Director of Partnerships

Job Overview:
States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to the rule of law and free, fair, and secure elections, is seeking a Director of Partnerships to join its Strategy & Partnerships team.

The Director will report to and work closely with the SVP of Strategy and Partnerships to develop and maintain strong relationships with state and national partner organizations, state officials, and others in the democracy and rule of law sector. The Director will serve as a thought partner to the SVP and as a key liaison and spokesperson for the organization, including representing States United at conferences and events.

Responsibilities

• Perform all duties in accordance with States United's values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• In coordination with organizational leadership, build and manage strategic partnerships with organizations, associations, coalitions, and civic leaders working to protect free and fair elections, the rule of law, and democratic institutions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with state officials, their staff, and their advisors.
• Develop engagement plans for priority states and partners; organize outreach, including briefings, roundtables, and convenings as needed.
• Lead collaboration across internal teams to provide partners and key stakeholders with relevant resources via briefings, coalition meetings, and individualized outreach.
• Direct and coordinate cross-departmental needs for conference and event strategy and execution, including sponsorship opportunities, staffing decisions, and prep.
• Track and analyze national and statewide policy, partner, and political developments that intersect with the work of States United and our clients.
• Represent States United in 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) coalition settings with national and state-based organizations.
• Serve as a key external representative at meetings, briefings, conferences, and other events.
• Draft and edit materials for States United leadership, including talking points, memos, and other resources.
• Assist with other aspects of external affairs as needed.
• Manage Strategy and Partnerships team members.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 12+ years of experience in political engagement, partnerships, government relations, or campaigns.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with and working with public officials and senior-level staff, as well as candidates and campaigns.
• Strong understanding of state government and/or election systems.
• Experience managing partnerships or coalitions.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Experienced project manager with demonstrated ability to oversee a team juggling multiple tasks, allocate and optimize resources, and manage timelines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as needed.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
• Experience navigating politically sensitive environments.
• Must be able to travel regularly, including up to 40-50% of the time during peak quarters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on statewide campaigns or with statewide officials.
• Background in democracy or election protection work.
• Experience with bipartisan coalitions.
• Familiarity with nonprofit advocacy organizations.

We welcome and encourage individuals to apply even if they do not have all or any of the desired qualifications listed above.