Executive Director - Lillian’s List

The Opportunity 
Lillian’s List seeks a dedicated and strategic Executive Director to lead an organization committed to empowering and advancing progressive women leaders in North Carolina. The Executive Director will lead Lillian’s List’s mission of recruiting, training, and supporting women who champion reproductive freedom and gender equity to run for public office.

Lillian’s List provides political training and strategic guidance to aspiring women leaders across the state. The Lillian’s List PAC provides direct support to pro-choice, progressive women candidates running for the NC General Assembly and Council of State. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to its mission, and the organization actively seeks to amplify underrepresented voices in the political arena. Lillian’s List is supported by grassroots donations, grants, and key donor partnerships.

The organization has two Boards of Directors, operating with an annual budget of $500,000-$600,000. The organization includes the Lillian’s List Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that focuses on training and non-political functions, the 501 (c)(4) Action Fund as the political arm, and a PAC that makes contributions to endorsed candidates.

The Executive Director reports to the Boards of Directors and will supervise a team of three staff members. This is a remote position with significant travel throughout the state, Triangle residency preferred. The ED will shape and execute Lillian's List's strategic direction and fundraising efforts, working closely with key stakeholders, partners, and supporters to advance the organization's mission and deepen its impact. 

To learn more visit: www.lillianslist.org 

What You Will Do as Lillian’s List’s Next Executive Director? 
This role requires a visionary leader and fundraiser who is passionate about advancing women’s leadership and dedicated to advocating for reproductive freedom and gender equity in North Carolina. As Executive Director, you will have the opportunity to shape and expand Lillian’s List’s impact for years to come. 

As the Executive Director, you will: 

Lead a Culture of Empowerment and Advocacy: Cultivate a supportive and mission-driven culture that is focused on recruiting, training, and supporting progressive women leaders who champion reproductive freedom, gender equity, and progressive values in North Carolina. 

Strengthen and Broaden Fundraising Initiatives: Lead strategic fundraising efforts to grow and diversify the financial resources of Lillian’s List, with a particular focus on growing grant revenue and expanding the donor base. Serve as the “face” of Lillian’s List at political events and in meetings that build the brand and cultivate donors. 

Strategically Expand Political Influence: Drive efforts to identify and prepare the next generation of pro-choice women candidates for state and local office, growing recruiting and training programs along with key partners.

Manage Operational and Financial Success: Oversee the organization’s budget and financial resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility while strategically investing in programs that support candidate training and election success. 

Inspire and Engage Key Stakeholders: Serve as a dynamic spokesperson and advocate, engaging donors, political leaders, and supporters across North Carolina to deepen their investment in Lillian’s List’s mission and increase the visibility of its initiatives. 

Mentor and Lead the Team: Supervise and coach the staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. Support team members to excel in their roles.

Strengthen Partnerships and Alliances: Forge alliances with other advocacy organizations, elected officials, and community leaders to build a strong coalition in support of Lillian’s List’s mission and its endorsed candidates. 

Collaborate with the Board of Directors: Partner closely with the Boards to set the organization’s strategic vision, determine priorities, and develop plans that expand Lillian’s List’s influence and impact. Ensure clear communication and alignment with the Boards to achieve strategic goals. 

Ideal Candidate Attributes 
The ideal candidate will have experience working in the political or nonprofit sphere, embody the mission and values of Lillian's List and bring the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics: 

Commitment to Mission and Values: A deep passion for the organization’s mission and values, with a strong focus on reproductive rights and gender equity policy. This leader must demonstrate integrity, resilience, and dedication in advancing the organization’s goals. 

Fundraising Expertise: A strong track record in successful fundraising within political and nonprofit sectors. The candidate will have experience in building and maintaining donor relationships, securing financial support, and effectively articulating the organization's mission to attract and retain key funders. 

Strategic Thinking and Planning: The ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with Lillian's List’s long-term goals. The Executive Director will see the bigger picture while managing day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and a proactive approach to achieving objectives.

Relationship Building: Exceptional experience and skills in fostering relationships with donors, partners, staff, and stakeholders, specifically in North Carolina politics. This leader will possess strong networking and interpersonal skills to build trust and partnerships, expand the organization's reach, and enhance its statewide impact. 

Communication Skills: An effective, open, and diplomatic communicator capable of engaging with diverse audiences, including staff, donors, Board members, and the public. The ability to clearly articulate the mission and inspire others to support the cause is essential. 

Adaptability and Resilience: Proven ability to navigate the challenges of political and/or nonprofit work, maintain focus on long-term goals, and adapt to changing political landscapes. The Executive Director should be resourceful and resilient in managing obstacles and shifting priorities. 

Organizational Management: Experience in organization management, including finance, Human Resource, and administration, with an emphasis on strategic oversight, and nonprofit governance. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks, and Google Workspace is required. Demonstrated experience ensuring compliance with financial regulations and in securing donor contributions is essential. Strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Integrity and Collaborative Spirit: A leader with high ethical standards who is going to do what is in the best interest of the collective goals. The Executive Director should be able to work closely with the Boards, other community organizations, and individuals to foster inclusivity and broaden Lillian’s List’s network. 

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree and at least five - ten years of relevant experience are preferred.

Think you are the next Executive Director of Lillian’s List? 
To apply, click on the link to the Executive Director position profile at ArmstrongMcGuire.com/jobs. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and professional references. Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact [email protected]. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites. 

Review of candidates will begin January 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. 

Salary is commensurate with the requirements of the position and is in the $85-95K range. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and 10 paid holidays. 

To receive full consideration for this position, please submit the requested information through Armstrong McGuire's portal at www.armstrongmcguire.com/jobs. Applications submitted through 3rd party sites such as Indeed and LinkedIn may not be received.