Executive Director

The Executive Director will provide overall leadership for CommonAct and work with the Board and core team to turn the organization's strategy into execution.

This is a hands-on role. The Executive Director will help set priorities, coordinate the team, develop partnerships, support fundraising, and ensure that CommonAct's programs and operations move forward.

The role is currently unpaid because CommonAct is still building its funding base. We are looking for someone who understands the organization's current stage and is interested in contributing to its development over the longer term.

1. Organizational Leadership

• Work with the Board to define and execute CommonAct's strategic priorities.
• Translate organizational goals into practical plans, timelines, and responsibilities.
• Maintain focus on a small number of meaningful priorities rather than spreading the organization too thin.
• Help develop CommonAct's internal systems, policies, and ways of working.
• Represent CommonAct in relevant external meetings, events, and partnerships.

2. Program and Research Development

• Work with the team to develop CommonAct's research and intervention pipeline.
• Support the identification of problems that warrant further research or action.
• Ensure that projects are grounded in evidence, community realities, and a clear theory of change.
• Review progress and help teams turn research findings into practical next steps.
• Maintain quality and strategic coherence across CommonAct's programs.

3. Team Leadership

• Coordinate the core team, volunteers, fellows, and project leads where applicable.
• Clarify responsibilities and expectations across the organization.
• Create a working culture where people are expected to take ownership rather than wait for instructions.
• Support team members in developing their skills and taking on greater responsibility.
• Recruit additional volunteers, staff, advisors, or collaborators when needed.

4. Partnerships and External Relations

• Develop relationships with organizations, researchers, funders, institutions, and other potential partners.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration that are relevant to CommonAct's strategy.
• Represent CommonAct professionally in external communications and meetings.
• Build relationships that can provide knowledge, technical support, funding, or opportunities for CommonAct's work.

5. Fundraising and Organizational Sustainability

• Work with the team to identify appropriate funding opportunities.
• Lead or support grant applications and fundraising efforts.
• Help develop a sustainable financial model for CommonAct.
• Maintain a realistic understanding of the organization's financial capacity.
• Ensure that fundraising supports the organization's strategy rather than determining it.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors and provide regular updates on organizational progress.
• Support transparent decision-making and responsible use of resources.
• Track key organizational priorities, commitments, and deliverables.
• Ensure that CommonAct operates responsibly and maintains appropriate organizational standards.