Job Openings

MERI Executive Director

Summary

Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) seeks a dedicated professional to help lead Rhode Island's effort to win marriage equality for same-sex couples. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair and other regular communication channels.

Under the direction of the Board, the Executive Director is responsible for overall management and operation of MERI and protection of the organization's financial assets while ensuring compliance with Board directives and applicable grantor, federal and state requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Executive Director will perform the following duties and/or oversee their performance by other staff and/or volunteers:

Strategic Vision

  • Define and advance a variety of strategies and tactics to secure equal marriage rights. Work independently on projects to fulfill MERI's mission.
  • Advance MERI's legislative campaign, working with legislative sponsors. Become a registered lobbyist. Develop new and existing district organizing teams.
  • Develop a public education plan and act as a media liaison/spokesperson. Oversee website, blog, newsletter, and other communications such as press releases.
  • Foster new and maintain existing relationships with communities/organizations that will advance MERI's work. Oversee planning/management of public events/outreach.
  • Monitor the external environment for significant changes that will impact MERI's work and report this to the Board.
Financial/Fundraising
  • Prepare an annual budget and fundraising plan, including writing grants and reports, tracking grant deliverables, and ensuring grant compliance. Secure funding for existing and new programs and report measurable impact of each program.
  • Prepare and evaluate monthly financial statement with the Treasurer and ensure that cash flow is sustained. Assist an auditor in preparing an annual audit if necessary.
  • Assist with and help manage fundraising including events, soliciting individual donors and cultivating new resources.
Personnel
  • Hire/recruit, supervise, and evaluate MERI's staff, consultants, and volunteers. Terminate staff when necessary. Create a positive work environment where staff can develop.
  • Manage IT needs, benefits, insurance, and facilities.
Board Relations
  • Assist with developing, updating, and administering MERI policies and procedures.
  • Monitor and assist with Board development and performance monitoring.
  • Prepare monthly reports for the Board and alert the Board of any organizational issues.

How to Apply

Please send letter of interest, resume, and salary expectations to:

Marriage Equality RI Hiring Committee OR Info@MarriageEqualityRI.org
99 Bald Hill Road
Cranston, RI 02920

Deadline:
Complete applications must be received by 5 pm, September 15, 2008. No telephone or email inquiries, please.

Fall Intern

Description

Specific responsibilities include:

Organizing interns will advance MassEquality's grassroots lobbying campaign and electoral work. Each organizer, focusing on 2 - 3 geographic districts, will work with local volunteers and coalition partners to demonstrate support of equal marriage rights and produce legislative contacts. Organizers will also support MassEquality's electoral work, encouraging supporters to become involved in campaigns of pro-equality candidates.

Interns support the work of MassEquality affiliates in their area, including assistance recruiting volunteers, managing lists, organizing field activities, and responding to the needs of area activists. In addition, organizing interns will assist MassEquality's Field Staff as needed with research, database management, and other necessary tasks.

Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with MassEquality staff and to take on independent projects.

Qualifications

Candidates should be:

  • Have 2-3 years experience managing volunteers on a political or issue advocacy campaign,
  • Articulate, detail-oriented, diplomatic, organized, and computer-literate;
  • Able to work independently and manage a number of simultaneous projects;
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and the internet; and
  • Willing to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Top-notch "people skills," including excellent oral and written communication skills, are a must. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

How to Apply

Please apply in writing, with a cover letter and résumé. You may submit your application by mail, facsimile or e-mail.

Mail

Amy Mello
MassEquality
11 Beacon St, Suite 1125
Boston, MA 02108

Facsimile

(617) 878-2333

E-mail

AmyMello@MassEquality.org

About MassEquality

MassEquality.org works to protect, promote and defend equal marriage and to advance lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.

MassEquality's 2008 Equality Agenda includes legislation supporting transgender equality, respect for LGBT seniors, supporting LGBT youth programs and programs that reduce domestic violence in the LGBT community.

The MassEquality family of organizations includes the advocacy organization MassEquality.org, the educational charity MassEquality Education Fund, and the Massachusetts political action committee MassEquality PAC.

MassEquality's offices are centrally located in downtown Boston. MassEquality is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates.