Opportunity Snapshot

Overview: This is a pivotal moment for Every Texan, a leading voice in public policy and equity in the state. With a decades-long legacy of advancing solutions that center the people most impacted by systemic barriers, Every Texan is seeking a new Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. This role offers a chance to influence the policy landscape in Texas, shape statewide narratives around equity and opportunity, and build on the organization’s national reputation for policy leadership and values-driven advocacy.

The Executive Director will join a passionate and talented team, steward an evolving organizational structure, and serve as a public champion for economic justice, inclusive democracy, and responsive government. Ideal candidates will bring executive leadership experience, a people-centered and emotionally intelligent management style, a commitment to community-grounded advocacy, and fluency in navigating the complex intersections of policy, politics, and power.

Salary: The salary range for this position is $185,000 to $200,000, with a comprehensive benefits package. Every Texan is committed to salary transparency and pay equity.

How to Apply: Candidates should submit a resume and tailored cover letter. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of Friday, October 17th at 5:00 PM CT.

About Every Texan

Every Texan is a public policy organization advancing a vision of Texas where people of all backgrounds can thrive. The organization was founded in 1985 as the Center for Public Policy Priorities and rebranded in 2020 to more explicitly reflect its commitment to people-centered, equity-informed policy.

Over the years, Every Texan has grown into a trusted voice among policymakers, researchers, community partners, and coalitions. With an annual budget of approximately $3 million, the organization offers deep expertise in fiscal analysis, health equity, education access, and economic opportunity, and is recognized for its commitment to racial and economic justice.

Every Texan’s work is anchored by three pillars:

• Legislative Advocacy & Communications: Working in partnership, the organization builds capacity among advocates, educates decision-makers, and strengthens coalitions across Texas.
• Research & Data: With rigorous analysis and accessible tools, Every Texan informs campaigns, narratives, and decisions that shape lives.
• Community Engagement: Guided by impacted communities, the organization shifts power to everyday Texans and supports grassroots leadership.

To learn more about Every Texan’s strategic plan, organizational pillars, and current priorities, visit: everytexan.org

Organizational Structure

The Executive Director will lead a staff of approximately 20 and report directly to the Board of Directors. The team includes:

• Senior Directors for Legislative Affairs, Research & Data, Finance & Administration, Community Philanthropy, and Communications & Advocacy;
• Program Directors and Deputy Directors overseeing Budget & Policy, Economic Opportunity, Health & Food Justice, and Campaigns & Engagement; and
• Administrative, Communications, and Policy Analysts / Associates.

The Moment

Every Texan is poised for a new chapter of enhanced impact, visibility, and cohesion. With a deeply committed team, strong values, and a legacy of policy leadership, the organization is ready to welcome a new Executive Director who can strengthen trust, enhance alignment, and guide the organization toward long-term sustainability and strategic clarity. Both staff and board members are energized by this moment and aligned in their commitment to support a leader who can help shape the organization’s next chapter.

About the Role

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of Every Texan and is responsible for overseeing the organization’s strategic direction, internal operations, financial health, fundraising efforts, and external positioning. Reporting to the Board of Directors and leading a staff of approximately 20, the Executive Director plays a central role in cultivating a healthy culture, securing sustainable resources, and amplifying Every Texan’s impact across Texas and beyond.

Key responsibilities include:

Organizational Leadership & Management

• Provide oversight for day-to-day operations, including finance, HR, governance, compliance, and internal systems.
• Support and supervise senior leadership, creating clarity around roles, goals, and decision-making structures.
• Align operations with mission and strategy, ensuring the organization is both principled and effective.
• Advance a culture of transparency, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.

Fundraising & Financial Stewardship

• Oversee strategic budgeting and long-term financial planning.
• Serve as a primary fundraiser, building and stewarding relationships with foundations, major donors, and institutional funders.
• Strengthen individual giving strategies in partnership with development staff and the Board.

Strategy & Impact

• Lead strategic planning and help the organization adapt to changing political, philanthropic, and social dynamics.
• Ensure integration across core pillars of research, policy, advocacy, and communications.
• Balance boldness with pragmatism, maintaining fidelity to mission while adjusting tone and tactics when necessary.

