About Us

Position Announcements

Independent Sector has an opening for a position and welcomes referrals from member organizations. Independent Sector is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its staff. General information, incluidng how to apply, is at the bottom of this page, or at the end of the description of the position.

Our members also have openings available that may interest you.

Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Finance

Duties and ResponsibIlities

  • Develop financial strategy for the organization and monitor efficacy as needed. Provide ongoing recommendations and advice to President and CEO on overall financial strategy and tactics.
  • Develop and present annual budget and interim reports and analyses
  • Staff Audit and Investment committees; work with President and CEO to provide support and materials to Executive Committee as needed, particularly in relation to financial oversight of organization
  • Consult regularly with Treasurer on all relevant finance and accounting issues; provide backup documentation for Treasurer at Board related meetings
  • Manage and coordinate all purchasing and procurement for organization, including vendor contracts, large purchases (e.g. Annual Conference-related), etc. to ensure that economies of scale are being leveraged and highest level of efficiency and expense management are reached
  • Work closely with, and provide leadership, direction, and analysis to department heads in preparing area budgets, program goals, and grant reports
  • Handle all aspects of contract management, ensuring consistency among all contractual agreements
  • Handle all cash management and financial performance tracking
  • Oversee accounting system including A/P, A/R, G/L and monthly/annual close
  • Oversee preparation of monthly reports (Investment, Grant projects and Financial Statements), annual projections and budgets, according to organizational and departmental needs
  • Lead preparation for annual audit and tax return, ensuring accuracy and consistent clean audit results
  • Ensure all applicable federal, state, and local reporting requirements (including 990) are met
  • Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing and monitor system for possible improvements and greater efficiencies
  • Work closely with Human Resources to oversee all organizational benefits and compensation programs
  • Establish, maintain, and update the financial policies, procedures, and controls of the organization
  • Work closely with Resource Development to ensure that grant reports and other supporting materials are provided to funders in a timely fashion
  • Work closely with Department Heads to manage funding-related expenditures (including, but not limited to grant funding) to ensure monies are used in responsible and timely way
  • Provide exemplary customer service to internal customers. Set and maintain service standards for the finance department in working with internal customers
  • Provide thought leadership and oversee IT by working closely with outsourcing vendor to provide the best possible IT service to the organization.
  • Oversee development of organizational technology strategy and implementation.
  • Manage all building-related transactions and serve as the liaison to building management company
  • Lead, motivate, and manage finance/accounting staff
  • Manage all finance-related vendor relationships, including ongoing cost-benefit analysis and search for process improvements
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

  • MBA or similar graduate degree preferred
  • CPA certification preferred
  • Minimum of ten years experience
  • Eight years supervisory experience
  • Substantial knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as they apply to not-for-profit entities, internal accounting controls, taxation, investment, and treasury functions
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage projects and people
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with accounting and financial reporting related to grant management
  • Experience with contract laws and negotiation
  • Experience in building management and/or commercial real estate
  • Significant experience in organizational IT, both management and strategy-building
  • Great integrity and discretion; ability to maintain the trust and confidence of the Board, President and CEO and staff on fiscal and other matters
  • Excellent computer skills including extensive experience with automated accounting systems and a high level of competency with spreadsheet analysis

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Vice President, Nonprofit Programs and Practice

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead IS initiatives on impact and effectiveness, ethics and accountability, leadership and workforce, and international civil society. This includes setting the direction of the programs, optimizing the use of advisory groups and committees that include members reflecting the diversity of the nonprofit and philanthropic community, and managing teams to implement the initiatives.
  • Lead the design and implementation of all content for the IS Annual Conference, the premier gathering of the nonprofit and philanthropic community. Manage cross-department teams to ensure that Conference program content is aligned with Conference logistics, fundraising, and promotional efforts.
  • Lead efforts to identify and assess how emerging trends and issues may impact the nonprofit and philanthropic community and determine how they should impact IS’s work.
  • Contribute to organizational strategy as key member of IS’ senior management team, including the development of organization-wide and department annual goals, strategies, and desired outcomes, along with the development of corresponding budgets.
  • In coordination with the President/CEO and the Membership team, play a leading role in growing the IS membership base in ways that support IS program and policy work.
  • In coordination with the President/CEO and the Resource Development team, play a leading role in raising funds to support department programs and the organization as a whole.
  • Manage department staff, including recruitment, retention, and professional development.
  • Some travel is required.

