We’re hiring an Executive Director
ABOUT KAIROS FELLOWSHIP
Kairos builds the demand and imagination for a new internet – collectively governed by people, responsive to our needs, and designed to support the beloved community and multi-racial democracy. We believe we can both bring organizing into the 21st century while transforming technology and the internet into a place where everyone can thrive. To be successful, we challenge ourselves to live our values and vision as we build the world we want. Joy, laughter, fun, and discipline are the ingredients we include as we work toward our vision together. Kairos has worked with hundreds of organizers since 2016 to contest for power in the digital realm and has run numerous campaigns to build the power needed for a new internet, including the 2021 Facebook Logout Campaign. We've also continued to seed our analysis of the digital realm with partners, including elected officials, via our User Error Report Series.
We honor the work of those who have come before us, those who have paved the way, those who have broken down walls and fought courageously in the face of hate and violence, and those who are our contemporaries in the fight for racial and gender justice. Core to our practice is the understanding that relationships are at the center of organizing, and relational organizing practices can be brought to the digital realm to expand our reach, develop leaders, and build power. At Kairos, our values represent both destination and practice; they govern our organization, our partnerships, and campaigns. We are committed to fostering an environment where strategic vision, innovation, and community-driven initiatives flourish, ensuring that our fellows and the communities they serve can thrive. Core values include: liberation, resilience, interdependence, rigor, and curiosity. To learn more about our core values and beliefs, please see here.
Kairos is a small, nimble, and growing team. Our team consists of eleven full-time staff persons and a few contractors, with collaborative input and clear decision-makers. We are still growing and learning and are looking for someone who will dive in and help shape our work for years to come.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Kairos Fellowship is a trailblazing organization at the intersection of technology and social justice, dedicated to empowering grassroots movements and advocating for equity in the tech landscape. As we continue to grow and solidify our impact, we are seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead our team into the next chapter. The ED will be instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the organization, driving fundraising efforts, and positioning Kairos as a thought leader in tech and social justice.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in executive leadership within nonprofit or advocacy settings, a deep understanding of the tech landscape, and a commitment to social justice. This role requires a strategic thinker who can build, maintain, and grow relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders, while fostering a collaborative and innovative organizational culture.
In the short term (3-6 months), the Executive Director will focus on developing strategies to navigate the organizational response to the upcoming presidential election, establishing and strengthening relationships with partners and the alumni network, and initiating relationships with new funders while managing existing funders. In the long term (1-2 years), the Executive Director will solidify Kairos' status as an independent legal entity, ensuring organizational stability and growth. This involves positioning Kairos as a leading organization in tech and social justice through thought leadership and strategic partnerships, overseeing budget expansion to support growth, and fostering a culture of radical play, experimentation, and collaboration to maintain a mission-focused team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
Strategic Planning and Growth
Lead the development of the organization's strategic vision and long-term goals. Identify and expand Kairos' unique niche in the tech and social justice space.
Oversee the implementation of strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with the organization's mission and goals. Monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to stay on course, and oversee budget growth and ensure financial stability.
Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy within a highly competitive and dynamic landscape that includes diversifying funding sources, securing grants, cultivating major donors, and exploring new revenue streams.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with institutional funders, including foundations and grantmakers. Engage with program officers to build long-term partnerships and secure funding commitments.
Guide the process of solidifying Kairos' status as an independent legal entity. Ensure that all legal, financial, and administrative frameworks are in place to support growth while navigating the legal distinctions and fundraising implications of managing a C3 and C4 organization, ensuring compliance while optimizing funding strategies to support organizational growth and mission fulfillment.
Cultivate a strong working relationship with the Board of Directors, ensuring clear communication, alignment on strategic goals, and active collaboration on key initiatives.
Provide regular, detailed financial reports to the Board of Directors and funders, ensuring transparency and accountability in all organizational activities and outcomes.
Public Positioning and Thought Leadership
Build on the current positioning of Kairos, enhancing its reputation and reach. Identify areas for growth and development, and create a roadmap for organizational expansion.
Act as the primary spokesperson for Kairos, representing the organization at conferences, public forums, and in the media. Enhance Kairos' visibility and influence in the tech and social justice sectors.
Contribute to the development of thought leadership content, including writing articles, opinion pieces, and reports.
Collaborate with team members to produce high-quality materials that reflect the organization's expertise and impact.
Forge and nurture partnerships with other organizations, influencers, and stakeholders in the tech and social justice communities. Leverage these relationships to enhance Kairos' public positioning and collaborative efforts.
Organizational Culture and Team Development
Promote a culture of experimentation, playfulness, and strategic collaboration within the organization. Encourage creativity and innovation in approaches to social justice and technology.
Support the professional growth and development of staff through training, mentoring, and knowledge transfer. Create opportunities for staff to teach and learn while advancing the organization's mission.
Lead by example, demonstrating a high-impact, low-ego approach to leadership. Cultivate an environment where team members are motivated, engaged, and aligned with the organization's goals.
Build and deepen relationships with partner organizations, alumni, and other key stakeholders.
Ensure ongoing communication and collaboration to support mutual goals.
Maintain and strengthen the alumni network, fostering a sense of community and ongoing engagement. Develop programs and initiatives that leverage alumni expertise and support.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
10+ years of relevant experience, with at least 5-7 years in leadership roles such as Executive Director or Deputy Director.
No specific degree requirements, but relevant education in nonprofit management, social justice, public policy, or technology is preferred.
Proven track record in securing grants and major donations, and building relationships with institutional funders.
Strong ability to develop and execute long-term organizational goals and identify unique organizational niches, with a strategic orientation to align these goals with actual material conditions and current trends.
Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, with experience representing organizations in public forums and producing high-quality written content.
Strong skills in building and deepening relationships with partners, stakeholders, and alumni.
Experience in budget oversight, financial management, and guiding organizations through structural growth.
High emotional intelligence, kindness, compassion, and strong problem-solving abilities.
Ability to respond to changing circumstances while maintaining organizational strategy and identity.
Nice-to-Haves:
Experience in writing for publication and public speaking, with media training or experience.
Experience in grassroots organizing or campaigning.
Experience leading organizations of similar size or larger.
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This is a full-time, exempt, remote position. Kairos staff work roughly 40 hours a week, understanding that the schedule must flex to accommodate the necessary ebbs and flows of the work and everyday life. The salary for this position is $160,000- $190,000, commensurate with experience. Basing compensation on someone’s willingness and ability to negotiate or on their prior pay rates leads to vast inequities and bias in how people are paid, particularly for groups experiencing historical oppression. Therefore, we do not ask for prior pay history from our candidates, and our offer-making process is negotiation-free. Kairos is proud to offer their staff 43 total days of time off (a combination of paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time) per year - this number increases over time, competitive health benefits, retirement match (up to 4%), deep investment in individualized professional development inclusive of coaching, conference attendance, and mentorship support.
EEO STATEMENT
Kairos Fellowship is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, religion, HIV serostatus, disability, height, weight, veteran status or marital status.
TO APPLY
Kairos is partnering with She Rose Solutions to find the next Executive Director. Please use this link to submit your application and direct all questions to liz@sherosesolutions.com. She Rose Solutions will review all applicants and, upon qualification, contact you to determine next steps.
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