Job Opportunity
Executive Director
Last April, 2011, Rev. Alexander E. Sharp , PCG Executive Director, announced his decision to step down from the position of Executive Director no earlier than January 1, 2012 and no later than June 30. He expects to devote his work full-time to drug policy reform both in Illinois and in other states. The PCG Search Committee, comprised of PCG Board members, is currently seeking applications for the position of Executive Director. Procedures for applying are noted in the posting.
The Organization: Protestants for the Common Good (PCG; thecommongood.org) is a Chicago-based non-profit. Its mission is to educate and mobilize people of faith to participate in political democracy for the sake of social justice and the beloved community. Guided by its annually updated Common Good Agenda and delivering through its education and advocacy programs, PCG seeks systemic changes for greater justice. Founded in 1996, it has become an informed progressive Christian force affecting Illinois legislation. It has achieved success through a careful buildup of staff and board, increasingly sophisticated programs and advocacy work, and support from a core group of foundations and individuals. Most recently, PCG is addressing the highly stressed state budget, criminal justice, the environment, healthcare, education and other areas of significant human concern. PCG works directly with clergy and laity, coalition partners, and state representatives and senators. It reaches a larger public by means of conferences and through the media. PCG has a governing board of 32 members guided by a chair and an eleven member executive committee. It operates with a staff of seven full and part time positions and an annual budget between $400,000 and $500,000.
The Future: The mission in the next phase of its life is centered on (a) drawing on this demonstrated success to build a greater financial base (endowment and annual), (b) further strengthening its connections with political, religious and community leaders throughout Illinois, thereby increasing its impact in the state and (c) moving into the national arena in a careful but intentional manner, most likely through various cooperative arrangements with other organizations that share its faith-based mission.
The Position: The Executive Director (ED) is PCG’s senior staff person, accountable to the board and responsible for planning, leading and coordinating all functions of the organization. Currently, PCG’s first and only ED, the Reverend Alexander Sharp, has announced that he wishes to retire from the position during the first half of 2012. Accordingly, the board has authorized a comprehensive search for his replacement.
Candidate Requirements:
- Advanced degree. Concentrations open but coursework in religion and public policy would be helpful.
- Experience in progressive public policy development and its intersection with Christian leadership.
- Professional career of several years in a non-profit organization or in public policy work with senior level staff responsibilities.
- Good organizational leadership and management practices.
- A passion for and clear record of success shaping public policy initiatives, developing related programs, and working with a well-functioning staff.
- Particular strength in attracting financial resources.
- High energy level and well-developed interpersonal skills that inspire people to join the cause, including new board members and supportive allies.
- Unquestioned ethics and integrity.
Application Procedure: PCG has established a seven person search committee, drawn from its board members. If you would like to be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and complete chronological resume to pcgedsearch@aol.com. Please include three professional references with contact information. Materials that we receive will be reviewed only by this committee’s members and will not be shared with others until mutual interest has been established and your consent to do so has been obtained. We will acknowledge receipt of your information promptly and advise you of your status in the process as soon as possible thereafter.
Protestants for the Common Good educates and mobilizes people of faith to participate in political democracy for the sake of social justice and the beloved community.
