Summary
Description
About The Blue Bench
The Blue Bench is a community of survivors, allies, and advocates working to prevent sexual violence
and build a safe and supportive metro Denver. We work collaboratively to provide accessible, survivorcentered support services and empowering education.
Our hope is to one day live in a world where sexual assault no longer exists; where there are no more
victims, friends and families suffering in its wake. Inspired by the courage of one another – as survivors,
activists, advocates and community leaders, The Blue Bench has helped hundreds of thousands of
survivors.
The Blue Bench organization supports and collaborates with an internally-represented union, The
Alliance of Anti-Violence Advocates (A3) – The Blue Bench Workers United.
Job Summary
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial leadership
of The Blue Bench. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will oversee a team of 25+ personnel
(employee and contract) and work closely with leadership to ensure the organization’s mission is
effectively carried out. This role holds responsibility for the financial stability and sustainability of The
Blue Bench. The ED will serve as the primary spokesperson, build community relationships, drive
fundraising efforts, and uphold a strong organizational culture rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Organizational Development
• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to The Blue Bench.
• Supervise, collaborate with, and support senior leadership staff, ensuring a collaborative and
mission-driven work environment with shared leadership responsibility.
• Foster an inclusive and equitable workplace culture that supports staff growth and
development, well-being, and effectiveness.
• In collaboration with the leadership team, cultivate an organizational culture of respect,
communication, generative discourse, and conflict resolution.
• Develop and implement staff development programs, including professional training and
leadership opportunities.
• Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson with key stakeholders, media, and the public.
• Maintain adherence to the employee handbook, updating policies as needed in collaboration
with leadership and staff.
Fundraising & Financial Sustainability
• Oversee financial stability and sustainability through planning, budget adherence, and fiscal
accountability in partnership with the Sr. Director of Operations and HR and the Finance
Committee.
• Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy to develop strategic planning around funding,
diversifying philanthropic and earned revenue streams, and supporting fundraising efforts,
including donor engagement, grant acquisition, and corporate partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements and funding agreements.
• Identify new funding opportunities and manage relationships with key funders and major gift
donors.
Union Relations
• Actively engages with union representatives and bargaining unit to negotiate contracts, address
grievances, and maintain a productive labor-management relationship.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of labor laws, union and personnel rights, and employer rights,
ensuring organizational policies, procedures, and resources meet the lawful and ethical
requirements of a unionized 501(c)3 organization.
• Co-create a respectful, productive labor-management relationship that collectively aims to
achieve the objectives of The Blue Bench.
Mission & Program Strategy
• Oversee program and organizational development, including long-range planning and needs
assessments.
• Ensure The Blue Bench adheres to its mission while evolving to meet community needs.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and
advocacy groups to expand impact and reach.
Board Relations & Governance
• Partner with the Board of Directors to set organizational strategy and ensure strong
governance.
• Lead board development efforts including recruiting and engaging new board members.
• Organize and facilitate board meetings, retreats, and committee initiatives.
• Provide timely and accurate reports to the board on organizational performance and key
initiatives.
Qualifications, Knowledge, & Experience
• At least 10 years of management experience, with 5 or more years in an executive or directorlevel role within a nonprofit.
• Proven track record in financial oversight, budgeting, and resource allocation, ensuring the
organization’s long-term financial health and sustainability.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including developing and executing strategies for donor
engagement, grant writing, and cultivating relationships with major donors and stakeholders.
• Expertise in crisis management, navigating organizational challenges, and making informed
decisions under pressure, particularly in response to the evolving political and regulatory
landscape that affects nonprofits.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Works with integrity, transparency, and accountability for self and others.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including experience building and
supporting diverse teams.
• Preferred: experience leading in a union environment; experience in collective bargaining;
knowledge of labor laws and rights for personnel, unions, and employers.
• Preferred: Knowledge of anti-oppression and anti-racism frameworks, especially in the context
of sexual violence and marginalized communities.
• Preferred: Strong understanding of sexual violence issues, survivor advocacy, and traumainformed care principles.
Benefits
Benefits
The Blue Bench offers a comprehensive benefit package including $300 employer contribution towards
fully funded medical plans, paid base dental, paid life insurance and long-term disability, as well as
vision, short-term, and supplemental coverage options. We also offer generous paid vacation and
sick/wellness time, and paid holiday leave that includes an end of year break between Christmas and
New Year’s.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and other supporting materials to
jobs@thebluebench.org. Please include in the subject line “Executive Director position.” Priority
deadline to apply: March 14, 2025
