Project Director, California Reparations Education Initiative; Tides Center FSP

About Tides Center

Fiscal sponsorship at Tides Center is a powerful tool for justice. Our unique fiscal sponsorship offerings provide changemakers with a variety of options. Whether they’re fundraising for a specific initiative or relying on our full infrastructure to run their organization, we help social change leaders fuel their mission-driven work.

The California Reparations Education Project, a fiscally sponsored project of Tides Center, is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the first Project Director of this new statewide initiative advancing public education, coalition-building, and support for comprehensive reparations in California.

This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a high-impact, high-visibility initiative from the ground up
—working at the intersection of policy, communications, and community engagement. You’ll partner closely with an Advisory Board, Steering Committee, and other key stakeholders to shape strategy, drive execution, and build out strong operational foundations. You will ensure the initiative operates with alignment, discipline and accountability.

As the first staff member of a brand new initiative, you’ll be asked to wear multiple hats. One day you may be preparing a strategy presentation for state legislators, another you might be scheduling committee meetings and entering vendor invoices for payment.

If thrive in startup environments, are comfortable managing both strategic and administrative duties, and are passionate about advancing racial equity
, this role offers the opportunity to support a historic movement for justice.

• Drive day-to-day leadership of a statewide initiative advancing reparations education and advocacy

• Translate strategic priorities into clear work plans, timelines, and measurable goals

• Track progress and report outcomes to key stakeholders, including legislative partners

• Represent the initiative publicly to build awareness and momentum

• Collaborate with an Advisory Board and Community Steering Committee Working Groups to align on direction and advance key priorities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, nonprofits, and regional partners

• Expand partnerships and coordinate statewide engagement

• Build core systems, workflows, and processes to support a growing initiative

• Oversee budget, expenses, and financial tracking in partnership with the Tides Center service team

• Ensure compliance with nonprofit and fiscal sponsorship requirements

• Manage vendors, consultants, and operational risks

• Partner with Advisory Board and other leadership to develop and execute a fundraising strategy

• Cultivate relationships with funders and support grant opportunities

• Ensure strong grant management, reporting, and compliance

• Hire, onboard, and manage staff, consultants, and volunteers as the initiative scales

• Foster a collaborative, values-driven working environment among staff, committee members, consultants and other initiative partners

• 7+ years in program leadership, campaigns, coalition-building, or related fields

• Familiarity with regional and national racial justice movements and networks, ideally within California.

• Experience launching new programs or building systems from scratch

• Background in nonprofit or grant-funded environments

• Experience working with boards or community advisory groups

• This is a fully remote role. Residency in California is preferred.

• Strategic thinker with strong execution and project management skills

• Relationship builder with the ability to align diverse stakeholders and move them towards action

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading in a startup environment

• Strong communicator with experience in public-facing roles

• Financial and operational acumen, including budgeting and compliance

• Fundraising and grant management experience

• Familiarity with California policy landscape

• Experience in public affairs, advocacy, or strategic communications

This role offers a competitive…