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Role Description

We are seeking a dynamic organizer-trainer to share the role of Director of the Midwest Academy. Building on the Academy’s remarkable decades-long legacy, the Co-Director will:

• Design new initiatives to meet the needs of organizers across the country.
• Help adapt the training curriculum to meet this changing moment in history.
• Train in the Midwest Academy’s very hands-on/experiential style.
• Fundraise to support the work of the academy.
• Develop relationships with organizations across the movement.
• Be familiar with the Midwest Academy’s theory of change.
• Possess a deep commitment to racial, gender, and economic justice practices.
• Be excited to design a program with energy to drive the Academy into the future.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of organizing experience, including at least 10 years in senior-level leadership roles, preferably in a mix of community and labor settings.
• Share the progressive values that guide the Academy’s work in support of democracy, justice, and peace.
• Experience in multi-cultural and racially diverse organizing environments.
• Strong experience with popular education and experiential learning methodologies.
• Experience developing and facilitating curriculum and training programs.
• Knowledgeable about, or able to quickly learn, the Academy’s program model and training approach.
• Skilled organizing trainer with intergenerational organizing experience.
• Successful fundraising experience.
• Strong networking skills and established connections within progressive communities.
• Experienced supervisor capable of managing complex and demanding responsibilities.
• Creative and strategic thinker.
• Skilled in writing and public speaking.
• Proactive, well-organized, and detail-oriented.
• Able to travel as required and work some evenings and weekends.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with the Board.
• Foster a joyful, values-aligned, and sustainable work environment.
• Preference for experience working in a union setting.
• College degree or higher preferred.

Requirements

• Fulfill the Academy’s mission through visionary, responsive, and creative leadership rooted in current political, organizing, and movement trends and prospects.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term strategic plans that advance the Academy’s mission and ensure organizational sustainability.
• Supervise and actively participate in the Academy’s training, coaching, and strategic planning programs.
• Develop, revise, and implement curriculum, training sessions, handouts, and educational materials using popular education and experiential learning approaches.
• Help lead the Academy’s fundraising efforts, including developing foundation proposals and reports, preparing and overseeing major donor campaigns and individual giving, and organizing the annual fundraising event.
• Oversee administrative and fiscal responsibilities, including budgeting, financial analysis, and audit preparation.
• Lead staff development, including hiring, supervision, training, mentoring, and performance management.
• Establish, strengthen, and manage existing partnerships within the progressive movement, including national, state, and local organizations, unions, allies, and other progressive training organizations.
• Develop and implement new outreach strategies and programs to ensure the growth, relevance, and stability of the organization.
• Serve as a visible spokesperson for the Academy, representing its mission and values publicly.

Benefits

• This is a remote position with the expectation of travel 1-2 times a month, for multiple days at a time.
• This is an exempt, non-union full-time (40 hours a week) position with a salary of $172,242.
• Midwest Academy offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
• 100% coverage for medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k with company match.
• 15 vacation days your first 3 years, and 20 vacation days in your 4th year and on.
• 12 sick and safe leave days per year, with the potential for accumulation up to 125 days.
• 12 weeks of full-time paid parental leave, with an additional 4 weeks of half-time leave for transitioning back to full-time work schedule.
• 6 personal days.
• Annual professional development stipend.

Application Process

To apply please submit your application materials here. We have partnered with NRG Consulting group on this search. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected] and [email protected] . The preferred application deadline is April 10, 2026.

The Midwest Academy values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals of every race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and record of arrest or conviction.