Executive Director

We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader to lead Colorado Common Cause, promoting the Common Cause agenda at the state and national level; fostering a strong, sustainable organization; leading policy analysis, research and litigation efforts, and building coalitions with the local community and work towards new successes.  

This role will sustain the incredible momentum of Colorado Common Cause, which has been Colorado’s key government watchdog since 1971, most recently focusing on: 

• Strengthening voting rights, playing an instrumental role in creating an election model where ballots are delivered by mail to all voters, in-person voting options are preserved, and same-day voter registration is available; and providing Coloradans with nonpartisan voter information 
• Curbing the influence of money in politics, fighting for stronger contribution limits at our state Capitol, and stronger disclosure laws and public campaign financing 
• Increasing access to high speed internet to allow all communities to fully participate in our society, helping municipalities that have been overlooked by internet providers to create and implement municipal broadband  

Responsibilities:  

Program Strategy and Leadership 

• Develop effective, winnable policy reforms at all levels of government and advocate for their passage and implementation in alignment with the Common Cause agenda and mission, including nonpartisanship. 
• Center racial equity in our democracy agenda. 
• Develop and execute lobbying strategies to advance reform and hold federal, state, and local elected and appointed officials and other decision-makers accountable. 
• Oversee Colorado Common Cause’s Just Vote! Colorado Election Protection program. 
• Produce timely, high quality policy research. 
• Develop and implement grassroots organizing strategies with Common Cause members to build support for the Common Cause agenda. 
• Engage members in lobbying and other advocacy activities. 
• Build and participate in effective and diverse political and civic coalitions. 
• Serve as Colorado Common Cause’s spokesperson in responding to inquiries from media, government officials, and others. 
• Maintain communication with members and the public statewide through social media, website updates, and periodic emailed or written communication. 

Management/Administration: 

• Manage the operations of Colorado Common Cause, including budgeting, fundraising, and supervising staff, consultants, volunteers, and interns. 
• Engage the state advisory board in policy, program, and fundraising and recruit new members. 
• Collaborate with staff in Washington DC, the region, and in other states. 

Development 

• Raise money from foundations, major donors, members, and special events, and devise other fundraising strategies to fund Common Cause programs, including lobbying efforts. 
• Work with national staff on fundraising goals for the Colorado organization. 
• Coordinate state membership activities with current members as well as expand membership in the state by engaging new members from diverse constituencies with the organization. 

Qualifications: 

Required:  

• Commitment to Common Cause’s mission and to advancing racial equity through our democracy agenda   
• Familiarity with Colorado’s local context: Familiarity with Colorado’s political landscape and the state legislative process. 
• Experience building alliances among diverse communities and stakeholders    
• Experience drafting and analyzing legislation, preferably in Colorado, and strong skills with policy development and advocacy  
• Experience leading public interest advocacy campaigns, particularly those centered in racial equity  
• Demonstrated experience in working with the media, including developing a communications strategy and serving as a spokesperson 
• Organizational leadership experience:   
• 5 or more years leadership experience, preferably with nonprofit organizations or political campaigns   
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with a governing and/or advisory board, volunteers, interns, and coalition partners  
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage staff 
• Fundraising experience, with a willingness to learn about and cultivate Common Cause’s network of major donors in Colorado  
• Willingness to travel and flexibility to occasionally work evenings and weekends.  
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.  

Preferred  

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and communication tools such as Canva, Action Network, VoteBuilder, social media, etc. 

Salary Range: $84,000 – $94,000, plus generous benefits package. 

To Apply: Please email resume and cover letter to hr@commoncause.org and include Executive Director (CO) in the subject line. No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

Covid-19 vaccines are required, except where prohibited by law. Reasonable accommodation will be provided when required by law. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. Common Cause is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the organization and believes strongly in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. 

About Common Cause:

Common Cause (501(c)(4)) and Common Cause Education Fund (501(c)(3)) are nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots affiliate organizations dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process. 

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has more than 1.5 million members (about the population of New Hampshire) and supporters living in every Congressional district in the United States, and offices in 30 states around the country. 

Common Cause is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated.