Executive Director at Rise Up

Rise Up : Federal Workers Legal Defense Network (Rise Up or the Network), a labor organization with a 501(c)(5) tax exemption, launched earlier this year to support federal workers and the federal civil service ideal.  Our initial mission is to match federal workers who have been terminated or who have concerns about upcoming adverse employment action with trained volunteer lawyers who provide an up-to-one-hour consultation about individual workers’ legal rights and options. We seek a full-time Executive Director to succeed the current ED, who is completing her task of launching the organization.

This is a full-time position initially for a one-year period. The position can be performed remotely and is not likely to require significant travel.

Core Responsibilities :

In this context, Rise Up seeks to hire an Executive Director who can lead the organization into 2026 and beyond in the following ways :

Strategic Leadership, Program Oversight & Legal Service

Develop a growth strategy and expansion in 2026 and beyond that will keep Rise Up at the center of efforts to rebuild the federal civil service and oppose additional efforts to destroy the civil service in coalition with allies.

Provide strategic guidance and support to staff to ensure legal clinics have adequate resources and continue to deliver services to federal workers.

Oversee webinars and virtual Town Halls for both volunteers and workers to build a knowledge base that allows for meaningful choice and agency.

Volunteer Engagement & Network Growth

Working with Rise Up’s volunteer lawyer organizer, expand and manage our roster of active volunteer lawyers willing to provide pro bono assistance to current and former federal workers.

Maintain close relationships with Rise Up’s partners and develop other networks.

Fundraising, Financial & Organizational Stewardship

Lead Rise Up’s fundraising efforts with foundations and individuals, working closely with experts who provide the organization with indispensable advice and guidance.

Oversee a $50,000 monthly operating budget

Make mission-aligned hiring decisions within the budgetary framework.

Governance & Board Engagement

Maintain open communication with the Board of Directors and Advisory Board, and engage them for strategic guidance and in appropriate decision-making support

Required Skills and Competencies :

Demonstrated ability to create medium and long-term goals for an organization and organizational strategies and objectives that facilitate success in meeting those objectives.

Experience in supervising or executing a digital communications and / or social media strategy or campaign.

Track record of building teams that work together toward shared objectives

Minimum Qualifications :

Progressively responsible experience in the labor and / or social justice movements, culminating in leading an organization or a significant organizational component.

Experience working in coalition with partner organizations and fostering productive working relationships.

Experience in designing and executing successful, significant fundraising efforts.

Understanding of how structural issues of class, race, and gender affect the success of labor and social justice organizations, and experience dealing with these issues.

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by October 24, 2025