Work for One Iowa

A job with One Iowa is the perfect way to put your passion to work and build a better future for LGBTQ Iowans. Learn more about our positions below.

Title: Executive Director, One Iowa and One Iowa Action

Reports to:Board of Directors

Location:Des Moines, Iowa; open to considering candidates across the state; however, preference for candidates in or open to relocation to Central Iowa.

BACKGROUND

One Iowa, a statewide LGBTQ+ organization, seeks a passionate, dynamic, and experienced leader to serve as its Executive Director. The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the organizations administration, fundraising, programs, strategic plan, and community outreach. The ideal candidate will be deeply committed to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and will have a proven track record of leadership, advocacy, and community engagement.

One Iowa was founded in 2005 to advocate for LGBTQ+ Iowans right to marry. The original goal of the organization was realized on April 3, 2009, when the Iowa Supreme Court made the unanimous decision in Varnum v. Brien to make marriage equality a reality in Iowa. The organization then changed course and dedicated itself to defending the right to marry from powerful opponents. In 2012, it became clear that marriage equality in Iowa no longer needed the vigorous defense it once did, and One Iowa shifted focus to a comprehensive approach to ensure LGBTQ+ Iowans rights and dignity are respected in every facet and stage of their lives. The LGBTQ+ community has come under attack over the past five years, especially Transgender Iowans. One Iowa and One Iowa Actions work is twofold: improve the lives of LGBTQ+ Iowans and defend the current protections.

One Iowa is comprised of two connected nonprofit entities:

• One Iowa Action, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that conducts lobbying in support of LGBTQ+ rights,and works and advocates to elect pro-equity/pro-equality candidates.
• One Iowa, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides programming and education toadvance, empower, and improve the lives of LGBTQ+ Iowans statewide.

One Iowa and One Iowa Action have a combined revenue and expense budget of roughly $700,000 and employ a team of 7 passionate and committed staff members who work a hybrid schedule from offices in the East Village of Des Moines.

One Iowa and One Iowa Action are governed by volunteer Boards of Directors. These boards have 16 board members in total, representing many parts of the states, industries, and communities.

REPORTING STRUCTURE

Reports to the One Iowa and One Iowa Action Board of Directors. Manages and supports a team of 6 including the following direct reports: Program Director, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Communications and Events Manager, and Office and Grants Coordinator.

THE POSITION

The Executive Director will assume executive leadership responsibility for One Iowa and One Iowa Action. In partnership with the Boards of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic, administrative, operations, and fiscal management to the organization. The individual selected will lead fundraising/resource development, staff leadership, and community relations, and will act as the spokesperson for the organization.

Principal Duties:

Staff and Organizational Management:

• Manage overall operations and administration in accordance with One Iowas and One Iowa Actions mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.
• Responsible for the hiring, retention, and management of staff, and maintaining a strong organizational culture
• Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.

Board Management and Coordination:

• Lead the strategic planning efforts for the organization, including a 3-5 year strategy refresh to begin in late 2024.
• Work with board leadership to develo and monitor an annual plan and budget.
• Work with the board treasurer and finance committee to monitor financial status and report monthly to the board, and ensure compliance with all state and federal reporting requirements.
• Help build and support a strong board of directors, including partnering with the board chair on board meetings.

Programs and Communications Oversight:

• Be the spokesperson for One Iowa, and respond to media inquiries.
• In coordination with staff, design and implementprograms that carry out the organizations mission.
• Help plan and implement all major organizational events.
• Present to diverse audiences, such as corporate, community, and coalition partners.

Stakeholder and Donor Relations:

• Serve as the organizations fundraiser, including the annual and long-term fundraising plan, major donor relations, sponsorships, fee for service, grant writing and reporting, event support, donor retention, growth, and renewals.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships and alliances with key allies, coalition partners, the LGBTQ+ sector, and all relevant public and private sector officials.
• Engage with the community served by the organization, building relationships and partnerships to enhance the organizations impact and relevance.

Policy and Advocacy Management:

• Register as a lobbyist.
• Serve as the organizations primary liaison, representing its interests to the public, media, government officials, and other stakeholders.
• In coordination with staff, develop and implement advocacy strategies to advance the organizations mission and goals.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and reporting requirements governing 501(c)(4) organizations, including tax regulations and lobbying disclosure requirements.
• Other duties as they arise or are assigned by the Board of Directors.

Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Seasoned nonprofit administrator with successful and demonstrated management experience.

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``` - Demonstrated fundraiser with experience working with foundations, corporations, and individual donors.

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``` - Experience with the development of budgets and financial accountability.

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``` - - Operational experience including insurance, risk management, and human resources.

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``` - Transparent and high-integrity leadership.

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``` - Strong interpersonal skills. - Skillful at and enjoy conducting outreach and building strong one-on-one relationships. - Proven ability to create and sustain relationships with individuals, groups, and alliances in both the public and the private sector. - Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. - Proven track record with recruiting new supporters and mentoring and developing the skills and commitment of leaders and supporters. - Self-starter and well-organized.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree or 10 years of director-level experience
• Five years of successful experience in senior nonprofit management or transferable professional skills.
• Demonstrated ability to solicit individuals and organizations for financial support, and experience cultivating major donor gifts.
• Strong public speaking ability.
• Demonstrated ability to work on the road including travel and/or work at non-traditional hours and on weekends.
• Must possess and maintain a current and valid drivers license, access to reliable transportation, and ability to travel as needed.

Why You Should Work With Us:In addition to a compet