Project Director, California Reparations Education Initiative (Tides Center FSP)

About the role

The California Reparations Education Project, a fiscally sponsored project of Tides Center, is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the first Project Director of this new statewide initiative advancing public education, coalition-building, and support for comprehensive reparations in California.

This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a high-impact, high-visibility initiative from the ground up—working at the intersection of policy, communications, and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategy & Execution
• Drive day-to-day leadership of a statewide initiative advancing reparations education and advocacy
• Translate strategic priorities into clear work plans, timelines, and measurable goals
• Track progress and report outcomes to key stakeholders, including legislative partners
• Represent the initiative publicly to build awareness and momentum
• Build & Manage Partnerships
• Collaborate with an Advisory Board and Community Steering Committee Working Groups to align on direction and advance key priorities
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, nonprofits, and regional partners
• Expand partnerships and coordinate statewide engagement
• Build Operations & Infrastructure
• Build core systems, workflows, and processes to support a growing initiative
• Oversee budget, expenses, and financial tracking in partnership with the Tides Center service team
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit and fiscal sponsorship requirements
• Manage vendors, consultants, and operational risks
• Support Fundraising & Sustainability
• Partner with Advisory Board and other leadership to develop and execute a fundraising strategy
• Cultivate relationships with funders and support grant opportunities
• Ensure strong grant management, reporting, and compliance
• Build the Team and Culture
• Hire, onboard, and manage staff, consultants, and volunteers as the initiative scales
• Foster a collaborative, values-driven working environment among staff, committee members, consultants and other initiative partners

Requirements

• 7+ years in program leadership, campaigns, coalition-building, or related fields
• Familiarity with regional and national racial justice movements and networks, ideally within California
• Experience launching new programs or building systems from scratch
• Background in nonprofit or grant-funded environments
• Experience working with boards or community advisory groups

Skills & Strengths

• Strategic thinker with strong execution and project management skills
• Relationship builder with the ability to align diverse stakeholders and move them towards action
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading in a startup environment
• Strong communicator with experience in public-facing roles
• Financial and operational acumen, including budgeting and compliance
• Fundraising and grant management experience
• Familiarity with California policy landscape
• Experience in public affairs, advocacy, or strategic communications

Pay

This role offers a competitive compensation package with a salary range of $145,000-$165,000/year and robust benefits.

Schedule

This is a fully remote role. Residency in California is preferred. Travel within California (estimated 2-3 times per quarter), with occasional travel outside the state.

Work Environment

Employee is required to sit for extended periods of time and work on a computer. The position requires phone conversations and in person or virtual meetings with both internal and external partners.