What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at The Batten Group - Executive Search?

Executive Director

Position Summary

The Anti-Nihilist Foundation— nonprofit publisher of The Conversationalist, an independent feminist media outlet focused on global perspectives—seeks a thoughtful, energetic, strategically-minded Executive Director. We're looking for a true believer in the power of journalism to effect change and hold power to account, who is excited to grow our community, expand our reach, and deepen support for our work, while internally enabling our team to fulfill ANF / The Conversationalist's mission.

That mission is two-fold : publishing feminist solutions journalism on global affairs and culture, and incubating a community that wants to engage constructively with the news. ANF is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for journalism, civic engagement, and democracy, one brave conversation at a time. We seek to change the way people feel after reading the news by prioritizing empathy in our reporting, interrogating the impact of policy and politics on vulnerable people, and consistently publishing under-amplified voices.

Over five years into operating as a small but influential founder-led nonprofit media organization, ANF is moving into a robust phase of strategic growth. After a successful relaunch of The Conversationalist in 2022, our social, newsletter, and site reach and engagement have increased exponentially. We seek to build on this editorial success with a broader revenue strategy that includes memberships, board development, grants, and programming.

We are committed to hiring a smart, curious, and responsive leader who actively engages with our mission and community; takes informed, decisive action; and knows how to build trust with and sustain a strong, dynamic team. For the right person, this role is an exciting opportunity to mobilize and effectively capitalize on ANF’s strong foundation, considerable reputation, and engaged, influential audience of thought leaders and change agents. We seek an ED who is an intersectional feminist, experienced leader, joyful fundraiser, and top-tier manager of people and processes. Our ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with creativity to ensure that ANF’s operations, revenue plans, and strategic partnerships are effective and aligned with our mission. Importantly, our next ED also understands the necessity of editorial independence, and how to support our editorial team without interfering with The Conversationalist's editorial process and its content.

The Executive Director (ED) role is a fully remote, full-time salaried position for immediate hire, and will report to a supportive Board of Directors (directly reporting to the Board’s President). The ED will oversee and manage the organization’s fiscal health, staff growth and management, day-to-day operations, outreach and communication, fundraising and strategic partnerships, and all other efforts to put the organization on a path to becoming a fully sustainable enterprise.

The ED will work collaboratively with the Board, its President, staff, and other stakeholders, to :

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Mission and Vision

Develop and execute on an ambitious yet realistic strategic plan for sustainable growth, in conjunction with the board and staff.
Responsibly and thoughtfully steward the organization, its culture, and its team.
Integrate ANF’s mission and core values into operations, programming, editorial practices, and staff development.
Bolster and support the continued growth and promotion of the flagship digital magazine while also overseeing long-term sustainable growth through new revenue-generating initiatives.

Leadership

Actively engage and energize all stakeholders : Board members, advisory committees, strategic partners, and funders, in collaboration with The Conversationalist’s Board President.

Maintain and support a strong, engaged Board of Directors; serve as ex-officio of each committee; and seek and build board involvement for all expansion and growth.

Execute on policies and all governance in collaboration with the Board as required.

Hire, lead, coach, develop, and retain staff.

Partnerships, Community and Fundraising

Identify, cultivate, and maintain strategic, collaborative relationships with targeted, high-level audiences, including media, potential partners, and funders to advance ANF / The Conversationalist’s mission and impact.

Develop and maintain relationships with foundations and individual major gift prospects to fund The Conversationalist.

Act as the public representative for ANF in order to strengthen its profile, including potential speaking engagements and networking opportunities.

Actively leverage professional network to assist in building ANF / The Conversationalist’s audience, financial health, and overall brand position.

Board Relations and Engagement

Regularly report to the Board about ANF’s progress with regards to its strategic plan, goals, operations and financial health.

Coordinate and participate in all Board committees and advisory committees.

Work with and inspire the Board in fundraising efforts.

Help to identify and recruit new Board members based on current and future needs (legal, advocacy, community representation, etc.).

Staff Management

Build, lead, and support a committed, connected staff with a focus on active listening, regular feedback, and professional development.

Assess staffing needs and hire judiciously.

Actively model an intuitive, trust-based, transparent, and compassionate management approach for all staff, partners, and contractors.

Ensure a safe, healthy, positive, and equitable workplace environment (remote or in-person) for all staff and contractors.

Ensure adherence of the organization’s daily activities and long-term plans to established (and refreshed, as needed) policies, bylaws, and legal guidelines.

Provide regular opportunities for feedback and growth.

Infrastructure, Budget, and Administration

Continually monitor, assess, and improve the operating health and overall sustainability of ANF.

Evaluate and update systems and processes as needed for efficiency and intuitiveness.

Oversee and review regular reports to acquire a keen understanding of the organization’s financial and non-financial positions, operations, and challenges.

Devise remedial actions for any identified issues and conduct crisis management when necessary.

Candidate Qualifications

Minimum of 5-7 years of demonstrated leadership and management experience, preferably in the nonprofit space, including in project management, revenue generation, and building and managing high-performing teams.

Familiarity with and nuanced understanding of the journalism landscape.

Strong strategic and business acumen.

A track record of success in raising funds for nonprofit organizations, including previously established relationships with major philanthropic funders and / or major private donors.

Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities and needs of the organization; prior startup experience is valued but not required.

Prior experience as a Board-facing Executive strongly preferred.

The Ideal Candidate Will Be :

Deeply interested in and committed to nonprofit journalism and intersectional feminism.

Passionate about executing ANF’s mission.

Enthusiastic about new ideas and their implementation.

Creative and curious, detail-oriented and responsible.

A strong and clear communicator of ideas, processes, and action items.

An inspiring and dedicated leader, able to connect with a broad spectrum of people in meaningful ways and drive toward a common purpose.

Compensation and Work Setup

Salary range $140,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience and achievement.

Competitive benefits package.

The role is 100% remote, with occasional U.S. travel for team meetings, scheduled in-person events, and key interactions with partners, Board, and potential or current donors.

POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING

The Batten Group and Anti-Nihilist Foundation are equal opportunity employers committed to the principles of nondiscrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, sexual orientation, military status or veteran, political association, political / personal convictions, citizenship status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws.

Salary : $140,000 - $150,000

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