Founding Executive Director - Lead a Civic Startup (Remote)

CivilWorks; Minnesota; On-site; USD 137,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CivilWorks is seeking a founding Executive Director to serve as the chief executive and public face of CivilWorks, responsible for translating our mission into a functioning, financially sustainable, and nationally impactful organization. This is not a startup playbook role; it is about writing the playbook.

This is a nonprofit startup with a modest runway. You will work closely with the Board to set strategy, build the team, cultivate funders, and lead a growing citizen movement for structural

Qualifications

• 5+ years of director or executive director level leadership experience in nonprofit, civic, political, or policy sector.
• Proven track record in fundraising, including major gifts, foundation relations, and budget management.
• Experience building partnerships with diverse stakeholders and managing staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine CivilWorks’ long-term strategy, annual priorities, and theory of change.
• Translate mission and values into programs, partnerships, and communications that move people to action.
• Lead fundraising efforts including major donor cultivation and foundation grants.
• Oversee budgets, ensure financial health, transparency, and accountability.
• Build strategic external relationships with organizations, academia, civic leaders, and government.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team; cultivate an effective organizational culture.
• Collaborate with the Board to fulfill governance responsibilities and strategic priorities.
• Position CivilWorks as a national leader in civic reform and public deliberation.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Stakeholder relations

Nonprofit governance

Job description

CivilWorks is seeking a founding Executive Director to serve as the chief executive and public face of CivilWorks, responsible for translating our mission into a functioning, financially sustainable, and nationally impactful organization. This is not a startup playbook role; it is about writing the playbook.

This is a nonprofit startup with a modest runway. You will work closely with the Board to set strategy, build the team, cultivate funders, and lead a growing citizen movement for structural