Description
Stand Up Indiana – Executive Director
Full-time Position
ABOUT STAND UP INDIANA
Stand Up Indiana is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead an effort at the forefront of statewide change. This full-time leadership role requires a unique blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and communications experience to manage an organization encompassing both a 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entity. Indiana is ready for a new direction: a growing movement of Hoosiers is demanding a break from stagnant state-level leadership and calling for a future rooted in prosperity, expanded voting access, balanced representation, strong public education, and improved healthcare. Stand Up Indiana is playing a central role in that shift.
Our mission is clear: Amplify the voices of Hoosiers across the state and support them in the fight for a better Indiana. We strive to be a communications hub for the individuals and organizations who need it most, providing communities with the tools they need to organize for a better future. Stand Up Indiana serves as an instigator for reasonable policy and grassroots activity, dedicated to improving the lives of Hoosier working families. As a communications and messaging hub for forward-looking Hoosiers, Stand Up Indiana conducts strategic research, crafts coordinated messaging, provides communications tools and support to partner organizations, and collaborates on major paid media campaigns across Indiana to amplify impact.
Location:
Candidates must be Indiana residents or willing to relocate to Indiana to receive consideration for this position. Stand Up Indiana is a hybrid work environment with an office in Indianapolis, the Executive Director will be required to be in the office on a regular basis, exact schedule is negotiable. Some travel, largely within Indiana, will be required. Assistance with moving expenses will be provided for candidates currently based outside of Indiana, and the relocation timeline is negotiable depending on each candidate’s specific situation and needs.
JOB DUTIES
The Executive Director will provide visionary, service-oriented leadership to Stand Up Indiana in the following areas:
Fundraising: Secure and grow sustainable funding to support the organization’s long-term goals. Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, grantmakers, and strategic partners to build a broad base of financial support. Strengthen donor and supporter engagement through tailored communications, events, and one-on-one outreach, ensuring supporters remain invested in Stand Up Indiana’s mission and advocacy.
Organizational and Financial Oversight: Develop and oversee annual operating plans and budgets and align with strategic goals, ensuring the financial sustainability of the hub through effective budgeting and performance monitoring. Ensure compliance with all reporting and regulatory requirements for both nonprofit and political activities - 501(c)3 and 501(c)4) - including state and federal campaign finance laws. Lead and manage a small staff team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture with clear roles and professional development opportunities. Work closely with the Board of Directors to maintain transparency, accountability, and alignment on the organization’s strategy and operations.
Program and Communications Leadership: Work with partner organizations and allies across Indiana to develop, test, and disseminate compelling messaging and strategic communications campaigns that unify voices around shared progressive narratives. Guide the implementation of coordinated earned media and digital strategies, using data-driven insights and modern tools to drive message consistency and impact. Oversee the creation of high-quality content and an online organizing program that engages grassroots supporters in amplifying key messages. Create and deliver communications training programs and materials to community partners to build proficiency and skills. Build and maintain a shared communications infrastructure so that partner organizations have quick access to resources and consistent messaging frameworks.
External Relations and Stakeholder Engagement: Provide visible, respected, and collaborative communications leadership in the community. Act as a trusted advisor and support network for allies, elected leaders, and partner organizations to develop initiatives, training, and campaigns that help move Indiana forward.
QUALIFICATIONS
Leadership Experience: At least 5+ years of successful nonprofit or campaign leadership, including experience managing teams, budgets, and organizational operations. Demonstrated ability to work with boards of directors and diverse stakeholders to execute a strategic vision.
Fundraising Success: Clear track record of success in fundraising and donor development, including securing significant financial support through donor cultivation, grants, and/or campaigns to sustain an organization’s growth.
Strategic Communications Expertise: Extensive experience in communications strategy and messaging. Proven ability to develop and implement coordinated communications plans – from media relations and press outreach to digital media campaigns and content creation – that engage diverse audiences and drive results. Excellent writing and editing skills, with an ability to craft and tailor messages for different platforms and communities.
Collaboration and Service Orientation: A collaborative leadership style with a strong service mindset. Experience building partnerships or coalitions, and a commitment to empowering partner organizations. Able to coordinate multiple groups toward a common message and foster trust, consensus, and teamwork across organizations.
Movement Knowledge: Deep understanding of social and political issues affecting Indiana and the dynamics of advocacy, community organizing, and/or electoral campaigns. Direct experience in progressive advocacy or political efforts in Indiana is highly preferred.
Mission Alignment: Genuine commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Stand Up Indiana. A passion for uplifting underrepresented voices and advancing positive change for Hoosier communities.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time position that will pay a salary of $120,000. Starting salaries are set in advance with no room for negotiation in order to maintain transparency and equity.
Stand Up Indiana offers a benefits package covering 100% of Executive Director and their family’s medical, dental, and vision coverage, and generous paid time off in addition to federal holidays. Assistance with moving expenses is available for candidates relocating to Indiana.
HOW TO APPLY
You can apply through this link. Position posted until filled.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Stand Up Indiana, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law. Women and Persons of Color are strongly encouraged to apply.
