Director/Senior Director, Regional Development

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Structural Reform and Governance
Staff reporting to this position: None
Department: Structural Reform and Governance
Position classification: Exempt, full time
Minimum compensation: $92,000/$112,000
Work site: Hybrid (on-site two days per week, Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

American Progress has an immediate opening for a Director or Senior Director of Regional Development. This new position will be responsible for devising and identifying opportunities to use new and existing federal investments—and related policies—to achieve greater geographic equity and economic growth for small and medium-sized, rural, and other underserved areas. We are looking for someone with strong experience in both congressional and executive branch approaches to economic development.

This role will be driven by the American Progress’ mission to “improve the lives of all Americans, through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country.” The Director or Senior Director will join a dynamic department to assist in strengthening economic and rural development and executing on American Progress’ five cross-cutting priorities:

Building an economy for all
Restoring social trust in democracy
Advancing racial equity and justice
Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
Strengthening health

Responsibilities:

Conduct original research and analysis to identify and advocate for policies that facilitate investment in geographies where federal and private sector investments have historically been more limited than they have been in more prosperous states and metropolitan areas.
Help shape the implementation, parameters, and conditions of newly passed federal spending and grantmaking, as well as siting of federal centers or activities, to maximize geographic equity and the strategic impact of new investments.
Work to implement these policies through educational activities and coordination with executive and legislative branch partners, such as White House staff, federal agency staff, and key congressional committees and leaders.
Lead the coordination and planning of meetings and events.
Maintain expertise in assigned areas of responsibility.
Manage and supervise staff as needed, either directly or on tasks and projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; a master’s degree is a plus.
Seven to 10 years of professional experience related to economic and/or rural development, with a focus on federal investment for the Director position; at least 10 years of professional experience related to economic and/or rural development, with a focus on federal investment for the Senior Director position
Strong familiarity with the executive and legislative branches of government and familiarity with spending legislation and grantmaking.
Strong writing, research, and quantitative skills.
Ability to work well in a mission-driven organization and to convene stakeholders with different interests.
Flexibility, particularly in connecting regional and rural development to other policy issues and in working toward broader economic policy goals.
Effective project management skills and the ability to manage and mentor staff.
A commitment to equity in policymaking.
Comfort working under pressure and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to multitask.
Proven ability to manage consultative process.
Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

American Progress offers full and competitive benefit packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union. The minimum salary for the Director position is $92,000, and the minimum salary for the Senior Director position is $112,000.

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and the levels of community spread and adjust plans as needed for in-office work. Any changes to our current hybrid work policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.

Apply Now

This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from American Progress.

Thank you for your interest in American Progress.

Additional information

American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize the progressive agenda: the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “American Progress.” The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.

American Progress is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is more than a commitment at American Progress—it is the foundation of what we do. American Progress recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and all the other characteristics that make us unique.

For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org. For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go to www.americanprogressaction.org.