Qualifications and Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

  • A master’s degree and at least 10 years of relevant experience working in or with nonprofit or philanthropic organizations.
  • A deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofits and foundations.
  • Experience with intermediary organizations.
  • Strong familiarity with nonprofit infrastructure organizations and sector-wide issues.
  • Expertise in one or more of the following areas strongly desired: nonprofit impact and effectiveness; ethics and accountability; and leadership/workforce/talent.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communications.
  • Leadership, interpersonal and diplomatic skills.
  • Demonstrated management skills and experience working with senior management.
  • The ability to juggle competing assignments and working to meet tight deadlines.
  • The ability to both supervise and inspire staff and volunteers and collaborate effectively with people at all levels of the organization.
  • The ability to define objectives, develop and manage budgets, and evaluate outcomes.
  • Experience working with funders to secure financial support for programs strongly desired.

The ideal candidate will be a highly energetic, dedicated person who is strongly committed to teamwork while also able to work independently. He or she will also be a creative and independent thinker with a track record of success in implementing new ideas.

For more information please contact Sterling Martin Associates:  

David Martin
Managing Partner
vp-is@smartinsearch.com

Beth Cessna
Senior Consultant
vp-is@smartinsearch.com

1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20036
www.smartinsearch.com

Sterling Martin Associates is an executive search firm with locations in Washington, DC, New York, NY, and Irvine, CA. For more information please visit our website at www.smartinsearch.com.

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Senior Director, Human Resources

Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Director, Human Resources will work closely with the President and CEO and the senior leadership team to p rovide thought leadership and direction of the Human Resources function. The Senior Director, HR will develop, implement, and oversee all HR strategy and programs. Specific duties will include:

  • Evaluate organizational culture and provide recommendations on human capital strategy and monitor for any needed changes to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
  • Maintain and manage newly-developed performance management process.
  • Evaluate procedures and technology solutions to improve human resources information management.
  • Consistently evaluate HR function's operating procedures and internal-customer service focus to ensure greatest efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Recommend and maintain an organizational structure and staffing levels to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
  • Create organization strategic recruitment, selection and retention plans. Direct all employment and recruitment activities, including maintenance of and adherence to related policies and procedures. Ensure all programs reflect IS's commitment to diversity.
  • Manage and coordinate new employee orientation program.
  • Recommend initiatives that continue to ensure and sustain employee engagement and commitment.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to IS Staff Council to develop and communicate activities focused on building better working relationships and further building the IS employee community.
  • Deliver the newly-created in-house training curriculum. Design and deliver additional training as organizational needs warrant. Develop and implement organizational development interventions as needed.
  • Monitor existing policies and update as needed, based on organizational environment and to ensure compliance with, and adherence to all applicable regulations.
  • Direct the administration of newly redesigned benefit programs. Evaluate and recommend improvements and enhancements to programs as organizational and marketplace conditions warrant.
  • Direct employee relations function. Provide coaching and counseling to staff and facilitate conflict resolution. Respond to and recommend course of action relating any legal issues.
  • Manage all vendor relationships and evaluate and recommend efficiency and improvement opportunities.

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Ten years experience in a senior level Human Resource position directing Human Resource functions
  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) credential preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field required
  • Demonstrated ability and experience in building partnerships with, and advising senior leadership
  • Experience in strategic planning and execution. Extensive knowledge of organizational development and change management
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills
  • Professional and well-developed written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Innovative and resourceful problem-solving ability and comfort with rapidly -changing situations
  • Strong training delivery and facilitation skills
  • Knowledge of federal, state and local employment, wage and salary laws and regulations. Ability to interpret and advise on the application of federal, state and local employment laws and regulations
  • Experience in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures
  • Significant knowledge and experience with management, design, and administration of health and welfare benefits programs and compensation programs
  • Ability to exercise considerable judgment, confidentiality and discretion in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
  • Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and deadlines

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Director, Nonprofit Sector Programs and Practice

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist Vice President of Nonprofit Sector Programs and Practice in managing all aspects of the department's work, including development, planning, and execution of program initiatives and committee meetings.
  • Work with the Vice President to assess and develop new areas of program activity for Independent Sector and make appropriate recommendations to the President and CEO.
  • Stay informed of developments, trends, and innovations in relevant program areas.
  • Work closely with cross-department teams on organization-wide initiatives.
  • Work with the Resource Development team to maintain productive relationships with Independent Sector funders, identify new opportunities for funding, and prepare grant applications and reports .
  • Identify potential new Independent Sector members.
  • Some travel, including international, is required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Master's degree; concentration in nonprofit/public management or business preferred.
  • Eight to ten years experience working in or with the nonprofit community.
  • Expertise or experience in one or more of the following program areas strongly desired: accountability, governance, organizational effectiveness, organizational leadership, or international civil society.
  • Expertise or experience in one or more of the following processes strongly preferred: program development, strategic planning, cross-sector collaborations, or program evaluation.
  • Leadership, interpersonal skills, and diplomacy.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with Independent Sector members.
  • Ability to define objectives, develop and manage budgets, implement programs, and evaluate outcomes.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communications.
  • Ability to juggle competing assignments and work to meet tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrated management skills and experience working with senior management.
  • Ability to supervise and inspire colleagues.
  • Experience writing grant applications and working with funders to secure funding for programs preferred.
  • Highly energetic, dedicated person who is strongly committed to teamwork while also able to work independently. This position calls for a creative and independent thinker who is also committed to working on the issues facing the nonprofit community.

