Executive Director

About the Organization:

The Arizona Center for Economic Progress (AZCenter) is seeking a strategic and visionary leader to serve as its next Executive Director. Established in 2017, AZCenter is affiliated with Children’s Action Alliance (CAA), a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization in Arizona. AZCenter collaborates with advocates, policymakers, and communities to address economic inequities and implement solutions for a fair and socially just Arizona.

AZCenter is a leader in advocating for changes at the state and federal levels to create fair tax codes and economic policies. These changes aim to generate revenue for investments in education, affordable housing, healthcare, childcare, infrastructure, and other essential public services, fostering thriving communities and better economic opportunities for all Arizonans.

About Us:

AZCenter and Children’s Action Alliance are dynamic organizations with a vision for an equitable and healthy State of Arizona. Recognizing historical discriminatory policies, we are committed to advancing race equity and inclusion both in policies and within our organization. This position plays a crucial role in these organization-wide conversations, supporting the realization of our commitment within AZCenter.

Learn more about our work and partners at azeconcenter.org.

About the Position:

The Executive Director reports to the President and CEO of CAA. The ideal candidate is a strategic and collaborative leader with the vision and skills to further grow AZCenter. The role involves being a trusted source of information, an influential policy advocate, and an agent of transformational change for Arizonans often left behind.

Responsibilities:

1. Team Leadership:
   • Supervise all research and policy staff.
   • Work as a coach and mentor, fostering a collaborative team environment.
   • Support staff development and well-being.
2. Strategic Planning:
   • Build a research and legislative agenda aligned with organizational goals.
   • Ensure a racial equity lens in policy and research work.
3. External Relations:
   • Build authentic relationships with external partners focusing on grassroots organizing.
   • Share power and decision-making with organizations working directly with impacted communities.
4. Fundraising:
   • Secure new funding, write grant proposals and reports, track grant deliverables, and cultivate new donors.
5. Community Engagement:
   • Build and sustain community-centered engagement campaigns.
   • Advance policy priorities at the state and federal level.
6. Communications:
   • Design a communications plan and produce written materials.
   • Represent the organization in collaborations with national partners.
7. Organizational Coordination:
   • Ensure adherence to Equitable Policy Tool and Style Guide.
   • Serve as spokesperson for AZCenter in various forums.
8. CAA Leadership Team:
   • Collaborate with the CAA leadership team for organizational coordination and communication.
9. Budget Management:
   • Manage and monitor the AZCenter operating budget and grants.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to AZCenter’s vision and mission.
• Bachelor’s Degree with at least seven years of relevant work experience.
• Expertise in state fiscal policy, tax policy, education funding, affordable housing, healthcare, and more.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislative and budget processes.
• Understanding of challenges facing low-income Arizonans and communities of color.
• Political knowledge to create and implement effective strategic plans.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and convey complex policies to diverse audiences.
• Leadership experience, especially in supervising and developing professionals.

Compensation:

Salary range $95,000-$110,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include major medical and dental insurance, life insurance, matching retirement contribution, and competitive leave policies.

Location:

CAA operates a hybrid working system, with the Executive Director expected to work in the office two days per week and reside in the metro Phoenix area.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. We strongly encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.