Ohio Debate Commission is Hiring a New Executive Director
Posted: Nov 30, 2023
JOB OPENING: Executive Director, Ohio Debate Commission (ODC)
As part of a planned transition, the Ohio Debate Commission is pleased to announce a search for its next Executive Director.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: The Ohio Debate Commission is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that encourages participation in our democracy by presenting fair and substantive debates for statewide offices and issues. As a collaboration of civic, academic, and media organizations focused on providing high quality, widely and easily available content, the ODC plays a vital role in preparing voters with reliable, trustworthy information. We achieve our mission through debates, forums, education, and outreach.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Ohio Debate Commission seeks a passionate and dynamic Executive Director responsible for advancing the mission of the ODC. The Executive Director acts primarily as the organization’s project coordinator and fundraiser and is responsible for communications with both internal and external stakeholders. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.
This is a flexible, part time role, 20-80 hours/month (more time is required during debate seasons). Though remote, the work is based in Ohio and includes some statewide travel.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Debate Planning and Execution
Engages a broad array of stakeholders to convene, produce, distribute, and promote the highest quality debates for the highest statewide offices in Ohio.
Works with partners and board members to coordinate all aspects of debate production (venue selection, moderator selection, campaign communications, question solicitation and selection, technical, staging and media needs, etc.).
Communicates effectively with campaigns in relevant races.
Drives operations plans to completion, including collection of metrics and post-event debriefs and evaluations.
Fundraising and Financial Performance
Ongoing creation, revision, and execution of multi-pronged fundraising strategy (philanthropic institutions, individual donors, etc.), including grant-writing, donor solicitation, etc.
Maintains and develops relations with donors.
Ensures the fiscal integrity of the ODC, including submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and accurate quarterly financial statements.
Provides fiscal management that anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, transparency, accountability, and maintenance of the ODC in a positive financial position.
Community Engagement
Works with partners to design and implement educational programming connected to ODC debates and forums.
Conducts outreach to expand visibility and use of ODC’s resources including the ODC Debate Playbook and Debate Watch Toolkit.
Caretakes, expands, and utilizes network of media, civic, and other ODC partners in support of ODC’s work and the promotion of civic participation’s importance.
Serves as liaison to other statewide debate commissions and the State Debate Coalition umbrella for similar organizations.
Oversee marketing and other communication efforts.
Leadership and Strategy
Works with the Board and ODC staff to ensure fulfillment of the ODC mission through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.
Enhances the ODC’s image by being active and visible in the community and working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure ODC operations are efficient and of the highest quality.
Recruits, trains, and manages competent, qualified staff, consultants, partners, interns, and volunteers in pursuit of identified outcomes.
Establishes employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions for the day-to-day operations of the ODC.
Maintains good working relationships with other debate organizers in other states to share best practices and evolve the ODC’s brand and impact.
Board Relations
Communicates effectively with the Board, in a timely and accurate manner, and providing all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
Monitors compliance with the ODC’s Code of Regulations and mission.
Reports to and works closely with the Board to seek Board involvement in policy decisions and fundraising.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Deep love of democracy and belief in the mission.
Transparent and high integrity leadership.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Experience in (or a willingness to learn) fundraising, board management, collaborative partnerships, high level strategic thinking and planning.
Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The ODC offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. This role has flexible hours which are based on completion of work and tasks unique to each election cycle. We are open to non-traditional arrangements (it’s okay if you have other employment.)
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants should email resumé and cover letter including salary requirement to Board President Dan Moulthrop at dmoulthrop@cityclub.org.
The Ohio Debate Commission is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, inclusion, and growth for all our employees. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to democracy and civic engagement.