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Director, Government Relations

The Director is a key leader in developing and implementing successful advocacy efforts to advance public policies that strengthen the ability of the nonprofit and philanthropic community to address the critical challenges facing our nation and the world. The successful candidate will have a solid understanding of the nonprofit community, the legislative process and executive branch operations. He/she must have excellent oral and written communication skills, and demonstrated ability to create and lead effective coalitions to advance desired public policy objectives. The Director must be a player/coach who is exceptional at the implementing effective lobbying and advocacy campaigns and who can operate at a high strategic level in leading staff and IS member organizations. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, committed government relations professional who wants to help lead and empower the nonprofit and philanthropic community to have a greater impact on federal public policy decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Maintain an up-to-date awareness of all administrative, legislative and regulatory activity pertinent to the interests of IS and its members.
  • Develop and maintain strong, regular contacts with members and senior staff in Congress and the administration to monitor, analyze and shape legislation and regulations that affect the charitable community.
  • Identify opportunities to initiate legislative or regulatory actions that strengthen the ability of charitable organizations to create solutions to important issues facing communities, including developing proposals that can be turned into legislation, bill amendments, regulatory notices and other necessary materials.
  • Develop and implement strategies for direct lobbying, involvement of IS members and key interest groups, media outreach, and grassroots lobbying efforts to ensure that the interests of IS and the charitable community are appropriately considered in federal policy decisions.
  • Ensure that leaders of Independent Sector and its members have current, accurate information about and are actively engaged in addressing federal, and where appropriate, state, legislative and regulatory issues affecting charitable organizations.
  • In consultation with Senior Vice President, conduct and oversee all lobbying and advocacy activities, including coordinating work of government relations staff and external contract lobbyists.
  • Develop and prepare analyses of current and proposed legislation and regulations affecting charitable organizations as needed.
  • Develop and implement briefings on tax-exempt law and issues of concern to the charitable community for Members of Congress and the Administration and their staff.
  • Manage regular legislative update sessions and convene and manage other task forces, committees, and advisors to develop and advise on policy positions and legislative strategies.
  • Develop relevant programs and materials for the IS conference and other gatherings, and collaborate with other IS departments on common responsibilities including membership recruitment, staff training and development, and grant writing.
  • Assist Sr. Vice President in preparing and implementing department work plans and budgets.
  • Recruit, train and supervise qualified staff team to carry out legislative affairs program.
  • Some travel required.
  • Other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Ten years Capitol Hill or government relations experience, including senior level experience that demonstrates the ability to plan and implement successful lobbying and advocacy efforts.
  • History of engagement with nonprofit organizations and strong knowledge of how the nonprofit and philanthropic community operates and is regulated.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of congressional and executive branch procedures required.
  • Hill connections and ability to work with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and administration officials (including, but not limited to, the White House, Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service, Office of Management and Budget, and Government Accountability Office) essential.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic thinking skills combined with keen attention to detail.
  • Superior communications, leadership and advocacy skills, and excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills required. Must be very articulate and able to communicate clearly verbally and in writing to IS members and other relevant parties the substance of IS policy positions.
  • Demonstrated ability to build, lead and participate in strong coalitions.
  • Must be a flexible collaborative team player with a passion for public policy and the political process.
  • Must be a self-starter who thrives in a rapidly changing environment and excels at working with a diverse team of colleagues and members.
  • Advanced degree required, with J.D. preferred.
  • Proficiency in the use of office technology with emphasis on Microsoft Office and database applications.

Salary is competitive with excellent benefits including a generous vacation and retirement plan.

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Communications and Social Media Manager

