The Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) is seeking a full-time Executive Director to manage the daily operations, and strategic execution of the party’s political, financial, and organizational efforts.
The Executive Director serves in an operational and advisory capacity, ensuring that the party functions efficiently and effectively. This role works under the direction of the elected Chair.
The Executive Director assists the Chair in party operations, staff management, fundraising, compliance, and political strategy implementation, while working closely with state legislators, elected officials, campaign organizations, and external stakeholders to advance the party’s goals.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Operations & Party Management
- Support the vision and priorities set by the Chair and ensure their successful execution through staff activities, fundraising, and organizational efforts.
- Develop and implement a strategic plan for election campaigns.
- Manage the daily operations of the Michigan Democratic Party, ensuring that all departments function effectively and are aligned with the party’s mission.
- Staff hiring, training, supervision, and accountability, ensuring a high-performing and professional workforce.
- Serve as an advisor to the Chair and State Central Committee, providing operational insights, data analysis, and strategic recommendations.
- Ensure compliance with all financial, legal, and electoral regulations, including oversight of campaign finance reporting and party expenditures.
Legislative & Political Coordination
- Maintain direct working relationships with Michigan Democratic legislators, state caucuses, and national Democratic organizations, including the DNC, DCCC, DSCC, DGA and DLCC.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration between legislators, campaigns, and the party infrastructure, ensuring a unified strategy for electoral success.
Staff Supervision & Organizational Leadership
- Foster a positive and professional workplace culture, ensuring diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the party’s operations.
- Oversee human resources functions, including performance evaluations, workplace policies, and professional development programs.
- Manage party offices and operational logistics, ensuring that staff and volunteers have the tools and resources necessary to be effective.
- Work with external consultants, vendors, and contractors to enhance party operations and strategic initiatives.
Fundraising & Financial Oversight
- Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, working with the Finance Director and key donors to ensure financial sustainability.
- Work closely with the Chair to establish and manage the party’s budget, ensuring responsible financial planning.
- Engage with major donors, grassroots contributors, and external fundraising networks to maximize financial support for Democratic initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with campaign finance laws, state reporting requirements, and federal regulations, maintaining transparency and ethical financial practices.
Political & Electoral Strategy Implementation
- Execute campaign strategies as directed by the Chair, ensuring effective voter outreach, candidate recruitment, and field operations.
- Ensure strong coordination between the party, candidates, and national organizations to maximize electoral success.
- Monitor election trends, legislative developments, and demographic shifts to refine campaign and outreach strategies.
- Support Project 83 initiatives, ensuring robust voter contact and engagement, and candidate training.
Communications & Outreach
- Work behind the scenes to support the Chair as the public spokesperson, ensuring clear, consistent messaging from the party.
- Oversee the communications team to ensure effective media relations, press releases, and digital engagement.
- Facilitate relationships with grassroots organizations, unions, and advocacy groups to strengthen Democratic coalitions.
- Ensure social media and digital platforms are aligned with party priorities and effectively engage supporters.
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
- Minimum of six (6) years of experience in political campaigns, party leadership, legislative operations, advocacy organizations, or nonprofit management.
- Proven experience managing staff and overseeing large-scale political or organizational operations.
- Strong understanding of Michigan’s political landscape, legislative processes, and electoral challenges.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, budgeting, and financial management.
- Ability to execute strategic plans and translate political goals into operational success.
Preferred:
- Experience working with state legislators, campaign committees, and national Democratic organizations.
- Familiarity with campaign finance laws, election compliance, and party governance.
- Expertise in media relations, communications strategy, and digital organizing.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Benefits include health insurance (medical, dental and vision), paid time off, retirement contributions, and additional benefits.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit the following:
- Resume detailing relevant experience.
- Cover letter outlining their qualifications and vision for the role.
- Three professional references from political, organizational, or advocacy settings.
How to Apply:
Email all application materials to: [email protected]
Subject Line: “Executive Director Application – [Your Name]”
Application Deadline: March 25, 2025
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Michigan Democratic Party is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The Michigan Democratic Party is an equal opportunity employer and it is the MDP’s policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis.
