Senior Director - Economic Security California

About the role

The Senior Director, Economic Security California, will lead the organization's strategic direction and execution across three core strategies: provoking, legitimizing, and winning. They will develop and implement ESCA's policy agenda to address the affordability crisis by advancing cash policies and countering corporate concentration. The role involves overseeing legislative advocacy, strategic communications, coalition-building, and public events in Sacramento. Additionally, they will serve as the primary spokesperson to media and external stakeholders, leading a statewide narrative plan.

• Drive state strategy across core strategies: provoke, legitimize, win.
• Develop and oversee ESCA's policy agenda to address the affordability crisis.
• Oversee legislative advocacy, strategic communications, coalition-building, and public events in Sacramento.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson to media and external stakeholders.

Programmatic Strategy and Leadership (50%)

Drive the development and execution of ESCA's state strategy across its three core strategies: provoke, legitimize, win. Set the strategic direction and oversee the development of ESCA's policy agenda to address the affordability crisis by advancing cash policies and countering corporate concentration. Direct ESCA's and ESCA Action's work in Sacramento, utilizing legislative advocacy, strategic communications, coalition-building, and public events to cultivate legislative champions and engage new constituencies.

• Develop and execute state strategy across core strategies: provoke, legitimize, win.
• Set strategic direction and develop ESCA's policy agenda.
• Direct legislative advocacy, strategic communications, coalition-building, and public events in Sacramento.

Organizational Leadership, Operations, and Growth (50%)

Execute an ambitious fundraising strategy to fund ESCA's annual budget, cultivating relationships with major donors, institutional funders, and prospective partners alongside ESP's development team. Set and drive a long-term growth vision for ESCA, expanding its geographic footprint, programmatic scope, annual budget, and operational capacity. Manage a sustainable budget for ESCA, overseeing financial forecasting, expense management, and operational systems to support smart growth.

• Execute fundraising strategy to fund annual budget.
• Set and drive long-term growth vision for ESCA.
• Expand geographic footprint, programmatic scope, annual budget, and operational capacity.
• Manage sustainable budget for ESCA.

Leadership & Competency Expectations

The ideal candidate will be outcome-oriented and bring a deep commitment to ESCA's mission. They should have a solid track record in leading projects and developing colleagues, and readiness to take on formal management of a diverse team. Strong candidates will offer extensive experience with the state legislative and budget process, demonstrating understanding of legislative strategy and familiarity with California's political landscape. They should also have proven relationships across California's legislative, philanthropic, and advocacy sectors, with a track record of driving inside-outside advocacy campaigns. The candidate should have a proven ability to manage budgets, lead high-performing teams, and drive strategic vision collaboratively in a fast-moving, virtual environment. They should also have secured and grown institutional funding and major gifts support, and have a builder's mindset with experience scaling state affiliates or regional programs. Skilled organizational spokespersons with exceptional writing and public speaking abilities, anchored by a deep commitment to economic and racial justice, are preferred.

Location, Compensation and Benefits

The Economic Security Project is a primarily virtual office with staff across the country. This position must be based in California with regular in-person meetings with decision-makers and coalition partners, including maintaining a consistent presence in Sacramento. The salary range for this position is $160,000-$195,000, dependent on factors such as experience and location. This role includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Interested?

To express your interest and explore this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter via the Maneva website. All inquiries and discussions will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. This position is available immediately, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled. We look forward to connecting with you!