Job Opportunity
Executive Director — Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
Virginians for A ltematives to the Death Penalty (VADP) is seeking an energetic
professional to lead and manage Virginia’s only statewide organization dedicated to ending the
death penalty in Virginia.
VADP is an independent, statewide citizens organization that conducts educational
programs, engages in media relations, communicates with and mobilizes its 4,000 members and
supporters, organizes and conducts execution vigils, and lobbies the General Assembly
concerning legislation that relates to Virginia’s capital punishment laws.
The Executive Director is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the
organization. S/he serves as VADP’s primary spokesperson and oversees the organization’s
fundraising and program activities. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors of
VADP, a501(c)(3) organization.
Key Responsibilities
1. Developing, implementing, and evaluating programs that support VADP’s mission;
2. Representing the organization at all levels, and to all key constituencies;
3. Building positive relationships with partner organizations, policymakers, media, and
others;
4. Working with the Board to develop a realistic annual budget and budget/fundraising
forecasting process; making financial decisions consistent with the budget as approved by the
Board; planning for adequate cash flow; and providing regular, timely internal financial
statements to the Board;
5. Leading fundraising efforts, including supporting the Board’s involvement in
fundraising, personally cultivating and soliciting donors, and supervising the implementation of
fundraising plans and policies approved by the Board;
6. Providing Board members the information they need to fulfill their obligations as Board
members;
7, Complying with all local, state, and federal legal requirements.
Qualifications
This is a full-time position that requires willingness and ability to travel within Virginia and, at
times, evening and weekend work.
The successful candidate will have the optimal mix of the following skills and personal qualities:
Passion for, and understanding of, the philosophy, values, mission, and operational style
of VADP.
Excellent communications skills, including the abilities to write persuasively, speak
extemporaneously, and use basic social media (Facebook, Twitter) effectively.
Nonprofit leadership and/or management experience, including familiarity with Salsa ora
similar web-based management/outreach tool.
Familiarity with basic online-publishing functions, e.g., on WordPress, and confident
command of basic spreadsheet operations (Excel, etc.).
Strong understanding of the full range of financial operations (budgeting, cash
management, accounting, reporting, etc.) required of a nonprofit organization.
Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and organizations that may have
divergent or competing agendas.
Familiarity with the political situation in Virginia.
Willingness and ability to work with the Board to develop an effective plan to grow
VADP to the point where we can accomplish our mission.
General leadership qualities that inspire and motivate others, including staff, volunteer
leaders, potential donors and potential VADP members and supporters.
Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications in the range of $40,000 to $50,000.
Applications
VADP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified persons,
including people of color, persons with disabilities, and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
individuals. All interested persons should send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and the
names and addresses of at least three work or related references to steve@vadp.org.
