Position Summary

This is a unique opportunity to lead an organization ranked No. 5 on Fast Company’s 2023 Most Innovative Nonprofits for its work unlocking novel data to drive social impact. The Center for New Data fills a unique niche in the data for good landscape by combining academic, peer reviewed methodologies and data sets to give grassroots organizations the analytics they need to make a difference.

The Center for New Data began as a volunteer-powered organization at the brink of the COVID pandemic, and has made its mark using novel data to protect voting rights and drive social impact projects. We are a fully remote tech nonprofit. Current staff include three full time employees and two part-time contractors on a total budget of roughly $1M. Major funders include the Capital One Foundation, Fast Forward, Educational Foundation of America, New Media Ventures, Splunk, and Okta. Learn more about our work at newdata.org.

We are ready to grow from a small, scrappy startup to a significant player in the data for good ecosystem, respected for the quality and correctness of the analysis we provide. We are looking for a dynamic leader with experience transforming a novel idea into an established, trusted actor. The ideal candidate is ready to leverage strengths of the organization to build towards a sustainable revenue model. This is your chance to shepherd this crucial period of growth.

The Executive Director will work directly with staff and the board to guide the organization into the next phase of its growth and development. You will be the steward of New Data’s strategic vision and leader of our financial management, fundraising efforts, organizational growth, partnership development, and more. This is a fully remote, US-based position with intermittent travel requirements for fundraising, networking, and partnership development.

Key Responsibilities:

 

Cultivate Sustainable Revenue & Growth

• At the start of their tenure, the ED will have three direct reports. A key function of the ED’s role will be to ensure sustainable revenue streams that enable the continuous operation and growth of the organization. Sustainable revenue growth is a key step towards growing the team and transforming us into a diverse workforce that looks like the populations of America which our partner agencies serve.

 

Strategic Planning

• The Strategic Plan sets the direction for New Data going into the next 2 years, 5 years, and beyond. We are in the process of concluding Phase 1 of a strategic refresh. The new ED will be charged with completing a Strategic Plan by adding in their own vision to efforts already underway.

 

Cross Functional Team Leadership

• The ED will be responsible for continuing to support the team as well as making future decisions about hiring and staff growth. The ED will be committed to leading a diverse, high-performing team in a satisfying and inclusive workspace.
• We are a tech company at our core. The ED should be able to work with and provide guidance on technical ideas, project plans and milestones, as well as communicate these to our non-technical funders, partners and other stakeholders.
• We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with others and building relationships across sectors and time zones. The Executive Director will create and build partnerships with individuals and organizations across the Data for Good ecosystem.

 

Financial Management and Fundraising

• Building relationships with current and prospective funders to help secure a healthy financial future for New Data.
• Regular (weekly, monthly, and quarterly) financial analysis and reporting for New Data.
• Dynamic thinking about current revenue streams and opportunities for expansion.

 

Board Coordination

• The ED is responsible for reporting on finance, program initiatives, etc. to the Board of Directors at quarterly meetings and in between.
• The ED should be prepared to work closely with the Board Chair and Vice-Chair on preparing board materials and meetings, preparing materials for committee meetings, and managing the relationship between the organization and its board members.
• The ED is a valued staff leader and thought partner with the board, and as such is expected to be closely involved in all discussions about the organization’s long-term vision, mission fulfillment, and strategy.

 

 

Desired Skills and Experiences:

Even if you don’t have these exact qualifications but think you’d be a good fit for the role, we still encourage you to apply!

 

Strategic Leadership

• Able to have a long term vision for the company that takes its strengths and weaknesses into account.
• Able to transform a long term goal into small implementable steps and delegate them appropriately to the team.
• Observe and anticipate problem areas and approach them with a solution-oriented mindset.

 

Financial management experience and excitement for fundraising

• Understanding of budgeting and financial planning/forecasting.
• Eagerness to fundraise and build financial capacity for the organization.
• Able to make financial decisions on a day-to-day basis relating to team expenses, partnership investments, and more.

 

Strong communication and management skills

• Able to listen to the concerns and ideas of the team and provide concrete constructive feedback.
• Able to promote the work of colleagues with different skill sets and backgrounds.
• Able to manage numerous internal and external relationships.
• Experience as a project manager, including the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

 

Leading an Inclusive Team in a Remote Environment

• Experience leading a strong, happy team in a remote environment.
• Experience leading and growing a team composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a happy and inclusive workplace.

 

Familiarity with data science management

• Working with novel data is central to how we define ourselves at New Data. We need someone who understands the value of data and how it can transform the future of the social-change-oriented data ecosystem.
• Ability to communicate about, develop programs for, and assess partner needs for analytic and data driven projects, or work closely with team members who have backgrounds in data science.

 

It is also essential that you…

• Care about using data for social good, especially to advance wellbeing and social equity.
• Are interested in working in a startup-type environment, helping build and shape our organization to adapt to a changing social climate.
• Hold a strong commitment to social, gender & racial justice in all aspects of your work.

 

Salary and Benefits:

The salary for this position is $125,000 annually. Benefits include healthcare and dental plans (100% employer-covered); generous vacation and sick time; and flexible work hours. There will be opportunities for advancement in salary and benefits pending success within the organization. Center for New Data is a remote organization, but team members currently work between San Francisco (CA); Chicago (IL); and Washington (DC). Center for New Data is not able to provide visa sponsorship at this time.

 

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:

Center for New Data provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or military status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

New Data strives to foster diversity, equity, and inclusivity among employees, fellows, and partners, creating a team environment that prioritizes mutual respect and fair treatment. We expect all community members to make a commitment to inclusivity and in addition to respectful discourse, to treat colleagues equally and without regard to gender, race, disability, religion, or other identities.