Job Overview

The Communications and Social Media Manager develops and implements communication and social media strategies consistent with the organization's strategic objectives. The candidate must be a superior writer and strategic thinker, with the capacity to develop and follow-through on long-range plans while managing emerging news. Working closely and collaboratively with the vice president of communications and marketing, the manager builds strong media relations, issues news releases, policy positions and provides fresh and relevant content for the Independent Sector website, Facebook page, Twitter accounts, bloggers, and other relevant social media outlets. The manager networks with members, coalitions and partnerships, tracks and analyzes news and social media coverage, and prepares well crafted, succinct background materials on complex nonprofit sector issues. Must be able to deal positively, effectively and responsively to urgent deadlines and possess an ability to thrive under pressure.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Forges strong internal relationships with the president's office and policy, program and membership teams
  • Initiates proactive media outreach; serves as the primary point of contact for media
  • Develops social media strategies to keep IS at the forefront of effective nonprofit marketing tactics
  • Prepares written and videotaped materials (e.g., news releases, letters-to-the-editor, member outreach etc) and develops messages, website content, publications, and other resources
  • Utilizes Final Cut Pro video editing for website content and video news releases as required
  • Conducts background research and writes talking points for the president's media interviews
  • Nurtures existing relationships with media and develops new contacts, including print, television, radio and key blog reporters
  • Develops and pitches story ideas relevant to the organization's strategic objectives
  • Maintains up-to-date media contact database
  • Prepares and distributes monthly media roundup report; analyzes impact and effectiveness
  • Prepares and distributes Daily Media Digest newsletter of nonprofit news coverage
  • Assists in promoting and organizing the IS Annual Conference, other events, awards, and partnerships; works with production company to produce videos and sessions
  • Participates in media education initiatives in partnership with other organizations
  • Serves on the editorial team to produce the monthly member e-newsletter and other member messages
  • Manages photography and video coverage of IS events

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Masters in journalism, English, communications or related field
  • Five to seven years experience working in nonprofit, association, political, or related settings
  • Excellent grasp of the evolving media environment, including new media, and the political, cultural and economic impact of the changing landscape on non-profit communications
  • Demonstrated exceptional writing, editorial, and proofreading skills and experience
  • Ability to translate dense, complex materials into clear and concise messaging
  • Successful media outreach, website, blogging, and newsletter/magazine experience
  • Computer expertise—expert knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint; experience with Lexis Nexis; DreamWeaver or other web publishing software a plus
  • Experience shooting and editing video preferred; Final Cut Pro editing will be required
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team to effectively produce quality work product
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to prioritize workload and media requests
  • Willingness to be available to respond to after-hours media requests and arrange interviews as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

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Designer and HTML Editor

Job Overview

Are you a strategic thinker who also does? We will both thrive if you have brilliant ideas and the chutzpah to bring them to life. We want someone who isn't intimidated by code and still loves the feel of ink on paper. We need a gifted cross-platform Designer and HTML Editor who will be responsible for the visual brand management of Independent Sector across all media. This job calls for a skilled motion graphics designer, proficient in latest web tools, a master of typography, a talented print and publications designer who is capable of shooting and editing video with Final Cut Pro for website and marketing presentations. It includes the creative development, design, and execution of graphics, animations, mapping, web site, publications, presentations, video packages and marketing campaigns as assigned by vice president of communications and marketing. This can be great fun if you do what must be done in time, if you love a fast paced and dynamic environment, if you love first class work, and you have a positive attitude and love to have fun at work.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Oversees visual brand management of IS across all platforms and executions internally and externally
  • Forges strong internal relationships with the president's office and policy, program, membership, and resource development teams
  • Develops creative design strategies for IS website, Facebook page, Twitter accounts, bloggers, and other social media outlets to keep IS at the forefront of effective nonprofit marketing tactics
  • Capable/willingness to learn Final Cut Pro video taping/editing for website content and video news releases required
  • Establishes annual conference logo and style guide for all applications
  • Designs and codes material for website and electronic messages, including daily policy and media newsletters
  • Brings fresh design ideas for forms, fliers, brochures, and other publications for printing
  • Cultivates strong vendor relationships with printers, suppliers, and freelance designers as needed
  • Establishes and maintains an asset management system for Independent Sector's base library of licensed photography, original photography, raw video, member logos, funder logos, audio, and edited video content
  • Supports marketing strategies, promotions schedule, and production of materials for the annual conference, annual report, board meetings and CEO Speeches
  • Works closely with Communications and Marketing staff and members of other departments to meet deadlines and achieve the highest level of quality and effectiveness

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Bachelors degree in design or equivalent work experience
  • Five to seven years creating exceptional web, video and print design
  • Must be a master of typography
  • A portfolio/URLs demonstrating award winning design work
  • Excellent grasp of the evolving media environment and the political, cultural and economic impact of the changing landscape on non-profit communications
  • Good knowledge in HTML, CSS and Flash
  • Understanding of JavaScript, Flash ActionScript or any back-end programming language is a BIG plus
  • Proficiency in Dreamweaver, Flash, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop
  • Experience shooting and editing video preferred; Final Cut Pro editing will be required
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be able to multi-task and manage immediate, short term and long term projects simultaneously
  • Must be able to organize and schedule work effectively even under urgent timelines
  • Prior news or nonprofit experience very helpful
  • Must be able to work flexible hours, including hours beyond the normal schedule when necessary
  • Other duties as assigned

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Application and General Information

To apply for any Independent Sector position:

Submit cover letter, resume, salary history, and sample of work to:

resumes@independentsector.org
Human Resources (Title of job for which you are applying)
Independent Sector
1602 L St. NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20036
Fax: 202-467-6101

No phone calls, please.

Independent Sector is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.


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