The Washington Tax Fairness Coalition believes that we must fundamentally reform our state’s antiquated tax system because it is unfair, unreliable, and inadequate.

But before we can change the system, we need to reconnect Washingtonians with our common values and help them understand how our collective tax investments provide vital goods and services that benefit all.  Years of negative framing have created an environment where many people believe that all taxes are a burden and that government wastes money on things that aren’t important to us.

It will require a strong coalition effort to change those perceptions and build a tax justice movement based on civic engagement and broad public demand for change.

The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Without this transformation, we cannot adequately educate all our children, provide affordable, quality health and long term care for all, put a roof over everyone’s head, protect our environment or repair and improve our infrastructure.

Responsibilities:

The Executive Director will be responsible for overall leadership of the organization and leading, coordinating and implementing its budget, program and operations.  The ED will direct and participate in the Coalition’s work, oversee a small staff, be one of the primary spokespersons for the organization, participate in fundraising, communicate with the governing steering committee, and otherwise administer the organization.  The Executive Director will be accountable to the Steering Committee, which ultimately will be a formal Board of Directors when the Coalition becomes an independent nonprofit. 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Developing, in coordination with the steering committee and staff, a strategic plan for the organization.

• Planning, overseeing, and participating in the program activities of the WTFC.

• Convening committees as developed by the coalition:  public relations and communication, legislative, education and outreach.

• Representing the WTFC before policymakers and constituent groups.

• Managing all communications activities of the WTFC together with in-house communications staff.

• Supervising the work of the WTFC staff.

• Staffing the Finance Committee of the Coalition.

• Overseeing the fiscal health of the organization including engaging in significant fundraising activities and communication with funders.

Qualifications:

Skills:  Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate complex or technical information clearly to a range of audiences both in writing and through public speaking; demonstrated ability to direct a coalition based organization including administrative and operational leadership.

Experience:  Minimum five years of organizing experience in public policy campaigns; knowledge of the legislative and budget process; demonstrated capacity to work with policymakers, advocates and constituent groups to think strategically about opportunities to influence public policy; experience coordinating field campaigns at state and community levels.

Personal traits: Commitment to social and economic justice; strategic thinker with strong leadership skills; creative and entrepreneurial spirit; commitment to excellence; strong administrative skills.

This is a full-time position.  Salary is DOQ (dependent on qualifications). Benefit package will also be included.  Application deadline is June 22, 2007 or until filled, but interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, list of three references and writing sample to Executive Director Search, Washington Tax Fairness Coalition, 1402 Third Avenue, Suite 1211 , Seattle , WA 98101 , or by e-mail to flye@wataxfairness.org