Director, More in Common (US)

Director, More in Common (US)

Location flexible with regular domestic and some international travel

ABOUT MORE IN COMMON

More in Common’s mission is to build a more united and inclusive America that is resilient to the profound threats posed by our country’s polarization. We work with leaders across fields and across the ideological spectrum to strengthen American democracy, solve problems, and better navigate the dynamics of a polarized society. More in Common works in five of the largest western democracies, with More in Common US the largest of those five countries. Globally, More in Common is comprised of a team of 45 people working in national offices in the US, as well as the UK, Germany, France, Poland, and Spain.

Our work is built on More in Common’s unique audience and opinion research, grounded in social psychology. We promote a better understanding of Americans’ perspectives, providing fresh insights about not just what Americans think, but why. We find Americans’ views are more complex and varied than is often assumed, and the most divisive may be the loudest, but they rarely represent the American public. Our work cuts through the ‘perception gaps’ (Perception Gaps)—the false impressions that Americans hold about each other—to highlight common ground, identify the areas of genuine difference, and reveal ways Americans can come together to tackle our shared challenges.

Since launching in 2018 with the widely-quoted report, Hidden Tribes: A Study of America’s Polarized Landscape (Hidden Tribes Report), More in Common has been galvanizing efforts to build common ground and transcend divisions, disseminating insights into the psychological drivers of polarization and the role of ‘upstream’ values and beliefs with the publication of over 30 reports (More in Common Reports) over the last five years. With our work, we are also changing the narrative from one of irreconcilable divisions to one of a country moving forward together. Our work is regularly featured in the media and conveys an optimistic and energizing vision of what is possible for our country.

Deploying our insights, we engage with hundreds of civil society organizations, cultural institutions, philanthropy, political actors, the media, unions, faith groups, and corporations across the country. We work across issue areas, including in social cohesion, bridge-building, immigration, democracy, climate, faith, and disinformation. We partner with leaders and institutions to help them navigate the challenges of polarization, communicate in ways that reach new audiences and execute strategies that bring Americans together across differences. We have organized dozens of high-impact convenings including scenario planning to anticipate and prevent political violence; building capacity among cultural actors to foster social cohesion through storytelling; and leading a practitioner-funder initiative to build support for democracy through creative engagement, persuasion, and mobilization of key population segments. Through our partnerships, we are helping to build the community infrastructure, culture, and politics that a pluralistic democracy needs to flourish.

In taking on the challenge of uniting a divided America, More in Common is grappling with a daunting problem that has many dimensions. We believe that we have a better chance at success if our team reflects a broad range of disciplines, social and cultural backgrounds, beliefs, political persuasions, and life experiences. For this reason, we strongly encourage people with backgrounds from across the political spectrum (including conservative, libertarian, centrist, liberal and progressive), those with disabilities as well as candidates from all races, ages, religious, ethnic, socio-economic background and of all sexual orientations to apply for this role.

For more information on More in Common, please visit the website: More in Common.

Interested candidates should apply by: January 22, 2024.

THE OPPORTUNITY

More in Common is looking for a new Director to help shape and advance the next phase of our growth and impact in the United States. This is a unique opportunity to lead ground-breaking efforts to develop innovative, substantive initiatives to work towards a more united and inclusive America.

The Director will report to More in Common’s global CEO and co-founder (Mathieu Lefevre), will work closely with our co-founder (Tim Dixon) and with our US Board, and will lead a team that is currently made up of 15 people, including 10 full-time staff and 5 part-time research fellows. The Director has 4 full-time direct reports.

The Director will represent More in Common in the media and public forums, while building relationships at senior levels of civil society, politics, the media, and philanthropy.

This opportunity is flexible in terms of location, and will include US and international travel, at least 20-30% of the time.

CANDIDATE PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

While it is understood that no single candidate will offer every desired attribute and competency, the following is a representative list of the ideal candidate profile and priority tasks and responsibilities.

PASSION FOR THE MISSION

• Demonstrate a commitment to understanding the forces driving us apart, finding common ground, and bringing people together to tackle shared challenges. Possess a strong interest in More in Common’s research and its underpinnings in social psychology, and an ability to transcend political allegiance.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Nurture and develop the team and foster an organizational culture that values collaboration, kindness, curiosity, transparency, accountability, and mission alignment. Ensure cohesion and mission-focus across all organizational functions. Embrace and shape More in Common’s positive work culture.

VISIONARY AND STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

• Help set and achieve More in Common’s strategic goals for the US, working in partnership with the co-founders of More in Common and with More in Common’s US and global Boards. Serve as a visible thought-leader in shaping conversations and strategies in strengthening social cohesion and disrupting polarization in the US. Contribute to the strategic direction of More in Common globally as a senior member of the leadership team. Engage strategically with More in Common’s US Board. Lead the design and implementation of projects and programs to advance More in Common’s mission in the US.

PARTNERSHIPS AND FUNDRAISING

• Secure institutional funding for More in Common’s US work for an annual budget in the seven figures. Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with future donors. Diversify funding sources by developing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and through consulting opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

This role and this moment in the nation’s history call for exceptional leadership skills. While we don’t look for a fixed list of qualifications, the following will be especially valuable:

• A broad range of expertise and interests and a record of impact in relevant areas such as politics, media, advocacy, academia, campaigning, or polling
• 5+ years leading an organization or team
• Exceptional strategic thinking skills, with a proven ability to design and implement creative solutions to complex problems
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated track record of public speaking and writing
• A strong fundraising track record
• A proven capacity to nurture and manage a diverse team, and to work in and build a positive, respectful and collaborative work culture
• An appetite for and understanding of public opinion research and insights into how public attitudes change
• Experience with and a capacity to understand people from different backgrounds, to see the world from others’ perspectives and inspire trust among diverse audiences
• An ability and desire to work across the ideological spectrum

JOINING MORE IN COMMON

Each member of our team makes a vital contribution to our work, and we put a strong emphasis on character, culture, and values in hiring. We look for people who:

• Are strategic, rigorous, restless, energetic, and creative
• Are able to think ahead and get big stuff done
• Are committed to a process of ongoing learning and experience of a ‘test and learn’ approach
• Act with humility, generosity, and integrity towards others
• Are excited to work with heart as well as head
• Feel comfortable and excited to dwell on the edge but not on the margins
• Want to be part of an effort to turn despair into hope

Here are some additional things we look for:

• An agile and entrepreneurial mind-set
• A drive to make a measurable difference to society and a track record to prove it
• Curiosity and creativity
• Demonstrable empathy and great listening skills
• Strong collaboration and field-building skills
• The capacity to embrace complexity and find a way through it, taking others with you along the way
• Able to set priorities, meet goals, and evaluate both process and results
• Resilience under pressure
• A strong familiarity with a diverse range of communities in the US
• Belief in the power of a good sense of humor

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary for the role is $170,000 to $210,000, commensurate with experience. More in Common offers excellent benefits, including generous leave policy, matching 401(k), medical, and a personal learning and growth budget.

The deadline to apply for this opportunity is January 22, 2024.

CONTACT

Sarah Avendaño of Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this search. Please submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile: Apply Here.

Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

More in Common is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

ABOUT KOYA PARTNERS

Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

For more information about Koya Partners, visit Koya Partners.