Job Opportunity: Executive Director, Colorado Alliance for Marijuana Reform

The Colorado Alliance for Marijuana Reform has an immediate opening for an Executive Director in its Denver office. This is a new position, designed to take advantage of current opportunities to promote marijuana policy reform in Colorado via ballot measures, legislative advocacy, and public education.

Organization Overview:

The Colorado Alliance for Marijuana Reform (a 501(c)(4) social welfare lobbying organization) and the Colorado Alliance Marijuana Education Fund (a 501(c)(3) educational organization) were established in 2011. Their respective missions are to educate Coloradans about the benefits of ending marijuana prohibition and support legislative efforts, including a potential ballot initiative in 2012, to regulate marijuana like alcohol.

Position Description:

The Executive Director will serve at the will of the Colorado Alliance Executive Committee and work with it to oversee and implement the organization's strategic plan. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Reporting regularly to the Alliance all metrics and progress toward the organizations' goals;
• Managing the organizations' budgets and cash flow;
• Hiring and management of consultants and staff necessary to execute the organization's strategic plan;
• Developing and implementing the fundraising plan for approved program budgets;
• Developing and managing a coalition structure to support organizational activities;
• Coordinating outside professional legal oversight of all organizational activities, including any legal actions regarding a ballot issue campaign;
• Managing external communication efforts; and
• Overseeing staff or contractors in complying with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and requirements.

Qualifications:

The qualified candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of campaign or nonprofit management experience or 8-10 years of experience in political or non-profit advocacy.

The ideal candidate will have significant electoral and advocacy campaign experience and organizing skills. They must be a self-starter, willing to work long and irregular hours, and able to travel. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and GoogleApps is essential. Experience using an online advocacy system (eg. Wired for Change, Salsa, Nationbuilder) and/or website content-management system (eg. Drupal or Joomla) are a plus, but not required.

Excellent writing and verbal communication skills are required, and the applicant should anticipate submitting a writing sample in the latter stages of the hiring process. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment are critical, and ideal applicants will have experience in managing a diverse group of stakeholders.

Familiarity with marijuana policy is desirable; a commitment to marijuana policy reform principles is essential.

Compensation:

Salary is commensurate with experience.  As a newly formed organization, benefits are limited.  Any specific salary or benefit needs should be included in your cover letter.

Selection Process:

To apply, please email a copy of your resume, a cover letter with salary requirements and three relevant references to: [email protected].

All applications must be received 5:00pm MT on October 15, 2011 in order to be considered. The Colorado Alliance for Marijuana Reform is an Equal Opportunity Employer.