THIS POSITION IS HYBRID. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL NEED TO RESIDE ON THE WEST COAST AND WORK ONSITE ONE DAY PER WEEK.
ABOUT PLOUGHSHARES
Ploughshares is a global security foundation committed to reducing nuclear threats and ultimately eliminating nuclear weapons. The organization envisions a safer and more secure world, driven by its mission to transform nuclear policy. To achieve this, Ploughshares strengthens the nuclear field by amplifying diverse voices, fostering public engagement, and challenging the status quo. Through its Equity Rises initiative, the organization prioritizes inclusion, equity, and justice in nuclear policies, creating inclusive spaces and cultivating collaboration with partners inside and outside the nuclear field.
Ploughshares relies on the generous support of individuals, families, and foundations to advance its mission.
For more information, please visit www.ploughshares.org.
OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Salary Range: $130,200 – $162,000
Benefits Include:
Health*
Dental & Vision*
Short term disability*
Life insurance* - coverage is 1 x salary up to $200k
Vacation – accrues at varying rates based on years of service plus week between Christmas and New Years Day and four floating holidays
403b – Ploughshares contributes an automatic 5% after one year, and will match employee contributions up to an additional 5%
Opportunity to lead a renowned global security foundation in shaping nuclear policy and fostering a safer world.
*Ploughshares contributes 100% of the premium plus a contribution to employee HSA if that health plan is selected.
YOU ARE
A Strategic Leader: Adept at aligning organizational mission, goals, and strategy while inspiring teams across departments.
A Relationship Builder: Skilled in cultivating strategic partnerships and stewarding relationships with donors, funders, and stakeholders.
An Effective Communicator: Capable of crafting compelling narratives for multiple audiences and platforms.
A Collaborative Team Player: Experienced in working with boards, leadership teams, and diverse partners to drive organizational impact.
Mission-Driven: Deeply committed to global security and equity, with the ability to adapt to dynamic challenges.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director at Ploughshares provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and guidance across all departments while supporting the President and Board Chair. This executive-level role involves fostering organizational alignment, developing strategic partnerships, and ensuring the achievement of Ploughshares’ mission and goals.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Executive Director reports directly to the President and serves as a key member of the executive and senior leadership teams. They directly oversee Development, Finance, Communications, Program, Field Building, and Human Resources.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Leadership
Align organizational goals and values across the San Francisco and Washington, DC offices.
Supervise senior leadership to ensure cohesive and aligned operations.
Manage board relations, including meetings, onboarding, and committee activities.
Provide thought leadership and partnership to the President and Board Chair.
Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising
Cultivate relationships with donors, funders, and philanthropic partners.
Oversee a personal portfolio of major donors and consult on grant proposals.
Ensure collaboration of all departments to support building strategic partnerships.
Finance and Operations
Work with the CFO and Finance Director on budget planning and adherence.
Manage relationships with legal counsel, tax advisors, and audit vendors.
Oversee corporate insurance policies and financial compliance.
Communications
Advise on strategic communications, including donor outreach and press releases.
Ensure alignment between organizational and programmatic messaging.
Provide input on publications such as the annual report and Council Docket.
Human Resources
Partner with the HR consultant to oversee annual reviews, hiring, and compliance.
Ensure HR activities align with the Equity Rises/DEIA framework.
Manage benefits administration and staff morale initiatives.
COMPETENCIES
Experience:
10+ years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience.
5+ years managing people and multiple functions.
2+ years in nuclear policy, national security, or foreign policy, valued, but not required.
Skills:
Proven ability to lead complex work processes across departments.
Expertise in managing budgets of $8–10 million.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, adaptable to diverse audiences.
Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically.
Thoughtful and effective people management.
Required of all staff
Ability to generate new ideas with other staff members by cultivating curiosity.
Build trust by forgiving others’ mistakes and taking responsibility for their own.
Communicate needs around tasks, priorities and deadlines clearly to colleagues.
Adjust workflow (pace, topic, relationships) to respond to immediate challenges.
Learn from and respond to others through active listening.
Ensure their own work derives from the organization’s mission and goals (for example, in strategies and workplans).
Reflect on and address power (personal and organizational) when communicating and making decisions.
Help set and achieve departmental and organizational DEIA goals.
EQUITY STATEMENT
Ploughshares is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other protected categories as defined by applicable law.
TO APPLY
For more information, or to apply for the Executive Director position, please upload your resume and cover letter below.
All applications will be kept confidential, and every applicant will receive a response.
Ploughshares is an Equal Opportunity Employer.