Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Influence

Groundwork Collaborative•Washington, DC

53d•$200,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Groundwork Collaborative, launched in 2018, is driven by the idea that 'We Are The Economy': when all of us are doing well, that is when our economy thrives. We fight for progressive economic policy and narrative change that builds accountable public power, breaks up concentrations of private power, and affirmatively centers people too long left out of prosperity. We understand that taken together, these actions will lead to a stronger and more resilient economy. Groundwork’s unique structure – part strategic communications, part think tank, and part issue advocacy organization – allows us to drive narrative and policy change with credibility, expertise, and impact. We work across four core audiences – the media, policymakers, economic experts, and grasstops leaders – and use targeted policy campaigns and timely research and messaging to advance a truly inclusive economic worldview. Position Summary Groundwork seeks a Senior Vice President for Partnerships and Influence to integrate our external engagement work and expand our influence at a pivotal moment for progressive economic policymaking. Reporting to the President and CEO, the SVP will oversee the organization’s partnerships, events, federal affairs, and advocacy work, translating our high-level strategy into concrete outcomes. Groundwork’s impact has grown considerably in recent years, including through building out a best-in-class federal affairs program that makes Groundwork’s research, policy, and communications work accessible for elected officials and their staff. This role will appeal to a leader who understands how strong partnerships grow our impact and who can bring together all of our external engagement work for maximum effect.

Requirements

Deep progressive experience in advocacy, political or nonprofit partnership and influence roles, with a significant portion in senior or leadership positions.
Seasoned people manager with a proven track record of building and developing high-performing teams, including senior level direct reports, while rolling up your sleeves to execute, and a thoughtful approach to coaching, feedback, and professional growth.
Deep, established relationships across the national progressive nonprofit, advocacy, and labor landscape, including strong ties to the political and electoral organizations and consultants.
Comfortable operating at the executive level and a demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and build organizational credibility.
Strong written and oral communicator who can tell the story of Groundwork’s partnership work with key partners, speak at events, and communicate effectively internally.
Familiarity with polling and public opinion research and other advocacy tactics.
Savvy strategist who anticipates the news cycle and the political cycle and identifies the right moments for Groundwork’s voice and advocacy, and knows how to build the partnerships needed to amplify impact.
Not intimidated by wonky economic topics like inflation, tax policy, or labor markets, and energized by translating them into messaging that resonates with broad audiences.
Committed to a just, inclusive, and robust economy that delivers opportunity and dignity to all.

Nice To Haves

Experience running or overseeing a political or advocacy campaign.
Served in a senior leadership role in an advocacy organization, political campaign, congressional office, or government agency.
Deep background or expertise in economic policy issues, including fiscal policy, labor, trade, or financial regulation.

Responsibilities

Oversee, cultivate, and maintain Groundwork’s external engagement with key stakeholders including organizational partnerships, movement leaders, nonprofits, labor unions, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Translate Groundwork’s overarching strategy into targeted campaigns and outreach efforts.
Directly manage a team composed of a Vice President of Government Affairs, Director of Government Affairs, Associate Director of Government Affairs, Director of Narrative Strategies, Director of Programming and Partnerships, and Program Coordinator, and outside consultants, providing strategic direction, day-to-day supervision, and hands-on support to build a high-performing partnership & influence operation.
Oversee Groundwork’s partner-facing distribution materials including newsletters and dispatches and integrate Groundwork’s narrative polling work into broader outreach strategies.
Collaborate closely with the heads of the Communications and Policy, Advocacy, and Research teams to develop and execute integrated plans for Groundwork reports, campaigns, polling, events, and major announcements.
Manage the Partnerships and Influence team budget and ensure resources are allocated effectively across the partnerships and government affairs workstreams.
Coordinate advocacy activities, ensuring alignment with the organization's policy and communications strategy while maintaining appropriate legal and compliance boundaries in coordination with internal teams and outside counsel.