External Relations & Public Representation

• Serve as one of Every Texan’s primary spokespeople to funders, media, policy partners, and peer organizations.
• Elevate the organization’s profile as a statewide thought leader.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships across sectors and geographies to amplify impact and visibility.

Board Engagement & Governance

• Partner with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, shared accountability, and mission alignment.
• Provide timely updates, thoughtful recommendations, and strategic insight to support effective Board decision-making.

Leadership Attributes

Strategic and Steady Leadership

Brings clarity, composure, and future-focused leadership in moments of uncertainty and change. Balances long-term vision with real-time decision-making. Capable of setting priorities, navigating complexity, and evolving the organization’s direction while staying grounded in its mission and values.

Fundraising and Resource Development

Demonstrates a proven ability to secure funding from a mix of national foundations, major donors, and institutional partners. Sees fundraising as both a relationship-driven and strategy-aligned function, critical to advancing visibility, sustainability, and impact.

Inclusive, People-First Management

Centers people and culture in all aspects of leadership. Builds systems and practices that support trust, belonging, and accountability across diverse teams. Fosters cross-functional collaboration and supports the growth and retention of emerging leaders, especially those early in their careers or new to the organization.

Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Fluency

Brings high emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and strong communication skills. Understands the nuances of identity, power, and lived experience, as well as how they shape organizational dynamics. Navigates complexity with empathy, humility, and an ability to build alignment across lines of difference.

Operational and Financial Leadership

Brings rigor and care to financial stewardship, operations, and organizational infrastructure. Strengthens internal systems and compliance while ensuring operations reflect the organization’s values. Makes thoughtful decisions that align mission delivery with long-term sustainability.

Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Acumen

Brings credibility in Texas’s policy landscape and understands the realities of working in a politically hostile environment. Leverages data, relationships, and narrative strategy to advance public policy goals. Engages effectively with coalition partners, legislative allies, and the media.

Statewide Presence and Community Connection

Values the lived experiences of Texans across regions, identities, and backgrounds. Builds relationships with local leaders, coalitions, and community-based partners across the state. Represents the organization with authenticity and humility, both publicly and behind the scenes.

Ideal Experience

Strong candidates will bring many of the following experiences:

• Executive or senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, advocacy organization, policy institute, or philanthropic setting;
• Familiarity with the legislative or public policy landscape in Texas;
• Fundraising success with national and local funders, including major donors and institutional partners;
• Experience leading or working in a unionized organization, serving as a union member, or navigating collective bargaining environments;
• Oversight of budgets and operations for organizations with annual budgets of $3M or more;
• Professional experience that includes managing remote or hybrid teams; and
• Experience building partnerships across regions, constituencies, and lines of difference.

Though not required, advanced degrees and specialized nonprofit credentials, such as executive leadership certifications, sector fellowships, or related graduate programs, are valued and may strengthen a candidate’s fit for this role.

Executive leadership experience in a mid-size or large nonprofit organization is required. This may include service as an Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, or equivalent senior role with strategic and operational oversight. Candidates should bring a strong track record of organizational leadership and nonprofit impact.

Residency and Compensation

Candidates must reside in Texas or be willing to relocate. While Every Texan operates remotely, the majority of staff are based in Austin and Central Texas. The Executive Director should expect regular travel within the state and periodic in-person meetings in Austin.

Salary range for this position is $185,000 to $200,000, in alignment with Every Texan's commitment to salary transparency and equity. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Contact

Candidates should submit a resume and tailored cover letter.

We welcome confidential inquiries and expressions of interest via email to:

Chartise Clark

Founder & Managing Partner

cclark@avrasearchpartners.com

Materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of: Friday, October 17th at 5:00 PM CT

About Avra Search Partners

We believe in turning moments of transition into moments of transformation.

Avra Search Partners is a boutique executive search firm committed to placing transformative leaders in mission-driven organizations. We partner with a wide range of nonprofits and impact-focused businesses, including foundations, advocacy organizations, associations, and artistic and cultural institutions to design search strategies that honor organizational values and help institutions thrive.

We prioritize access, transparency, and authenticity in every engagement, helping institutions build stronger futures through exceptional talent.

With a deep commitment to inclusion, resilience, and leadership excellence, Avra supports clients in identifying outstanding candidates from all backgrounds, including individuals who have historically had limited access to executive opportunities.