Founding Executive Director: New Empowerment Center for Women & Gender Expansive People

Would you like to be an essential pillar of the founding of a high-profile nonprofit dedicated to feminist values and community building? Gather RI seeks a powerhouse Executive Director to lead our launch. This is a full-time position with benefits, based at our Center, currently under construction in Providence’s West End, with some remote work possible. 

ABOUT THE FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLE

This role should be inhabited by someone who is comfortable doing the work needed on the ground to run a small organization, while also being able to pull up, reach out, and inspire diverse constituencies to rally and create a vibrant hub where feminist values can expand and be implemented purposefully. 

During their first four months, the ED will hire two employees, develop a detailed strategic plan, launch an action plan with the Board’s input, and make foundational administrative decisions on everything from software to procedures.  

Next, the ED will focus outward, serving as a spokesperson and ambassador to potential partners, sponsors and donors, as well as the media, while overseeing the planning and the execution of the first two events - a March 2025 ‘hard hat’ fundraiser and a June 2025 launch party and gallery opening. 

From thereon, the ED will spend roughly 40% of their time on development and outreach, and the other 60% managing daily operations, connection programs, and earned income business of the organization with the support of a Librarian/Program Manager, a Business Manager and volunteers. The ED will also attend Board meetings and assist with the recruitment of new members. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Intersectional feminism and bringing people together is a key part of your personal mission. You believe that women and gender expansive people in Rhode Island could benefit from stronger connections and will be inspired by the stories and lives of role models. You agree that civic and community achievements are just as important as professional ones when defining success. You know our vibrancy and strength springs from including all voices. You believe in enhancing accessibility. 

On a professional level, the ideal candidate has enjoyed working for a launch, relaunch or new division of an organization. They are comfortable leading a small, fast-moving organization. They are great with people, understand that solid admin makes operations smoother, and are always development minded. They also should have run a business or nonprofit earned income product or service successfully in the past and have a strong business sense.

Your experience must include:

• Multiple years of supervisory experience of paid staff and volunteers
• Development experience including landing sponsorships and major donors, building up small donors, and running fundraising events
• Financial acumen including the ability to create and manage to a budget, review QuickBooks Online and supervise bookkeeping
• Strong public-facing skills including partner and media relations
• Service both as a member of a nonprofit board’s executive committee and as a nonprofit leader working with an active board

Other requirements:

• A driver’s license and access to a vehicle for off-site meetings 
• The ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

Lastly, Rhode Island residency is strongly preferred and Spanish language fluency is a bonus.

The salary range for this position is $90-100k depending on experience. Benefits include $500/month toward health insurance, paid holidays and vacation. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply by Thursday August 15th for Priority Consideration. All applications will be held in confidence. We will send out requests for initial interviews shortly thereafter, with the goal of making a formal offer in September.