The Conversationalist, an independent feminist nonprofit media organization focused on global perspectives, seeks a visionary Executive Director to proactively chart and steward its future.

Our mission is two-fold: publishing feminist solutions journalism on global affairs and culture, and incubating a community that wants to engage constructively with the media. We seek to change the way people feel after reading the news by prioritizing empathy in our reporting, interrogating the impact of policy on vulnerable people, and publishing under-amplified voices. The Conversationalist is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for journalism, civic engagement, and democracy, one brave conversation at a time.

After nearly five years of operating as a small but influential founder-led nonprofit media organization, The Conversationalist is moving into a robust phase of strategic growth. After a successful relaunch, our social, newsletter, and site reach and engagement have increased exponentially. We seek to build on this success and foster further growth and journalistic expansion with an aggressive revenue-enhancement strategy.

We are committed to hiring a transformative leader who will inspire and sustain a strong, dynamic team, mobilizing and effectively capitalizing on The Conversationalist’s considerable reputation and engaged, influential audience of thought leaders and change agents. We seek an ED who is an intersectional feminist, experienced leader, joyful fundraiser, and top-tier manager of people and processes. Our ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with creativity to ensure that The Conversationalist’s operations, editorial approach, revenue plans, and strategic partnerships are effective, and aligned with its mission.

The Executive Director (ED) role is a fully remote, full-time salaried position for immediate hire, and will report to a supportive Board of Directors (directly reporting to the Board’s President). The ED will oversee and manage the organization’s fiscal health, staff growth and management, day-to-day operations, outreach and communication, fundraising and strategic partnerships, and all other efforts to put the organization on a path to becoming a fully sustainable enterprise.

The ED will work collaboratively with the Board, its President, staff, and other stakeholders, to:

Job Responsibilities

Mission and Vision

Ideate, devise, implement, and execute on an ambitious yet realistic strategic plan for sustainable growth.
Responsibly and thoughtfully steward the organization, its culture, and its team during this pivotal moment.
Establish goals, objectives, and operational plans that implement The Conversationalist’s vision, and reflect and meet objectives set by the Board of Directors.
Integrate The Conversationalist’s mission and core values into every facet of operations, strategic growth initiatives, language, editorial practices, and staff development.
Devise and oversee thoughtful and sustainable growth into bold new revenue-generating initiatives, while also bolstering and supporting the continued growth and promotion of the flagship digital magazine.

Leadership

In collaboration with The Conversationalist’s Board President, actively engage and energize all stakeholders: Board members, committees, strategic partners, and funders.
Maintain and support a strong, engaged Board of Directors, and serve as ex-officio of each committee; seek and build board involvement for all expansion and growth.
Execute on policies and all governance in collaboration with the Board as required.
Hire, lead, coach, develop, and retain staff.

Thought Leadership, Field Advocacy, and Fundraising

Cultivate, manage, and enhance strategic, collaborative relationships with targeted, high-level audiences, including media, partners, and other influences to help advance The Conversationalist’s mission and impact.
Act as public speaker, ambassador, and public relations representative of The Conversationalist in order to strengthen its profile.
Proactively identify new audiences and strategic opportunities that are aligned with The Conversationalist’s capabilities and nonprofit mission.
Develop and maintain relationships with foundation and individual major gift prospects to fund The Conversationalist.
Be entrepreneurial in pursuit of earned income and strategic partnership opportunities, including leveraging nontraditional ideas.
Actively leverage professional network to assist in building The Conversationalist’s audience, financial health, and overall brand position.

Board Relations and Engagement

Regularly communicate with the Board about The Conversationalist’s strategic plan, implementation of goals, operating health, and growth.
Present thoughtful, informative reports to the Board.
Coordinate and participate in all Board committees and advisory committees.
Work with and inspire the Board in fundraising efforts.
Help Board President identify, recruit, and develop new Board members based on current and future needs (legal, advocacy, community representation, etc.)

Staff Management

Build, lead, and continually develop a committed, connected staff.
Assess staffing needs and hire judiciously.
Actively model an intuitive, trust-based, transparent, and compassionate management approach for all staff, partners, and contractors
Ensure safe, healthy, positive, and equitable workplace environment (remote or in-person) for all staff and contractors.
Ensure adherence of the organization’s daily activities and long-term plans to established (and refreshed as needed) policies, bylaws, and legal guidelines.
Provide regular opportunities for feedback and growth.

Infrastructure, Budget, and Administration

Continually monitor, assess, and improve the operating health and overall sustainability of The Conversationalist.
Establish systems and processes that are efficient and intuitive.
Oversee and review regular reports to acquire a keen understanding of the organization’s financial and non-financial position, operations, and challenges.
Devise remedial actions for any identified issues and conduct crisis management when necessary.

Candidate Requirements

Minimum of 5-7 years of demonstrated leadership and management experience, particularly in the nonprofit space, including in project management, revenue generation, and building and maintaining high-performing teams
Demonstrated depth and breadth of responsibility in previous leadership roles
Familiarity with and nuanced understanding of the media landscape.
Strong strategic and business acumen
Established relationships with major philanthropic funders and/or major private donors, and a track record of success in raising funds for nonprofit organizations
Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities and needs of the organization; prior startup experience is valued but not required
Prior experience as a Board-facing Executive strongly preferred
Familiarity with media landscape and content leverage strategy preferred

The Ideal Candidate Will Be

Deeply interested in and committed to intersectional feminism
Passionate about executing The Conversationalist’s mission
Enthusiastic about new ideas and their implementation
Creative and curious, detail-oriented and responsible
A strong and clear communicator of ideas, processes, and action items
An inspiring and dedicated leader, able to connect with a broad spectrum of people in meaningful ways and drive toward a common purpose.

Compensation and Work Setup

Salary range $120,000-140,000, commensurate with experience and achievement. Competitive benefits package.

The role is 100% remote, with occasional U.S. travel for team meetings, scheduled in-person events, and key interactions with partners, Board, and potential or current donors.

How to Apply

The Conversationalist *is* the people who work here–if that’s you, we hope you’ll apply!

Please submit the following to careers@conversationalist.org:

Cover letter stating your specific interest and qualifications for the position.
Name(s) of person referring, or source of job description.
Resume, including relevant outside activities and hobbies.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Conversationalist is an equal opportunity employer. The Conversationalist provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without unlawful discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, sexual orientation, military status or veteran, political association, political/personal convictions, citizenship status or any other classiﬁcation protected by federal, state and local laws, in all employment decisions, including, but not limited to recruitment, hiring training, compensation, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-oﬀ and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

The Conversationalist

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