Pennsylvania Center for Policy

CEO

Remote within Pennsylvania
(With travel across the state, including frequent meetings in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)

location: Remote within Pennsylvania (with travel across the state, including frequent meetings in Harrisburg)

Reports to: board of directors

He writes: Full time, exempt

Salary range: $140,000 – $150,000

About the organization
The Pennsylvania Policy Center (PPC) is a state-based nonprofit organization that integrates advocacy, research, organizing, and campaign tactics to advance public policies that support shared prosperity and break down barriers of class, race, gender, and ethnicity for individual, family, and community well-being. At PPC, we work to build power in communities, influence public policy, and create lasting systemic change in Pennsylvania.

PPC uses its expertise in research and policy development to create the tools that political leaders, opinion leaders, grassroots organizations, and the people of Pennsylvania need to expand our vibrant democracy, secure our freedom, and pursue economic justice in Pennsylvania. We build close relationships with Pennsylvanians in every corner of the state. In response to their concerns, we conduct robust and credible policy research and analysis that identifies the sources of these problems and proposes solutions.

Our work, and the work of our advocacy campaign, Pennsylvanians Together, is to mobilize our fellow Pennsylvanians to support policies that ensure we all thrive, not just survive. We work in partnership to make our voices heard above those of the rich and powerful to push for policy reforms that will advance tax justice, maintain appropriate funding levels for essential public services, secure fair wages, and strengthen our democracy.

Position summary
The Pennsylvania Policy Center plays a unique and critical role in Pennsylvania’s nonprofit ecosystem, providing much-needed leadership as one of the few organizations in the state leading work on state tax and budget policy. He makes connections between political/advocacy action and grassroots community organizing and deploys C3 and C4 campaigns to hold state and federal policymakers accountable.

The Penn Policy Center is looking for a bold, visionary leader to work Executive Director (Ed) and advance its mission to promote justice and equality throughout the Commonwealth. This role is ideal for a change maker who thrives at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and building community strength by inspiring teams, navigating complex policy environments, and building meaningful relationships with funders, partners, policymakers, and communities.

Leadership areas for the CEO
Entering the ongoing growth and development phase of a relatively new organization, this role represents an exciting opportunity for a new leader to grow the organization’s vision, including prioritizing strategic business areas, mentoring staff and encouraging professional development, continuing to build the Board of Directors, strengthening the organization’s ability to create lasting impact, and deepening the organizational culture in service of the mission.

The CEO will provide leadership, financial stability and strategic direction to PPC (501c3) and its sister organization, Pennsylvanians Together in Action (501c4) and report to the C3 and C4 Boards of Directors. In general, the CEO will lead the work in the following areas:

• Boldly lead strategic campaigns to expand our vibrant democracy in the state, secure our freedom, and secure economic justice in Pennsylvania. Collaboratively lead the ongoing development and oversight of the implementation of state-level policy reform, including the government’s tax and budget policy campaign to address the projected Palestinian state budget deficit in the coming years. Based on needs identified by communities across PA and in alignment with PPC partners, continue to drive the unique and strong leadership of PPC and Pennsylvanians Together in Pennsylvania.
• Ensure strong financial oversight of PPC and implement fundraising strategies to ensure the financial health of the organization. Manage relationships with foundations, key donors and funding partners to maintain current funding levels as well as explore opportunities to bring in new funds. Develop proposals, presentations and PPC calls to action for support. Lead the financial strategy and planning of the organization in coordination with an external accountant and the Board of Directors, including leading the PPC through the first audit process.
• Lead and support the development of an enthusiastic and dedicated team. Manage a team of experienced staff who are passionate about the work, care deeply about the issues at hand, and act as effective implementers and ambassadors for PPC. Oversee the enhancement of internal communication, coordination and professional development practices for a team with diverse work styles and needs. Foster employee passion and dedication while cultivating a culture of shared care and accountability.
• Represent PPC with policy makers, partners, national networks, media and the public. Serve as the public face and voice of the organization among a diverse group of stakeholders. Continue to build and strengthen alliances and cooperation across the Palestinian Authority. Develop strong relationships that help ensure PPC is positioned as an essential policy resource for partners and decision makers.
• Lead ongoing strategic decision making, alignment, and planning of PPC time and focus. Balancing long-term goals with the immediate needs of Pennsylvania communities, prioritizing strategic areas to keep the team’s work moving in a unified direction. PPC is currently working on its six-month priorities, moving the business forward while ensuring room for the new CEO’s vision and planning.
• Build a strong staff and leadership structure to take PPC to the next stage of its organizational development. Identify and implement the necessary organizational structures to help set PPC up for success. Consider current staffing design and make plans to hire for new positions, including senior-level leadership roles. Expand and develop a diverse board of directors invited to deeper strategic understanding and leadership of PPC.
• Supervising the C4 entity. Ensure compliance with legal, financial and ethical standards of governance, cost allocation and reporting among 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) affiliates, maintaining transparency, integrity and strict adherence to IRS, federal regulations and the highest ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in nonprofit, advocacy, policy, or public affairs (5-10 years preferred).
• Deep knowledge of state-level policymaking and advocacy strategies, including how they intersect with building power at the grassroots level.
• Strong background in fundraising, including a proven track record in writing compelling grants and proposals, drafting donor appeals, and pitching new funding opportunities.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, justice, and community-focused work.
• Experience managing strong teams and building organizational culture.
• Experience in developing organizational budgets and strategic plans.
• Ability to work with diverse communities and lead with humility and inclusion.
• Familiarity with the political landscape and policy environment in Pennsylvania.

compensation
The salary range for this role is $140,000 – $150,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The organization offers generous benefits, including 100% employer-paid health care, retirement benefits, and generous vacation and vacation policies.

To apply
The Penn Policy Center is collaborating with Callie Carroll and Ankita Jhaveri of CLC Endeavors to support this process. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to: PPC-ED@clcendeavors.com. We encourage interested candidates to apply by October 26, although applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

please note: Your application will be reviewed by someone, so we appreciate your patience as we take the time to consider each set of materials. While all hiring processes are human-centered and therefore subject to change, we expect to move through the following steps:

• Initial screening interview with CLC Endeavors
• In-depth interview with CLC Endeavors
• Team interview with members of the search committee
• Final interview with employees and board members
• Reference checks

The Pennsylvania Policy Center is an equal opportunity employer. Studies have shown that women, non-binary people, and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet all the qualifications outlined in the job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and care most about finding the best candidate for the job. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you do not think you meet all of the qualifications outlined.