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. 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. This role can only be applied for via the Maneva Group website.

Responsibilities

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; Direct ESCA's and ESCA Action's work in Sacramento, utilizing legislative advocacy, strategic communications, coalition-building, and public events; 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; 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; Recruit, mentor, and retain a diverse, high-performing team of staff, fellows, and consultants; Serve as an active member of ESP's Senior Leadership Team, modeling organizational values and collaborating with national policy, communications, and operations leaders; Partner with ESP leadership staff to refine, scale, and strengthen the broader state affiliate model

Requirements

Solid track record in leading projects and developing colleagues, and readiness to take on formal management of a diverse team; Deep knowledge of California's policy landscape, and core issue areas, including cash policy, tax credits, antimonopoly and corporate concentration policy, tech/AI regulation, or public options; Extensive experience with the state legislative and budget process, demonstrated understanding of legislative strategy, and familiarity with California's political landscape; Strong relationships across California's legislative, philanthropic, and advocacy sectors, with a track record of driving inside-outside advocacy campaigns; Proven ability to manage budgets, lead high-performing teams, and drive strategic vision collaboratively in a fast-moving, virtual environment; Demonstrated success securing and growing institutional funding and major gifts support; A builder's mindset, with experience scaling state affiliates or regional programs; Skilled organizational spokesperson with exceptional writing and public speaking abilities, anchored by a deep commitment to economic and racial justice

Nice to have

A builder's mindset, with experience scaling state affiliates or regional programs; Familiarity with California's political landscape

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package; Flexible remote work; Regular office closures; Five-year sabbatical program; Investment in professional development