Common Cause Hawaii Executive Director Stepping Down

Nikki Love is stepping down as executive director of Common Cause, and that means the government watchdog group will be needing a new leader soon.

Love will leave by the end of the year. She said in an email: “ I love this work and I care deeply about Common Cause issues, but I’ve decided I’m ready for a change.” She helped relaunch the organization in 2007 after it had been absent from the legislative scene for some time. 

Blogger Ian Lind, himself also a former Common Cause Hawaii executive director, writes that Love “steered the reemergence of Common Cause as a significant player in the local political scene.”

The organization is looking for a new director. Reposting the job description here, courtesy of Lind:

POSITION AVAILABLE: Executive Director, Hawaii

REPORTS TO: Vice President, State Operations; Regional Director, State Operations

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Develop and implement grassroots organizing strategies to build support for the Common Cause agenda. Develop and execute lobbying strategies to generate pressure on federal, state, and local elected officials and other decision-makers. Work to build and participate in effective and diverse coalitions. Raise money to fund Common Cause programs using a variety of strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Communicate with the public and members across the state, through the media, social media, direct mail, and other means. Coordinate activities and expand membership in the state by attracting new and diverse constituencies to the organization. Build and participate in effective, diverse political coalitions. Develop and execute lobbying strategies focusing on federal, state and local elected officials and other decision-makers. Produce timely, high quality policy research. Work with the state board and increase its capacity. Raise money to fund programs, using strategies including outreach to members, foundations, and major donors, and organizing fundraising events. Manage the operations of the Common Cause state organization, including recruitment, training and supervision of staff, volunteers and interns. Serve as liaison to the national office in Washington, DC, as well as work with regional staff and other state offices.

QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated leadership and organizing ability; Demonstrated success with fundraising; Excellent written and oral communications skills; Familiarity with Hawaii political landscape and the state legislative process; Commitment to the public interest; Demonstrated ability to work independently in a deadline driven environment with competing priorities; Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities and to build alliance among diverse stakeholders; Strong interpersonal skills; Skill in public speaking; Willingness to travel; Working knowledge of web content management systems and social media tools including Facebook and Twitter; Knowledge of desktop publishing, volunteer management, database management, and financial management desirable; Commitment to the values and issues of Common Cause.

TO APPLY: Please submit resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Director of Human Resources at hr@commoncause.org and include EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – HAWAII in the subject line; or fax to 202.355.7546. No phone calls please. Applicants are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. Minorities are encouraged to apply.