What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Director position at SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW?
Deputy Director
Annual Salary: $100,000
Full-Time, Exempt
Benefits Package
Based in Atlanta, GA
Temporarily Hybrid due to COVID protocol
Required Travel: Expected out-of-state travel is approximately 25%.
Compensation: $100,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, Radical Rest Week, Parental Leave, Sabbatical Leave, paid time off, sick time, and more.
Founded in 2007, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW (SPARK) builds and strengthens the power of our communities and the reproductive justice movement that centers Black women and queer and trans youth of color in Georgia and the South. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, we have fostered a dynamic, collaborative model of advocacy, leadership development, collective action, and discourse that creates change and impact for Black women and queer people's struggles for reproductive justice.
SPARK serves as an entry point and leadership pipeline for new social justice leaders and a political home for Black women and young people, centering Black queer women, trans folks, and those living outside the gender binary. We utilize arts, culture, and media to build resources for and shift narratives about our communities. SPARK engages in power building through grassroots organizing, advocacy, knowledge-building, and political development of its base and members in Georgia and across the U.S. South.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director will serve as a strategic thought-partner, exceptional leader, and effective manager. This role is critical to supporting SPARK’s organizational culture, operational infrastructure, strategic growth, and partnerships.
The Deputy Director will oversee and align SPARK’s operations, staff leadership, and organizational development with its mission, values, and strategic goals. They will assess organizational needs, identify infrastructure gaps, and implement innovative solutions to strengthen SPARK’s capacity and deepen its impact.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to culture change management, coaching and leadership development, organizational development, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. They will be a self-starter with the ability to take initiative and inspire others to advance SPARK’s vision.
Core Responsibilities
- Partner with the Executive Director to drive the strategic direction of SPARK.
- Facilitate organizational development and change management initiatives to align goals, culture, and communication strategies.
- Lead efforts to deepen SPARK’s reach, enhance partnerships, and expand organizational impact.
- Supervise and mentor senior leadership and staff to ensure quality work, accountability, and professional growth.
- Assess organizational needs and identify innovative solutions to address infrastructure gaps and opportunities for improvement.
- Develop and implement strategic partnerships to advance SPARK’s mission.
- Promote an organizational culture that reflects SPARK’s values of equity, liberation, and accountability.
- Oversee the Admin, People, and Culture Manager and support them in overseeing human resources, including recruitment, retention, and professional development.
- Implement systems for employee evaluation, coaching, and leadership development for senior staff.
- Strengthen operational and administrative systems to ensure efficiency and functionality.
- Manage SPARK’s infrastructure, including financial, digital, and physical security protocols.
- Support and oversee departmental budgeting, program planning, and reporting compliance with donors.
- Partner with the Admin, People, and Culture Manager to facilitate training, development opportunities, and organizational retreats to build staff capacity.
- Represent SPARK at conferences, professional associations, and community events.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, stakeholders, and community partners.
- Collaborate with staff and leadership to ensure alignment with SPARK’s mission and vision.
- Act as a spokesperson and advocate for SPARK’s work and values in public forums.
- Manage Board relations and governance in collaboration with the Executive Director.
- Oversee grant writing, donor relations, and other development initiatives.
- Support overall fundraising strategy, including innovative client offerings and campaigns.
- Collaborate with the team to develop thought leadership pieces, toolkits, and training materials.
- Cultivate relationships with funders and partners to secure resources and advance SPARK’s work.
- At least 10 years of work experience, with a minimum of 5 years in executive leadership roles.
- A strong background in organizational design, change management, and HR/people processes.
- Experience in reproductive justice, Black liberation, or queer and trans liberation movements is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to assess organizational needs and implement effective solutions for growth and development.
- Proven success in strategic partnership development and external relationship management.
- Experience leading organizational culture change and fostering inclusive workplace environments.
- Strong financial management experience and ability to oversee budgets and operations.
- Exceptional communication, project management, and problem-solving skills.
- A creative and strategic thinker with a passion for social justice and liberation movements.
You are a visionary leader with a deep commitment to equity and justice. You take initiative and thrive in dynamic environments, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on implementation. You are a skilled relationship builder, a coach, and a passionate advocate for organizational development and culture change.
Your collaborative and innovative approach inspires teams to achieve bold goals while staying rooted in shared values. You understand the importance of operational excellence, effective systems, and clear accountability in building a thriving organization.
SPARK staff mostly work remotely due to COVID, with some office days and some in-person tasks. The Deputy Director will be required to work in SPARK’s Atlanta office, with additional travel for events, conferences, and meetings.
Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to hiring@sparkrj.org with “Deputy Director” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please describe your journey into organizational leadership, strategic visioning, and your Reproductive Justice lens and principle.
Salary : $100,000