We’re Hiring a State Director

Background

As Pennsylvania’s newly formed statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights nonprofit organization, Fairness PA will bring the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in the Keystone State and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people.

Fairness PA is a member of the Equality Federation. It is a Pennsylvania-based program affiliated with and supported and managed by Fairness West Virginia and Fairness West Virginia Institute, the leading statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization in the Mountain State. Together, we’re fighting for full LGBTQ+ equality on multiple fronts:

• Educating voters about the equality voting records of legislators.

• Passing pro-equality legislation in Harrisburg, Charleston and Washington, DC.

• Advancing LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice in the courtroom.

• Reducing disparities in LGBTQ+ health and well-being through education and advocacy.

Position Overview

The State Director is responsible for developing and implementing Fairness PA’s activities in Pennsylvania to advance equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in the state. The State Director will lead the legislative, fundraising, political, and public education efforts in the state. The State Director, an employee of Fairness West Virginia, will report to its Executive Director.

Responsibilities

The State Director’s essential functions may include any or all of the following:

• Leading Fairness PA’s legislative, development, governance, political and public education efforts in the state of Pennsylvania.

• Overseeing a lobbying firm in order to execute Fairness PA’s legislative strategy.

• Executing at least one major fundraising event in Pennsylvania and meet established fundraising goals.

• Engaging new major donors, foundations and corporate partners in fundraising.

• Recruiting and managing Fairness PA and Fairness PA Institute’s advisory board and staffing their quarterly meetings.

• Increasing Fairness PA’s visibility and presence throughout the state by generating speaking engagements with civic groups, schools, houses of worship, etc. and by testifying before local governmental bodies on legislation that impacts LGBTQ+ people.

• Maintaining and expanding Fairness PA’s ability to mobilize advocacy from members and supporters, as well as from key influencers, on behalf of federal, state and local LGBTQ+ legislative and electoral priorities.

• Representing Fairness PA in convenings and coalitions.

• Act as key spokesperson for Fairness PA.

• Managing any staff, consultants, or interns in the state.

• Managing all work related to volunteer advocacy in the field.

• Working with Fairness WV’s senior staff on Fairness PA’s fundraising, programmatic, communications, governance and administrative functions.

• Partake in weekly staff calls.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent in work experience) with at least 5-7 years of experience in managing legislative or electoral campaigns, directing field organizing programs, fundraising, and managing staff, as well as demonstrated record of successful coalition-building experience.

• Ability to work nights and weekends. Frequent and extensive travel across the state of Pennsylvania. Required to spend significant amounts of time in Harrisburg.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

• Ability to juggle competing demands and use good judgment during high-pressure situations and achieve results in a fast-paced work environment.

• Strong administrative skills, including the ability to work independently, prioritize work and remain flexible on multiple, high-paced projects.

• Excellent speaking and writing skills, computer proficiency, and strong verbal communication skills.

• Must be flexible, adaptable, resourceful, creating and capable of taking responsibility for specific goals and measurable outcomes within designated timeframes and able to coordinate multi-task initiatives to successful conclusion.

• Demonstrated commitment to Fairness PA’s goals and objectives.

• Demonstrated knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues and commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.

Compensation

The salary range is $90,000-$100,000 depending on experience. Benefits include generous medical and dental insurance (fully paid by employer), and vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

How to apply

Please email cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references to andrew@fairnesswv.org. Applications should include “State Director” in the subject field. Applications accepted until position is filled.

We strongly encourage women, people of color, people of diverse gender identities and non-LGBTQ+ persons to apply.

Fairness West Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.