The Coalition Director will serve as the full-time (40 hours per week) staff person of the MO State ID Access Coalition.

The Why:

The direct ID access work that both the Ashrei Foundation and St. Francis Xavier College Church (see below) lead have given both organizations the opportunity to observe the systemic issues of ID access firsthand. The Missouri State ID Access Coalition was founded by College Church in 2019 to convene stakeholders in order to eliminate systemic barriers to ID access statewide. Photo identification is essential to building the lives we envision for ourselves. Many Missourians face barriers to getting government issued photo IDs and cannot access basic resources, meet immediate needs and exercise fundamental rights. The Missouri State ID Access Coalition is committed to removing barriers, ensuring that all Missourians can access accurate state-issued photo identification in order to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. 

The Job:

The position is designed primarily for remote work, though ample opportunities for in-person work and events throughout the state of Missouri exist as part of this role. This position will manage a geographically dispersed group of independent organizations and individuals that collaborate towards shared goals outlined by the Coalition. The Director leads and guides the Coalition’s vision, strategy, and overall impact. This position is the leader driving strategy and operations for the Coalition. The Director will deepen relationships among Coalition members, intentionally integrate directly impacted individuals in the Coalition’s work, and develop leadership and advocacy skills across the Coalition. 

The Director works in collaboration with the Steering Committee but has significant autonomy in executing coalition activities. The focus of this position is to directly drive the coalition’s work, ensuring alignment and progress toward shared goals. The position is supported by the Backbone Organizations and supervision is provided by the Executive Director of the Ashrei Foundation. 

Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to: 

  • Leadership & Strategy

    • Lead the development and execution of the coalition’s strategic plan and annual plans

    • Serve as the primary leader and decision-maker for the coalition

    • Oversee the coalition’s daily work and initiatives

    • Evaluate the coalition’s progress and impact, making adjustments as needed

    • Define, implement and oversee the structure and operations of the Steering Committee

    • Routinely evaluate, revise and oversee the structure and operations of the Coalition

  • Advocacy

    • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and policymakers

    • Represent the coalition publicly and advocate for its goals

    • Speak on behalf of the coalition to advance its collective goals

  • Operations

    • Coordinate coalition activities, meetings, and initiatives

    • Manage relationships among coalition members and external stakeholders

    • Engage coalition members, foster participation, and ensure accountability among partners

    • Ensure that co-chairs have what they need to lead their committees smoothly, including holding co-chairs accountable to tasks and responsibilities

    • May supervise staff or volunteers dedicated to coalition work

    • Administrative support for the Coalition (website, constant contact, newsletter, social media, email, phone, digital file management, scheduling, etc.)

    • Database management

  • Financial Oversight

    • Ensures effective use of resources and monitors the coalition's budget

    • Support relationships with funders and key stakeholders

    • Support grant writing and reporting

    • Oversee funding, budgeting, and resource allocation

Qualifications: 

  • Experience in Coalition Building and Collaboration: Proven track record of working in or leading coalitions, networks, or collaborative initiatives; strong ability to navigate group dynamics and foster cooperation among diverse stakeholders

  • Leadership and Strategic Planning: Experience developing and implementing strategic plans for complex initiatives; ability to inspire and mobilize members around a shared vision

  • Project Management: Excellent organizational and administrative skills; creative problem-solving skills with an emphasis on collaboration; experience managing multi-stakeholder projects, timelines and deliverables; detail-oriented with a focus on meeting deadlines and achieving goals; strong follow through skills

  • Strong Communication Skills: exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner; ability to represent the Coalition effectively in public forums and media

  • Facilitation Expertise: experience in leading and facilitating group discussions and decision-making sessions; knowledge of various decision-making models and techniques; ability to guide teams toward consensus while valuing diverse opinions

  • Sensitivity and Cultural Competency: Deep understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion principles; awareness of and sensitivity to the experiences of marginalized individuals and families, including those experiencing homelessness and/or poverty, mental health and/or substance abuse challenges, racially oppressed communities, and LGBTQIA and/or gender non-conforming communities

  • Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred

  • Strong knowledge of Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Voice, Drive) required

Compensation: $55,000-$70,000 annual salary

To Apply:

Please submit a resume/curriculum vitae and a cover letter via email to info@ashreifoundation.org.

Include at least 3 references. In your letter, please explain your interest in this position, highlight any experience working with coalitions, and share what uniquely qualifies you for this role.

About the Backbone Organizations: 

The Ashrei Foundation imagines a just Missouri where the way we look, where we are from, or who we define ourselves to be does not limit our access to quality and affordable healthcare, education, housing, technology, and economic stability. The Ashrei Foundation exists to empower and activate the St. Louis community and partners throughout the state of Missouri to promote economic justice, relieve suffering, and interrupt cycles of poverty. Additional details about the organization and our current programs can be found online at ashreifoundation.org. 

St. Francis Xavier (College) Church is a Jesuit Catholic parish on Saint Louis University’s campus with a mission to “praise God, love our neighbors as ourselves, celebrate liturgy and the sacraments, engage in lifelong formation and proclaim God’s reign of justice, mercy and peace.” Recognizing the parish’s role in sustaining and benefiting from racism, College Church is dedicated to a process of becoming an antiracist institution. The parish also has a rich history of service and social justice efforts, sustained by the permanent parishioner community made up of people from over 70 zip codes in the St. Louis area, as well as the Saint Louis University community. The ID and Birth Certificate Program, the cornerstone social ministry program of College Church, was founded in 1993 and provides regular direct support with Missouri State IDs and birth certificates. Additional information can be found online at sfxstl.org/outreach.