50CAN is hiring an
Executive Director, TennesseeCAN
The Opportunity
TennesseeCAN’s next visionary, passionate leader will help bridge and eliminate the widening achievement and opportunity gaps as Tennessee plots its education recovery post-pandemic.
About TennesseeCAN
TennesseeCAN is a nonprofit education policy and advocacy organization. TennesseeCAN works in partnership with education leaders, elected officials, parents, students and other stakeholders from across the state to advance education policy change. Since launching, TennesseeCAN has emerged as a trusted voice on education in the state and secured key policy wins that have advanced this mission, including more stable and equitable school funding, growth in the number of high-quality schools in our state, and giving families access to educational choice.
TennesseeCAN is a part of the 50CAN network, which believes in locally-led advocacy work that is supported by the 50CAN national team.
About 50CAN
50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now, is a nonprofit organization that works at the local level to advocate for a high-quality education for all kids. We develop local education leaders by providing them with the research, tools and ideas needed to create learning environments that best meet every child’s needs. 50CAN operates campaigns in Connecticut, Delaware, Denver, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina and Tennessee and is led by CEO & Founder Marc Porter Magee. Part of its role is to provide back office support to its state campaigns, so that the local campaigns can devote more time to creating lasting change.
About the position
As our next Executive Director, you will work collaboratively with the advisory board, as well as local partners, to address the pressing issues facing Tennessee students. You will work with the board and local partners to set ambitious and strategic goals to address key policy challenges. You will oversee the TennesseeCAN team, and jointly execute on the policy campaigns identified each year by the team and board.
Key Responsibilities
Advocate-in-Chief: You will collaborate with state partners to change state policy through legislative and administrative action by crafting and executing the organization’s strategy and policy campaign plans.
Spokesperson: You will be the voice of our advocacy in speeches, meetings, media outreach and written communication across the state, effectively communicating complex policy and research arguments to a broad range of individuals and groups.
Fundraising: You will be the primary driver of the effort to secure philanthropic funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of TennesseeCAN and build upon the existing funding secured to date.
Manager and mentor: You will be the leader of the Tennessee team and must have the ability to effectively and concisely report relevant issues up to the advisory board and 50CAN staff. The executive director must also serve as both a strong manager and mentor for the team.
Key Skills, Abilities and Experience
The ideal candidate has strong ties to the state, a deep commitment to education reform, a successful track record running issue advocacy or political campaigns (or comparable start-up or government initiatives), a solid understanding of education policy and strong relationships with funders and policy makers. They will be extraordinarily entrepreneurial and be absolutely dedicated to our mission. Additionally, they will demonstrate:
Strategic thinking and management experience
Communication skills
Track record as a team player
How to apply
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. 50CAN offers a comprehensive and robust benefits package. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter via our BambooHR portal link HERE.
50CAN is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply.