Executive Director

ABOUT PUBLIC ASSETS INSTITUTE

Public Assets Institute, a Vermont 501c3 nonprofit research and advocacy think tank, is seeking applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director (ED). Public Assets has achieved statewide respect and influence for its data-focused analysis, timely input on key public policy issues, alliance‑building efforts, and accessible communication about complicated fiscal and economic topics. Its annual State of Working Vermont report is considered an indispensable resource and its ongoing work on education funding has been critical to Vermont having one of the most equitable school funding systems in the country.

Public Assets brings an equity lens to all its work and partnerships to improve the lives of everyone in the state. For more information, visit Public Assets’ website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The next Executive Director (ED) will continue to champion Public Assets Institute's mission to improve the well‑being of all people in Vermont, advance racial, social, and economic justice, and promote policies that the state government can enact. Reporting to and serving on the Board of Directors, the ED will spearhead the development and implementation of strategies and will provide leadership and oversight of Public Assets’ strategy, operations, personnel, and finances.

This role is ideal for a leader who thrives at the intersection of research and policy, can navigate complex policy environments and communicate complicated tax and budget policy issues clearly, and can build meaningful relationships with funders, partners, policymakers, and communities. We envision the new ED can expect to lead in the following areas:

• Continue to solidify Public Assets’ sound and accessible tax, budget, and economic data and analysis to advance policies that further racial, social, and economic equity. This is the foundation of its reputation and policy impact. Working with a small team, the ED will ensure Public Assets continues to produce trusted, nonpartisan data, analysis, and testimony that legislators, coalition partners, and the public rely on.
• Carry a vision for how sound data and analysis reach Vermonters where they actually are to make the case for tax, budget, and economic policies that work for all. The ED will articulate policy insights and data to policymakers, funders, the media, and the public to reflect the priorities and needs of people living in Vermont. They will focus on budget, tax, and economic policies, including education funding policy, which are essential for effecting equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
  
  They will modernize how Public Assets tells its story, ensuring its rigorous research informs policy.
• Set organizational vision and strategy that explores current and new opportunities together with the Board and staff. Leading in a generative and inclusive manner, the ED will think about the shifting political landscape in Vermont to keep the organization’s strategy nimble and responsive to external trends, developments, and opportunities. In addition, the ED will ensure that the various parts of the organization are in alignment and that key projects and campaigns are on target and aligned with the organizational strategy.
• Strengthen the financial sustainability of the organization by building and maintaining sustained relationships with existing individual donors, Vermont funders, and national foundations and partners. In addition, the ED will seek out new opportunities for expanding the organization’s funding sources and steward all supporters of the organization through regular interactions and communications.
• Lead a dedicated and passionate team of staff and Board members who care deeply about the issues…