Executive Director

Position Overview:

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive and public face of C.O.T.T.O.N., responsible for advancing the mission, vision, and long-term sustainability of the organization. The ED works in partnership with the Community Accountability Board (CTT) and staff to ensure alignment with organizational values, strategy, and community impact.

This role requires a leader who can balance visionary leadership with operational excellence, and who understands movement work, nonprofit infrastructure, and community-rooted organizing.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

  • Lead the overall vision, strategy, and direction of C.O.T.T.O.N.

  • Translate community needs and organizational values into actionable programs and initiatives

  • Ensure alignment between mission, culture, and daily operations

  • Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the organization

Community Accountability & Governance

  • Work in partnership with the CTT Community Accountability Board

  • Uphold transparency, accountability, and shared decision-making

  • Ensure organizational practices reflect community-centered values

Program Oversight

  • Oversee development, implementation, and evaluation of programs

  • Support initiatives focused on leadership development, wellness, political education, and third spaces

  • Ensure programs are responsive to Black and Black LGBTQ+ communities

Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

  • Lead fundraising strategy including grants, donors, partnerships, and campaigns

  • Cultivate relationships with funders, allies, and collaborators

  • Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal responsibility

  • Ensure long-term sustainability and growth

Staff & Operations Management

  • Hire, supervise, and support staff and consultants

  • Foster a healthy, affirming, and care-centered work culture

  • Oversee policies, systems, and operational infrastructure

  • Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations and best practices

Who This Role Is For

This position is ideal for someone who:

  • Is deeply rooted in Black community and liberation work

  • Has experience in nonprofit leadership, organizing, or movement-based work

  • Understands systems-building and people-centered leadership

  • Values collective care, accountability, and transparency

  • Can hold complexity while moving work forward

Black LGBTQ+ leaders are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $120,000 annually

  • Pay Raises: Built-in, performance- and sustainability-based raises

  • Flexible and hybrid work structure

  • Opportunity to shape and grow a mission-driven organization

How to Apply

Please email info@ctton.org with the following:

  1. Cover Letter

  2. Resume

  3. Four (4) Professional References

Subject Line: Executive Director Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.