Principal Director, Program Development

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States, +6 more locations.

📋 Description

• Identify, strategize, and establish new research initiatives for Sightline.

• Create and enhance an institutional framework for entering new issue domains.

• Evaluate potential program areas based on Sightline’s program-selection criteria.

• Oversee a comprehensive selection process and advise the Executive Director on new program areas.

• Conduct initial research and generate innovative articles and analyses.

• Build Sightline’s visibility and reputation in each new issue domain.

• Formulate effective program strategies through research, communication, and coalition building.

• Assemble coalitions to support new initiatives.

• Act as a senior spokesperson for Sightline.

• Author and disseminate research, engage with the media, and meet with policymakers, allies, and stakeholders.

• Drive fundraising efforts by identifying, nurturing, and securing potential funders alongside the development team.

• Lead the recruitment and staffing efforts for each new program.

• Recruit and mentor the permanent program director.

• Facilitate the director's transition and leadership handover.

• Develop and manage program budgets and staffing in collaboration with the operations team.

• Enhance Sightline’s program-development approach with each iteration.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and the communications, development, and research teams during the inaugural year.

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive senior-level experience in policy research, advocacy, journalism, or a related discipline.

• Proven ability to initiate projects rather than inherit them.

• Demonstrated history of conducting and publishing original, comprehensive policy research that has influenced perspectives.

• Capacity to quickly establish credibility in unfamiliar fields.

• Proficient writer and public speaker.

• Comfortable functioning as a senior spokesperson with the media, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

• Strong strategic thinking skills and the ability to shape policy through research, communication, and advocacy.

• Experience in fundraising contributions, including identifying and cultivating potential donors and crafting proposals and reports.

• History of engaging policymakers to convert research findings into policy impact.

• Experience in leading new initiatives, programs, or teams from conception to launch.

• Dedication to Sightline’s mission and values.

• Must reside and work in Cascadia: Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington.

• Must be willing to travel to represent Sightline and attend retreats and meetings.

• Application must include a cover letter, resume, and a brief published writing sample compiled in a single PDF.

• Application materials must not be generated by artificial intelligence.

🏝️ Benefits

• 401K employer contribution of 10 percent of salary without requiring a match.

• Annual merit increases and opportunities for periodic promotions.

• Mentoring, training, and educational opportunities.

• 95% premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees.

• Partial medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage available for dependents.

• 4 weeks of paid vacation.

• 12 paid holidays each year.

• 2 weeks of paid health, wellness, and care leave.

• Shared pool of additional leave for unique circumstances.

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

• 3-month paid sabbatical after every 7 years.

• $200 monthly stipend for remote work expenses.

• Regular staff gatherings to foster in-person connections.

• Employer qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

• Option to work remotely from home or a chosen co-working facility.

• Emphasis on balanced lives and a collegial organizational culture.