Executive Director

Who We Are

Builders is a movement to empower flexible thinkers and problem-solvers—Builders—to push back against the destructive forces of extremism. We believe pluralistic democracies help people thrive and drive innovation when leaders support:

• Accountability to their communities
• Freedom of expression
• Equal application of the rule of law
• Majority rule, while protecting the rights and dignity of all

Today, rising extremism and polarization have gridlocked government institutions, undermining their ability to serve the people. Nowhere is this more evident than in Texas—a political bellwether where frustration runs deep across party lines.

Builders tackles these challenges by equipping citizens with tools for flexible thinking, civic problem-solving, and accountability. By restoring a government focused on solutions, we can break the cycle of division and dysfunction.

Our Flagship Programs:

• Builders Media challenges divisive narratives and equips Americans with tools to think flexibly and solve problems.
• Citizen Solutions unites people across political divides to craft policy proposals that reflect the public’s real needs.
• Power Rankings leverage AI and human insight to assess elected officials on their effectiveness—not partisanship.

Builders is a movement of over 3 million citizens, with more than 320 of the foremost leaders in business, media, faith, sports, academia, national defense, public service, and more. To learn more, you can watch Daniel Lubetzky’s TED talk to learn more, or read about our programs on MSNBC, Fox News, News Nation, Associated Press, and Pivot Podcast.

What You’ll Do

As the Executive Director of Builders, with a focus on the startup of Builders Texas, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to scale national and local programs that spread the Builders values and mindset, empower citizens to hold themselves and their political representatives accountable to problem-solving over partisanship, and maximize measurable impact. This includes implementing Builders' national mission at a local level, fostering a movement of Texans committed to bridging divides and tackling the state’s most pressing challenges. The role will include fundraising accountability, stakeholder engagement, and leading a talented hybrid team currently numbered at 15.

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Lead national expansion of Builders, overseeing Civic Activation programming and the Builder's Toolkit.
• Collaborate with Builders Media to align media campaigns, civic engagement, and educational initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow grassroots membership and the Movement Partner coalition.
• Develop best-in-class mechanisms for encouraging local elected officials to stay accountable to the will of the people, like Builders Power Rankings and other education tools.
• Design and facilitate workshops and training programs to equip Texans with civic engagement skills.
• Implement impact measurement frameworks to track program effectiveness and outcomes.
• Act as a public-facing spokesperson for Builders Texas, regularly attending conferences and events, as well as conducting interviews with both local and national media.
• Launch and refine Builders Texas, adapting national programs to local needs while designing new initiatives.
• Lead Texas-specific versions of Builders programs like Citizens Solutions and Power Rankings.

Organizational & Resource Development

• Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy to support the growth of Builders, with a particular focus on developing key stakeholders in Texas to support Texas-focused programs.  
• Build and lead a high-performing team as the organization grows.
• Manage program budgets and resources effectively.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities through grants, partnerships, and donor relationships.

Requirements

What You’ll Bring to Builders

You Are:

• A builder—a flexible thinker and constructive problem solver who recognizes the dignity of all people.
• Entrepreneurial, with a track record of taking initiatives from concept to execution.
• A decisive, confident leader with low ego and a high level of accountability.
• Someone who operates with integrity, kindness, empathy, and transparency.
• A dedicated people manager, experienced in coaching and developing talent.
• Strategic and executional—capable of translating big ideas into concrete action plans.
• Resourceful, solutions-oriented, and persistent in overcoming obstacles to achieve goals.

You Have:

• At least 10 years of experience leading initiatives, coalitions, or programs, ideally in the political realm, in civic engagement or community impact as an Executive Director or CEO of a mission driven organization
• Deep knowledge of the political, cultural, and social landscape, both in Texas and nationally, gained through experience working in or alongside the government, community organizing, or civic engagement.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentational communication skills.
• Experience building and scaling programs or initiatives from the ground up.
• A proven ability to bring diverse groups together to achieve common goals.
• Expertise in managing complex projects, including event planning, stakeholder coordination, and budget oversight.
• Experience with fundraising and donor cultivation, including securing grants and building long-term funding relationships.
• A track record of establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with diverse audiences.

Benefits

Compensation and benefits:

• This is a full-time exempt position with a competitive annual salary.
• 25 days of Paid Time Off, 5 sick days and 20 personal days.  
• Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance with options to fit you and your families needs. 
• Life and AD&D Insurance 
• Short-term and Long-term Disability 
• Matching 401K retirement savings program
• Flexible remote/hybrid work environment 
• Retirement plan with employer matching program. 
• Charitable gift-matching program.
• Opportunities and resources for professional development and growth 
• A dynamic, ambitious, fun and kind work environment. 
• The opportunity and responsibility to work on initiatives that make an impact. 

EEO:

At Builders, we are committed to an inclusive workplace where diversity in all its forms is championed. Builders is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability status, gender identity, or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For applicants with disabilities, our recruiting team will actively work with you to accommodate any needs in order for you to be able to interview at your best.  We will keep any medical information you provide confidential and separate from the rest of your application.