Senior Director, Economic Security California

Economic Security Project•Remote, CA

13d•$160,000 - $195,000•Remote

About The Position

Economic Security California (ESCA) is seeking a Senior Director to expand its team, portfolio, and state footprint while setting its long-term strategic and fundraising trajectory. This role demands immediate credibility and strong relationships across California's political, philanthropic, and advocacy sectors. The Senior Director will oversee key campaigns to put cash in people's pockets through guaranteed income and refundable tax credits, while countering corporate concentration through antimonopoly action, AI regulation, and public options. Additionally, the Senior Director serves as the primary architect of ESCA's growth, driving an ambitious fundraising strategy and establishing a long-term vision for the organization's expansion and impact. The Economic Security Project (ESP) advocates for ideas that build economic power for all Americans. ESP legitimizes emerging concepts through cutting-edge research, elevating champions, and challenging conventional wisdom. ESP runs targeted issue campaigns, develops creative interventions, and convenes leaders to spur collective action. ESP has secured over $1 trillion in direct family relief during the pandemic and modernized tax codes in over seven states. ESP's Affordability Framework diagnosed broken markets and broken incomes as twin drivers. ESP has invested over $25 million into groundbreaking research, grassroots coalitions, and narrative interventions that advance racial and economic justice. ESP fosters a high-performance, remote-first culture rooted in accountability and growth. ESP supports employee well-being through flexible remote work, regular office closures, and a five-year sabbatical program. Economic Security California (ESCA), an affiliate of the Economic Security Project, builds economic power for all Californians by fighting corporate consolidation and advancing cash policies so every resident has the freedom and stability to thrive. ESCA has advanced a policy agenda that seeks to put money into the pockets of people who need it, through expanded tax credits and direct cash, while guarding against the forces trying to take money out, by curbing anticompetitive conduct by Big Tech and other concentrated corporate power. ESCA believes in a state where every resident has the freedom and stability needed to thrive. However, too many Californians are locked out of that promise by corporate consolidation, an unfair tax system, and an economy that leaves working people behind. ESCA seeks to change that.

Requirements

Solid track record in leading projects and developing colleagues, and readiness to take on formal management of a diverse team.
Deep knowledge of California's policy landscape, and core issue areas, including cash policy, tax credits, antimonopoly and corporate concentration policy, tech/AI regulation, or public options.
Extensive experience with the state legislative and budget process, demonstrated understanding of legislative strategy, and familiarity with California’s political landscape.
Strong relationships across California's legislative, philanthropic, and advocacy sectors, with a track record of driving inside-outside advocacy campaigns.
Proven ability to manage budgets, lead high-performing teams, and drive strategic vision collaboratively in a fast-moving, virtual environment.
Demonstrated success securing and growing institutional funding and major gifts support.
A builder's mindset, with experience scaling state affiliates or regional programs.
Skilled organizational spokesperson with exceptional writing and public speaking abilities, anchored by a deep commitment to economic and racial justice.

Responsibilities

Drive the development and execution of ESCA's state strategy across its three core strategies: provoke, legitimize, win.
Set the strategic direction and oversee the development of ESCA's policy agenda to address the affordability crisis by advancing cash policies and countering corporate concentration, building on organizational expertise in the areas of expanding tax credits, guaranteed income and benefits access; and curbing corporate concentration, monopoly conduct, regulating tech and AI and encouraging public options.
Direct ESCA’s and ESCA Action’s work in Sacramento, utilizing legislative advocacy, strategic communications, coalition-building, and public events to cultivate legislative champions and engage new constituencies.
Implement a multi-year strategy to build political power in California, identifying and engaging regional and grassroots partners, evaluating campaign opportunities, and tracking long-term progress.
Serve as ESCA's primary spokesperson to media and external stakeholders, leading a statewide narrative plan in partnership with ESP's communications team.
Collaborate with and contribute to national ESP leadership on federal campaigns, directing California-based execution to support broader national goals.
Direct external consultants, lobbyists, and strategic advisors to align deliverables, expand capacity, and execute high-impact advocacy campaigns.
Execute an ambitious fundraising strategy to fund ESCA's annual budget, cultivating relationships with major donors, institutional funders, and prospective partners alongside ESP's development team.
Set and drive a long-term growth vision for ESCA, expanding its geographic footprint, programmatic scope, annual budget, and operational capacity.
Manage a sustainable budget for ESCA, overseeing financial forecasting, expense management, and operational systems to support smart growth.
Recruit, mentor, and retain a diverse, high-performing team of staff, fellows, and consultants. Manage direct reports, establish clear workflows, and foster professional development as the team expands.
Serve as an active member of ESP's Senior Leadership Team, modeling organizational values, breaking down departmental silos, and collaborating closely with national policy, communications, and operations leaders.
Partner with ESP leadership staff to refine, scale, and strengthen the broader state affiliate model, positioning California as a blueprint for state-level economic justice work nationwide.