Senior Director, Economic Security California

Senior Director, Economic Security California

Since its launch in 2024, ESCA has established itself as a leading voice for a fairer California economy—helping shape statewide fights to expand direct cash policies like guaranteed income and tax credits, and to curb the harms from corporate concentration, hold AI accountable—and has built a reputation as a strategic, credible, respected organization.

Building on a strong foundation, the Senior Director will expand Economic Security California's team, portfolio, and state footprint while setting its long-term strategic and fundraising trajectory.

The role demands immediate credibility and strong relationships across California's political, philanthropic, and advocacy sectors. The Senior Director will oversee key campaigns to put cash in people's pockets through guaranteed income and refundable tax credits, while countering corporate concentration through antimonopoly action, AI regulation, and public options.

Additionally, the Senior Director serves as the primary architect of ESCA's growth, driving an ambitious fundraising strategy and establishing a long-term vision for the organization's expansion and impact.

Programmatic Strategy and Leadership (50%)

• Drive the development and execution of ESCA's state strategy across its three core strategies: provoke, legitimize, win.
• Set the strategic direction and oversee the development of ESCA's policy agenda to address the affordability crisis by advancing cash policies and countering corporate concentration, building on organizational expertise in the areas of expanding tax credits, guaranteed income and benefits access; and curbing corporate concentration, monopoly conduct, regulating tech and AI and encouraging public options.
• Direct ESCA's and ESCA Action's work in Sacramento, utilizing legislative advocacy, strategic communications, coalition-building, and public events to cultivate legislative champions and engage new constituencies.
• Implement a multi-year strategy to build political power in California, identifying and engaging regional and grassroots partners, evaluating campaign opportunities, and tracking long-term progress.
• Serve as ESCA's primary spokesperson to media and external stakeholders, leading a statewide narrative plan in partnership with ESP's communications team.
• Collaborate with and contribute to national ESP leadership on federal campaigns, directing California-based execution to support broader national goals.
• Direct external consultants, lobbyists, and strategic advisors to align deliverables, expand capacity, and execute high-impact advocacy campaigns.

Organizational Leadership, Operations, and Growth (50%)

• Execute an ambitious fundraising strategy to fund ESCA's annual budget, cultivating relationships with major donors, institutional funders, and prospective partners alongside ESP's development team.
• Set and drive a long-term growth vision for ESCA, expanding its geographic footprint, programmatic scope, annual budget, and operational capacity.
• Manage a sustainable budget for ESCA, overseeing financial forecasting, expense management, and operational systems to support smart growth.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain a diverse, high-performing team of staff, fellows, and consultants. Manage direct reports, establish clear workflows, and foster professional development as the team expands.
• Serve as an active member of ESP's Senior Leadership Team, modeling organizational values, breaking down departmental silos, and collaborating closely with national policy, communications, and operations leaders.
• Partner with ESP leadership staff to refine, scale, and strengthen the broader state affiliate model, positioning California as a blueprint for state-level economic justice work nationwide.

The Economic Security Project is a primarily virtual office with staff across the country. This position must be based in California with regular in person meetings with decision-makers and coalition partners, including maintaining a consistent presence in (with regular travel to) Sacramento.

The salary range for this position is $160,000-$195,000, dependent on factors such as experience and location. This role includes a comprehensive benefits package.