Executive Director
ABOUT OHIO
State Parties are responsible for building infrastructure necessary for successful candidate campaigns up and down the ballot. Over the last few years, Ohio Democrats built a year-round organizing model driven by local community activists and volunteers. Ohio Dems are testing new technology and programs to build a modern, data-driven and nimble force to elect Democrats statewide now and in the future. In 2026, every statewide office will be on the ballot – including the governor’s race and a special election to elect a U.S. Senator to the seat currently occupied by appointed Senator Jon Husted. With 3 DCCC Frontline Races to protect and 3 additional seats targeted by the DCCC, the path to a Democratic majority in the U.S. House and Senate will once again run through Ohio in 2026.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Ohio Democratic Party is seeking an experienced and talented professional for Executive Director. To execute the vision of the Chair, the Executive Director works with the Senior Advisor to guide strategy, manage staff, and help grow the Ohio Democratic Party. The Executive Director will be involved in guiding all aspects of the party’s operations including, but not limited to, election activities, voter protection, fundraising, budgeting, staff recruitment and retention, outreach, and building party infrastructure.
ROLE OVERVIEW:
● Implements the strategic direction and priorities of the Chair and Party leadership efficiently and effectively.
● Oversees staff and consultants across all departments, including communications, finance, compliance, data, organizing, political, and operations.
● Develops and strengthens strategic relationships with local and state elected officials, candidates, and community stakeholders to advance Party priorities.
● Maintains a current understanding of campaign finance, election, and compliance laws, and works closely with the Party’s compliance firm and legal counsel to ensure all activities meet legal and regulatory requirements.
● Serves as a spokesperson for the Party as appropriate, effectively communicating our message and values to the press, partners, and the public.
● Builds, tracks, and manages budgets for the state party.
● Maintains close working relationships with national partners, including but not limited to the Democratic National Committee and Association of State Democratic Committees, as well as other national and local partners, as permitted by law.
● Strong knowledge of Ohio politics.
● Competent at managing up, down and sideways.
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a coordinated campaign, statewide or congressional political campaign, or with a state political party, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
● Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse internal and external constituencies.
● Comfortability with managing and tracking large budgets.
● Basic understanding of Federal and State compliance.
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with staff and external stakeholders.
● Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
● Attention to detail and a strong skill in proofreading as well as a high-level of accuracy in work.
● Committed to the values and practices of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace with the ability to take feedback and learn
PREFERRED CHARACTERISTICS:
● Excellent in interpersonal and customer service skills to navigate key external relationships.
● Able to juggle multiple activities yet not lose focus on top priorities or let something slip through the cracks in a fast paced environment
● Proven ability to track and measure progress to goal.
● Exceptional time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
● Committed to the values and practices of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace with the ability to take feedback and learn.
● A passion for training and developing staff and volunteers.
● Fully invested in the success of Ohio Democrats
How to Apply:
To apply, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/c54SkHSj7MeYyuym8
Application Deadline: November 21st, 2025
Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range will be $10,000 – $13,000 per month and full benefits including PTO as needed, health, dental, and voluntary vision insurance. The hourly expectation will fluctuate depending on the campaign cycle, but will be a minimum of 40 hours per week. Applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to Columbus, Ohio. Ohio Democrats recognize our success requires a diverse mix of talented people. We are focused on building a staff that is diverse in race, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Candidates of color, women, LGBTQI, and more are encouraged to apply.