• Provide leadership for our development program, setting goals and ensuring coordinated efforts.
• Foster relationships with funders and cultivate new partnerships.
• Lead efforts to educate and motivate funders on the importance of financial reform.

Communications & External Engagement

• Work with our Director of Communications, Digital Director, and program staff to shape communications that advance our policy goals.
• Serve as an executive spokesperson for AFR in various public forums, writing or co-authoring pieces and participating in media engagements.

Administration & Organizational Development

• Set annual strategic priorities and manage the organizational budget in collaboration with the leadership team and Board of Directors.
• Oversee legal, compliance, HR, financial, and operational functions in partnership with our COO.
• Ensure a values-aligned organizational culture that promotes professional development.

Qualifications

• 15+ years related experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership in an economic justice-related field.
• A strong understanding of AFR’s mission and enthusiasm for advancing racial and economic justice.
• Demonstrated commitment to building power with people of color.
• A genuine desire to engage in shared leadership and the skills to co-create a generative partnership.
• Strong team management skills, including the ability to coach staff toward growth and performance.
• Experience with coalition work and a collaborative approach to leadership.
• Proven experience in external-facing leadership and public speaking.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to demystify complex issues.
• Familiarity with fundraising and an understanding of philanthropy in the nonprofit sector.

Start Date, Location, Compensation, and Benefits

The salary for the Co-Executive Director position is $172,000, with a benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401K. Candidates must reside on the East Coast, with Washington, DC, preferred.

AFR is a remote organization, with most staff working from home. The position requires some travel, especially for in-person meetings and retreats in Washington, DC.

Candidates must be eligible and authorized to work in the United States.

Application Instructions & Hiring Process

This position is open until filled, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply here by submitting:

1. A resume
2. A cover letter addressing your alignment with the position
3. Two writing samples on economic justice topics

For inquiries or nominations, please contact Kate Brumage at [email protected].

AFR is committed to workplace diversity and equity. We strongly encourage People of Color, LGBTQIA+ people, women, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply.