Description

Description

Deeds Not Words’ Executive Director is the primary leader responsible for advancing the mission and vision of the organization. The role will include leadership, fundraising, and management responsibilities to the organization while maintaining separate areas of programmatic responsibility and driving the organization’s galvanized vision forward. Ahead of the 2026 elections, Deeds is in a rebuilding phase and looking for a visionary leader with a passion for process and structure building as the organization enters its 10th anniversary. The Executive Director will report directly to the Boards of Directors of both the C3 and the C4 arm of Deeds.

Anticipated start: January 2026 

Responsibilities: 

With the Deeds Not Words Boards of Directors, staff, Changemakers, and youth chapter members, define and advance the strategic vision of the organization; 
Focus on and be accountable to Changemakers, student chapter members, and staff needs across the state in order to ensure the organization’s strategic direction remains firmly rooted in the priorities of our organization; 
Position Deeds Not Words as a key stakeholder and leader on reproductive rights, gender equity, and youth empowerment in the state of Texas;
Lead the organization’s fundraising efforts, including designing the fundraising strategy and maintaining relationship and communications with key institutional and individual donors; 
Support the creation of annual strategic direction in alignment with a long-term strategic vision of the organization, including programmatic and campaign plans to be created in collaboration with the board before the end of the year;
Determine the staffing requirements and structures needed to ensure the delivery of programmatic objectives, working with organizational leadership to hire, supervise and support the development of staff; 
Help to design and grow an integrated voter engagement program that includes year-round student led voter registration/education and turn-out initiative to increase youth civic participation in our state; 
Provide the Boards with comprehensive, quarterly reports on the programmatic objectives of the organization as well as the financial health of both the C3 and C4 entities;
Forge and maintain relations of trust with shareholders, partners and other external entities;
Act as the public voice for and representative of the organization in ways that strengthen the mission and vision of the organization;
Review reports by staff to acquire understanding of the organization’s financial and non-financial position and re-evaluating programs and future hiring on an as needed basis where funding allows; and
Conduct crisis management and rapid response strategy when necessary.

Requirements

Roles and Expectations

The Executive Director (ED) of Deeds Not Words is responsible for maintaining the overall health, sustainability, and impact of the organization during a critical period of leadership transition. The ED will oversee all aspects of the organization's work, intervene as necessary to strengthen or steer it, and directly manage all staff. 

Areas of Responsibility

Management & Leadership (~40%) Deliver on our mission and goals with a healthy, equitable, and sustainable culture. 

Strategic Vision and Direction
Collaborate with the Boards of Directors, staff, Changemakers, and youth chapter members to advance the strategic vision of the organization. 
Ensure that the organization’s strategic direction remains firmly rooted in the priorities and desires of Changemakers, student chapter members, and staff across communities. 
Day-to-Day Operations 
Oversee finance, administration, legal, operations, HR, and infrastructure, ensuring compliance and equitable policies and practices. 
Respond to unforeseen crises or opportunities, working with staff and board to develop solutions to organizational challenges. 
Make major organizational decisions, seeking input from impacted parties, weighing priorities, and exercising good judgment for strategic pivots. 
Team Management
Build and manage a high-performing, sustainable team by determining appropriate roles and reporting lines, and ensuring strong management support and skills development. 
Following all existing staffing policies, the Executive Director will oversee performance improvement plans, disciplinary actions, and decisions regarding the hiring and firing of permanent staff. 
Lead regular staff meetings to ensure alignment, collaboration, and effective decision-making.
Provide ongoing feedback, troubleshooting, and support to staff for optimal performance. 
Ensure a strong organizational culture where core values are embedded in daily work and everyone feels a sense of belonging. 
Board Relations
Maintain strong, consistent, and transparent communication with the Board through regular reports, meetings, and ongoing thought-partnership as needed. 
Fundraising & Finances (~40%): Ensure financial resources are available to meet goals and that resources are stewarded responsibly. 

Financial Oversight 
Maintain the financial health of the organization by practicing sound financial management and effective resource stewardship. 
Set and manage the annual organizational budget. 
Fundraising Efforts
Lead and directly drive the organization's fundraising efforts, including designing the fundraising strategy. 
Serve as the primary "pitchmaker" and relationship steward for high-stakes funder relationships. 
Develop strong relationships with existing funders and cultivate new supporters, funders, and allies. 
External Relations (~10%): Maintain strong partner relationships and collaborate towards shared goals. 

Public Representation
Act as the public voice and representative of the organization, strengthening the mission and vision of Deeds Not Words. 
Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with allied organizations, elected officials, media, and other key stakeholders. 
Program and Campaign Management (~10%): Lead the team to meet deadlines, win campaigns, and ensure accountability to the organizational mission and vision. 

Strategic and Programmatic Planning: 
Support the creation of annual strategic direction in alignment with the long-term vision, including programmatic and campaign plans. 
Design and grow a student-led voter registration and turnout initiative to increase youth voter participation. 
Reporting and Accountability: 
Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on programmatic objectives.
Review staff reports to understand the organization’s financial and non-financial position, re-evaluating programs and future hiring as needed. 

Application Process: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the position will remain open until filled. Please submit a resume, letter of interest, and two references to hello@deedstx.org.