Nonprofit Remote Digest - Issue #803

Ohioans To Stop Executions (OTSE) was founded in 1988. Our purpose is to end the use of the death penalty in Ohio through education and advocacy. OTSE is a diverse coalition of individual community members and organizations from all across the state.

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Ohioans to Stop Executions — otse.org OTSE is a coalition of individuals and organizations working to reduce use of and ultimately end capital punishment in Ohio. We are ordinary Ohioans with an extraordinary vision for how society addresses violent crime and victims’ families needs.

Executive Director

Position Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Board Chair (on behalf of Board of Directors) 

Compensation: $65,000-$75,000, depending on experience, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, life insurance, workers compensation coverage, 11 paid holidays, and a flexible vacation and sick leave policy. 

Status: Full Time and Exempt

Location: Ohio. Executive Director’s presence is expected in the capital city of Columbus as appropriate. Travel, evening, and weekend work is required as necessary.  

OHIOANS TO STOP EXECUTIONS (OTSE), an Ohio-based, state-wide non-profit organization working to end the death penalty in Ohio, seeks to hire an Executive Director. 

Using a coordinated, strategic, and empowerment-oriented approach, OTSE works to build and mobilize public and political support for abolition of capital punishment. Our core objectives include reducing death sentences, stopping executions, and changing the statewide conversation about the death penalty so as to achieve abolition. We work towards repeal by highlighting the tremendous bipartisan support for abolition, informing Ohioans about the death penalty’s exorbitant costs and wastefulness as no societal benefits accrue, demonstrating the risk of wrongful executions, and exposing and challenging the racial bias and arbitrariness that are inherent in the death penalty system. 

We are currently focused on passing bipartisan legislation that would end the death penalty in Ohio prospectively. At this writing, two companion bipartisan bills have been introduced in the Ohio legislature and hearings have been held in their respective committees.

Our multifaceted strategic campaign requires a leader who can work across political spectrums, is comfortable and effective when interacting with state legislators and other government leaders, and appreciates the power of grassroots voices to effectuate change. 

The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing and implementing OTSE’s administration, programs, and strategic plan. This work is highly relational and includes building and strengthening OTSE’s existing network, which includes murder victims’ family members and other survivors of violent crime, law enforcement professionals, families of the incarcerated, and persons who have been exonerated from death row. It will also include engaging new partners, particularly those working on issues of criminal justice reform and racial justice. 

We are looking for someone with an organizer’s instincts, a manager’s sensitivity and ability to motivate, and a campaign coordinator’s ability to prioritize. 

The position reports directly to the Board of Directors. All members of the staff and volunteers report to the Executive Director. This position requires a presence in the capital city of Columbus as is appropriate. Hours are somewhat flexible, although most work will be done during regular business hours. The work of a campaign is fast paced, and will require occasional work after business hours, including some weekends, and some travel. 

Duties (non-exhaustive list):

• Communicates effectively with OTSE’s Board of Directors to ensure responsible and effective administration of OTSE’s operations. 

• Oversees and is responsible for the fiscal management of OTSE to ensure maximum resource utilization and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position. 

• Oversees and is responsible for fundraising activities to generate revenue to support OTSE’s mission and programs. 

• Oversees and is responsible for hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff. 

• Acts as coordinator for the campaign to end the use of the death penalty in Ohio through developing and implementing strategy, goals, and plans for this work. 

• Develops relationships and partnerships with local and state organizations doing criminal justice and racial equity work in Ohio. Coordinates with national partner organizations. 

• Develops written materials, including briefing documents, fact sheets, etc. 

Skills and Qualifications: 

The ideal candidate will have a commitment to ending the death penalty and to racial justice and: 

• Experience organizing on issue-based advocacy and/or political campaigns. 

• Direct experience and comfort working with communities of color and/or organizations that represent people of color, and directly affected individuals. 

• Outstanding interpersonal communication, networking, and social skills; ability to connect authentically with diverse groups of people, especially across political and religious ideologies. 

• Strong writing and oral communication skills. 

• Ability to juggle multiple projects, meet deadlines, work hard, keep things moving, and maintain attention to detail. Ability to work independently and as a leader of a team. 

• Knowledge of Ohio’s political landscape is a strong plus. 

• Experience and comfort speaking with the media is a strong plus. 

• Management experience, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting 

• Ability to convey a vision of OTSE’s strategic future to staff, board, volunteers and donors. 

• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to the nonprofit sector. 

Salary and Benefits

USD $65,000 - USD $75,000 / year

Comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, life insurance, workers compensation coverage, 11 paid holidays, and a flexible vacation and sick leave policy. 

How to Apply

Applicants should email a cover letter detailing interest, as well as a resume and the names of two professional references to jobs@OTSE.org. Applications received by November 15, 2022 will be reviewed first and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No phone calls please.