Chief of Strategy

Reports to Executive Director

Position Description
The Chief of Strategy will be a talented individual with leadership experience and a proven track record
of energizing a team of staff behind a clear, compelling and strategic programmatic vision.
Duties & Responsibilities
Serve as the Chief Strategist for Dream Defenders Initiatives

Lead the development and implementation of Dream Defenders overall initiative strategy in
close collaboration with Dream Defenders Board of Directors, Executive Director, and program
leaders.
Support the enhancement and expansion of strategies that will maximize collaboration,
alignment, and impact across Dream Defenders four strategic initiatives 1) Dream Defender
Development; 2) Fair Democracy for All; 3) Youth Engagement; and 4) Dream Sourced Culture.
Support the Black, Brown and disenfranchised communities and that will motivate donor
investment.
Identify emerging issues our target communities and recommend necessary changes to ensure that
our initiatives remain relevant and effective.

Ensure Excellence in Execution

Supervise the directors of each initiative, monitoring quality and providing ongoing feedback to
drive continuous improvement.
Support the ongoing development and implementation of smart performance management
systems to ensure excellence and accountability throughout all Dream Defenders initiatives.
Set evaluation criteria and ensure feedback and learning is incorporated into program design and
implementation.

Support Talented People

Coach, mentor, and supervise the directors of each initiative, sustaining an organizational culture
of personal and professional growth.
Support Dream Defenders Executive Director in the ongoing development and implementation
of consistent, values-driven management practices throughout Dream Defenders to ensure
effective and supportive supervision of all staff.
Coordinate professional development opportunities and key staff trainings
Serve as a key voice and advocate for initiative staff in all organizational decision-making.

Support Organizational Development and Success

Lead annual goal setting and strategic planning sessions.

Chief of Strategy

Serve on Dream Defenders executive team, providing input on key organization decisions.
Serve as the staff liaison to the Initiative Committee of the Dream Defenders Board of Directors
Lead internal, organization-wide communications on programmatic decisions.
Maintain good working relationships with key partners, such as Dream Defenders Squads, other
social justice and activist organizations, school districts, and funders
Monitor Dream Defenders compliance with and timely reporting on and philanthropic grants.
Partner with the Development Officer, Executive Director and Culture Director to effectively
capture Dream Defenders successes, tell the Dream Defenders story, assist in donor site visits,
and support fundraising efforts.
Provide input, analysis, and support to the in developing and updating Dream Defenders budget.
Provide input, analysis, and support to Dream Defenders Capital Campaign Qualifications

Scope of Authority & Reporting Relationships

The Chief of Strategy will report to the Executive Director, participating on a Leadership Team with the
Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. The Chief of Strategy is responsible for managing
Initiative Directors.
Qualifications & Skills

Personal qualities of integrity and compassion and a commitment to Dream Defenders mission.
A minimum of a BA; a graduate degree in a relevant field such as social work, education, nonprofit management, and/or business administration is a strong plus.
A minimum of two years of experience in a senior programmatic management role, as well as
direct service experience in social justice.
Demonstrated team management and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated success in developing and evaluating program models.
A passion for innovation and a willingness to try new approaches and explore and implement
emerging practices.
A decision making style that encourages collaboration and consensus while also driving toward
clarity and solutions.
A deep sense of empathy and a willingness to advocate on behalf of the needs of Black and
Brown communities and program staff.
An enthusiasm for fundraising and an eagerness to partner with the others in raising resources to
sustain and expand Dream Defenders impact.
An ability to work well with others in a highly collaborative, fast paced and ever-changing
environment.
Excellent supervisory and managerial skills.
Excellent analytic skills, with a proven ability to support strategic decision-making.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent listening skills and a passion for mentoring and coaching others.

Physical Requirements
Requires sitting, talking and listening for 5+ hours per day. Standing and walking for up to 3 hours per
day, reaching with hands and arms and keying for up to 3 hours per day. An average of 3 hours per day
spent at computer. Lifting up to 10 pounds

Chief of Strategy

Dream Defenders, a project of Tides Center, is an "at-will" and equal opportunity employer. Applicants
and employees shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity,
age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender (including pregnancy and gender expression)
identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any other classification protected by
federal, state, or local law or ordinance. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified
disabled applicants may participate in the application process.

Chief of Strategy

How to Apply:
1. Record a 3-4 minute video responding to the following prompt:

The Dream Defenders Mission Statement is:

Dream Defenders is an uprising from
communities in conflict shifting culture through
transformational organizing.
What does the above mission statement mean
to you?
How can you help our team achieve this
mission?
2. Upload your video to YouTube and share it with us. (Its okay if your
video is uploaded as private, just share the password with us.)
3. Send your resume, cover letter and the link to watch your video to
phillip@dreamdefenders.org and aabuznaid@dreamdefenders.org

Deadline for submissions is March 9, 2015.