The Client

Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) is a national public affairs nonprofit organization working to promote and strengthen American pluralism by increasing understanding and improving policies that impact American Muslims. With its mission of improving the public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging government, media, and communities, MPAC has built a reputation of being a dynamic and trusted American Muslim voice for policymakers, opinion shapers, and community organizers across the country.

MPAC’s staff, based in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, are experts in designing and executing innovative and effective legislative, strategic messaging, and issue advocacy campaigns.  They leverage relationships with legislators, government agencies, executive departments, and thought leaders to improve policies on national security, civil liberties, immigration, public safety and religious freedom for all Americans. MPAC also provide media analysis and messaging strategies to reporters and media professionals to inform public opinion and advise the entertainment industry on creating more humanizing and nuanced portrayals of Muslims and Islam. Equally important, we build alliances and coalitions with diverse communities to encourage active citizenship.

MPAC thrives in the rapidly changing world of high-stakes policy and high-profile advocacy where strategic planning is critical, speed and messaging are essential, and thorough analysis is imperative. The organization is committed to enriching American society and to exemplify core Islamic values of mercy, justice, peace, human dignity, freedom, and equality for all.

The Opportunity

A professional growth opportunity to advance organization’s impact/agenda and expand its geographic reach. To that end, assume increased scope of leadership accountability. 

The Position

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead and address policy and societal perception issues for the Muslims community, serving as an advocate to ensure Muslins have a seat at the table. Leading a team of five professionals including, the Directors of Policy/DC Office; Hollywood Bureau; Administration; Development; and Digital Media, this professional will oversee its operations and administration including finance and budgeting.  The COO will approach their work by personally exemplify MPAC’s core values of Mercy, Justice, Peace, Human Dignity, Freedom and Equality for All. Specific responsibilities include:

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Provide strategic leadership to the Directors toward the development of program plans and management of administrative functions
• Oversee MPAC’s community-based program initiatives, ensuring a balance of its resources
• Integrate policy and advocacy strategies increasing collaboration amongst programs thus furthering MPAC’s mission
• Develop strategies to communicate MPAC’s critical issues with program specific stakeholder, their organizations of importance, and its allies
• Manage a team of committed Program Directors cultivating their talents and capabilities towards increased contribution to the organization’s needs

BOARD RELATIONS

•  Along with the CEO, partner with the Board of Directors to determine short and long-term goals
• When appropriate, participate in the strategic planning processes, engaging the Board, staff, and external stakeholders as appropriate
•  Participate in appropriate Board working committees and in the identification of prospective board members

COMMUNICATIONS/COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Partner with CEO as spokesperson to the public, funders, community, media and other constituents and allies, while serving as a voice for MPAC conveying its policy to the community and conduct media interviews when appropriate
• Develop the organization’s comprehensive community and programmatic media outreach to constituents via traditional and social media
• Cultivate coalitions, strategic alliances and collaborative initiatives with relevant community organizations to further MPAC’s reach
• Promote MPAC’s public presence as a prominent advocacy voice for the Muslim community in America
• Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the CEO informed of all critical issues

DEVELOPMENT/FUNDRASING

• Partner with the CEO to execute short and long-term fundraising strategy
• Contribute toward the development broadening and diversifying fundraising sources
• Leverage MPAC’s program efficacy toward the acquisition of foundation grants, government funding and individual gifts

Professional Requirements & Personal Characteristics

The ideal candidate will be a social justice thought leader with a strong community reputation, presence and awareness with the ability to address a range of issues, crises as well as partnering with diverse Board members with disparate voices.  The candidate would be politically savvy with strong communication abilities; strategic and nimble to identify and respond to unexpected opportunities. The Chief Operating Officer will also bring:

• Subject matter expertise in broad range of societal perception and issues in the United States related to the Muslim community;
• Exposure to fundraising, including developing and cultivating relationships with range of donors;
• Prior experience managing a nonprofit Board of Directors;
• Experience influencing legislation and improving policies;
• Ability to work with allies across the political spectrum and achieve meaningful outcomes;
• Outstanding excellent public speaking skills;
• An understanding of nonprofit management, fiscal structures and funding streams;
• A bachelor’s degree is required; a relevant advanced degree is preferred.

Compensation

A competitive salary will be offered to the preferred candidate

Location

MPAC’S headquarters is located in Los Angeles, CA. All applicants must be willing to operate from the LA or Washington, DC offices.

Contact

Please submit cover letter and résumé as attachments via e-mail to:

Soladé Rowe, Senior Consultant

McCormack+Kristel (Washington, DC)

1740 Broadway, 15th Floor – New York, NY 10019

Phone: 202.929.0202 | Fax: 212.203.9599

Email: search@mccormackkristel.com | Website www.mccormackkristel.com

All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.  Education, dates of employment and other information will be verified prior to an offer.