Executive Director, CAGV & CAGV Education Fund

ABOUT CONNECTICUT AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE (CAGV): CAGV, a 501c4 non-profit organization, along with CAGV Education Fund, a 501c3 non-profit, are together committed to their mission to end gun violence in Connecticut and serve as the gun violence prevention (GVP) model for a gun violence-free America.

CAGV, launched in 1993, is the nation’s most effective state-level advocate for common sense gun laws. Thanks to CAGV’s legislative advocacy and grassroots mobilization, Connecticut is consistently ranked as one of the top three states with the strongest gun laws in the country by Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. These strong gun laws save lives – Connecticut is consistently ranked among the top states with the lowest gun death rates. Of note, Connecticut was among the very first states to ban assault weapons and was the first state to implement Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO).

CAGV Education Fund has been promoting policy awareness and understanding since 1996 including ongoing campaigns to promote suicide intervention and safe storage.

In recent years, CAGV and CAGV Education Fund have deepened their collective focus on reducing community gun violence. CAGV has promoted and passed legislation to fund a state-level grant-making authority to provide stable support for evidence-informed and community-centric programs to reduce street-level violence. CAGV Education Fund has worked with community leaders to develop the blueprint strategy and plan for municipal GVP offices in both New Haven and Bridgeport.

CAGV and CAGV Education Fund work in partnership to create safer communities through legislative advocacy, education, awareness, and grass roots engagement. The values of the joint organization are reflected in CAGV’s Belief Statement below.

CAGV Belief Statement

We believe that safety from gun violence is a human right and essential to our ability to thrive and contribute to society.

Gun violence is preventable, yet more than 115,000 Americans are shot and almost 40,000 are killed by a gun annually. The disproportionate number of victims of color is a tragic reflection of our nation’s racial inequities.

For over twenty years, CAGV & CAGV Education Fund have worked relentlessly to advocate for strong gun laws in Connecticut, educate the public about our laws and the dangers of firearms, and support non-legislative programs proven to interrupt cycles of violence. Because when we succeed, we save lives, empower safe and equitable communities in our state, and serve as a model for all states in our nation to embrace.

To learn more, please visit: CAGV and CAGV Education Fund websites.

POSITION OVERVIEW: CAGV is seeking a dynamic and passionate individual capable of driving impact and cultivating strategic partnerships as Executive Director (ED) who will advance the organization’s mission to end gun violence. This role requires a visionary and resourceful leader with an ability to engage our legislative partners and donor base and a deep understanding of the communities we serve through lived experience and/or community ties. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team of five in effecting positive change, influencing policy, and fostering safer communities. If you possess a passion for social impact, a strategic mindset, and the ability to inspire and galvanize teams toward a common goal, we invite you to consider joining CAGV as our ED.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a strategic plan to maximize the impact of CAGV’s initiatives.
• Develop the organization’s annual legislative and policy agenda.
• Inspire, mobilize, and support staff and volunteers.

Resourceful Advocacy and Communications:

• Lead advocacy efforts, leveraging the strengths of a small team and volunteers.
• Effectively maintain and expand a strong public relations presence, engaging diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Efficient Financial Management and Fund Raising:

• Ensure judicious financial management, leveraging available resources to grow CAGV's impact.
• Implement creative fundraising strategies to meet the financial needs of the organization and broaden support across the state.

Program Development:

• Facilitate collaboration among a small team and volunteers to develop and implement impactful programs and initiatives.
• Encourage innovation and flexibility to adapt programs to the dynamic nature of GVP.

Community Engagement and Education:

• Increase visibility of CAGV in communities affected by gun violence.
• Foster a culture of community engagement.
• Support programs that de-escalate violence and empower GVP volunteers in their communities.
• Travel weekly throughout the state; periodic out-of-state travel for national conferences and events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven leader with management experience in a non-profit or advocacy organization and a track record of achieving results with limited resources.
• Strong understanding of GVP issues and the legislative landscape strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated budgeting and resource management experience.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• Development experience, including fundraising for advocacy and creative approaches to secure funding with a small team.
• Current Connecticut resident preferred.

DESIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Excellent Relationship Builder: Ability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community leaders, volunteers, donors, and Board of Directors.
• Politically Adroit: Navigate the political landscape with finesse, advocating for CAGV's goals while building strategic alliances.
• Cultural Competency: Enthusiasm for open communication and building relationships with staff, across community groups, and diverse constituencies across lines of race, class, age, gender, and politics.
• Ability to Inspire and Energize Others: Motivate and inspire volunteers and team members, fostering a sense of passion for and commitment to the organization's mission.
• Ability to Juggle Multiple Priorities: Successfully manage competing priorities and deadlines, ensuring the efficient execution of programs and initiatives.
• Strong Presentation Skills: Create and deliver compelling presentations that effectively communicate CAGV's mission, goals, and impact to diverse audiences, including the Board, donors, and the public.
• Integrity: Uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all interactions and decisions.
• Humility: Strong self-awareness of strengths and opportunities for development; lead with an appreciation of the strengths and contributions of others; enthusiasm for soliciting ideas and giving credit to others; receptive and respectful mindset.
• Competency in Spanish: preferred, not required.

COMPENSATION: A competitive compensation package with benefits will be offered.

Connecticut Against Gun Violence (CAGV) is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our commitment to diversity goes hand-in-hand with our dedication to creating a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered. We actively seek to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and we strive to ensure that our hiring practices contribute to a fair and equitable employment landscape.

TO APPLY: Please send a resume and cover letter to: cagved2024@gmail.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $130,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Fundraising: 3 years (Required)
• Violence Prevention: 3 years (Required)
• Legislative Policy Work: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Connecticut: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: On the road