The Faith & Politics Institute (FPI) cultivates mutual respect, moral reflection, increased understanding, and honest conversation among political leaders to advance productive discourse and constructive collaboration. FPI envisions a United States governed by individuals whose political work is motivated by courage, conscience, and compassion, inspired to work across race, political affiliation, and religion toward a more perfect union.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, we are dedicated to doing this work with the Congress because of members’ ties to a broad constituency and their leadership in local, national, and global policy. Our belief is that our commitment to a relatively small but influential group of people who support the mission of FPI will ultimately reach many and help the organization achieve its objective.
Since its formation, FPI has inspired hundreds of members of Congress, their families, senior congressional staff during their public service, and from time-to-time including U.S. Presidents and cabinet members, international diplomats in our work. Many of these people have participated regularly in FPI programming and events throughout the year including attending an annual Pilgrimage to Alabama to honor the anniversary of Bloody Sunday.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, we are dedicated to doing this work with the Congress because of members’ ties to a broad constituency and their leadership in local, national, and global policy. Our belief is that our commitment to a relatively small but influential group of people who support the mission of FPI will ultimately reach many and help the organization achieve its objective.
FPI is an agent for change. We do more than create space, time, and attention for dialogue: we take strategic steps to promote leadership that will have a positive impact on the tone and effectiveness of Congress, and through the Congress, the nation. Since 1998, our Pilgrimages, led for more than 20 years by the late Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) and Congressman Amo Houghton (R-NY) have sought to give life the bold vision of our nation’s founders who declared independence over two centuries ago, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It is our profound duty — and honor — to facilitate these opportunities for servant leaders each year.
After the passing in July 2020 of Congressman John Lewis, FPI founded the John Robert Lewis Scholars and Fellows Program and the Corporate Leaders Program not only as a tribute to him for his years of commitment to FPI but also to help create a legacy by supporting his passion for engaging and helping educate and prepare the next generation of leaders. The Scholars and Fellows and the Leaders Programs consists of graduate, undergraduate students and professionals of all ages whose curriculum includes both in person and online teachings by civil rights luminaries who led America’s nonviolent movement for freedom in the South during the 1960’s, current thought leaders, government and elected officials subject matter experts and facilitators who lead dialogue, case study examination and research projects throughout the sessions.
In many ways, the work of FPI has been ahead of its time. FPI have spent over three decades engaging members of Congress, senior congressional staff, and corporate leaders in the importance of reflection and learning. Yet there is still much work to be done.
Position Overview
The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FPI reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for furthering the mission of the Institute. This exciting role is responsible for achieving the strategic goals as established by the Board of Directors and successful implementation of programs and activities to achieve those goals.
The new leader will ensure the effective development and utilization of resources and will direct the external activities to promote and maintain strong and positive external relations with all the Institute's constituencies including and of critical importance, the United States Congress and its individual members and sponsors.
The ideal candidate should be a nonprofit leader with extensive knowledge of the civil rights movement, academia and corporate requirements around sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion. This will include a minimum of ten (10) years of tenacious leadership within a nonprofit organization, governmental entity, or business organization. The successful candidate must have an outstanding history of success in leadership, program development, and resource development or fundraising. They will also bring demonstrated leadership and the necessary people skills including the ability to lead by example and motivate others to achieve results.
The ideal candidate will be an exceptional manager and skilled at managing performance with the ability to translate goals into actionable performance objectives and hold staff accountable recognizing that achieving remarkable results is not just the hard work of one individual but the results of understanding the importance of collaborating with a team. The successful candidate will have a history of developing and leading teams and a focus on professional development and mentorship to help attract, grow, and retain staff as the organization grows.
The ideal candidate will bring the following strengths to the position of President & CEO in order to fulfill the responsibilities of the position:
Navigate the Political Landscape
Consistent with the challenges and opportunities that the vision and mission of FPI sets forth, the new leader of the organization must possess very sharp political savviness and acumen. Such skills are required to enhance the success of the Institute's programs and activities which are designed to be successful in support of the members of the United States Congress and sponsors of FPI.
Board Development and Management
As the primary liaison between the Board and staff, the President & CEO will effectively communicate Board policies and ensure that the programs and work of FPI is consistent with the mission of the organization. In addition, the candidate must have the ability to work with the Board of Directors in recruiting and retaining new Board members.
Leadership and Management
The President & CEO must provide inspiration and guidance to FPI’s Board of Directors and management team at all levels in conducting the mission of the organization. Additionally, FPI’s constituency is diverse and includes members of Congress, their staff, leaders of the Executive branch, sponsors, philanthropic community, et, al.
Strategy, Operations, and Growth
The most recent annual budget is approximately $2.9 million with a staff of five employees and part-time consultants. It is expected that the organization's size (budget) has the potential to double within the next 5 years. The new President & CEO must possess the ability to plan, articulate and implement the short- and long-term goals and objectives of the organization.
Resource Development
The new President & CEO will maintain and cultivate strategic relationships as well as new funding sources for the organization which includes foundations, corporations, and high net worth individuals.
Communications
The successful candidate will be someone who can build relationships with important constituencies, with the ability to leverage those effectively. They will be able to navigate effectively and forge new relationships with a high degree of credibility. The candidate will project a confident executive presence with the gravitas needed to operate at the highest levels.
The compensation for this position will be a competitive base salary in the range of $275,000 - $305,000 commensurate with lived and professional experience plus benefits including the potential for a bonus.
