CAIR-HOUSTON Director of Operations
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time, Salaried, Benefits-Eligible
LOCATION: Houston, TX
BACKGROUND
Founded in 2001, The Houston Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR
Houston) is part of America’s largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group, with over 35
offices and chapters nationwide. Our mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect
civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
The demand for our services has grown tremendously in the past few years. CAIR-Houston
works with our clients and communities, interfaith, social justice and labor networks to advocate,
educate and build coalitions that persist for justice and mutual understanding. We lead the fight
against Islamophobia and work to dismantle and change systems that foster discrimination.
SUMMARY
The Director of Operations will communicate to the President and Chair of the Board of
Directors for the Houston Chapter of CAIR-Texas. The Director of Operations will be
responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of CAIR-Houston to help promote
and execute CAIR-Houston’s mission. The Director of Operations will run all administration and
programing functions and strategies including overseeing day-to-day operations, non-legal
strategy, expansion, strengthening, execution of its vision and mission, and supporting
organizational financial sustainability.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Sociology, Social Work, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in civil rights advocacy, policy analysis, and/or community
organizing.
PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Public Policy, Law, Business Administration, or related field.
- Expertise in policy development, nonprofit management, and coalition-building.
- Demonstrated ability to manage, support, and develop a diverse team engaged in complex,
public-interest and government affairs-related projects and programs. - Success in roles requiring execution of multiple tasks while responding to multiple priorities.
- Remain focused in the face of pressure and deliver against timelines.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience in fundraising, donor relations, and securing financial support from foundations,
corporate sponsors, and private donors.
- ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- This is a senior-level leadership role requiring frequent travel across Houston and
surrounding areas. - Commit to a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours, to support urgent
advocacy efforts and community obligations. - Lead non-legal strategic advocacy initiatives that represent the organization across Houston
and surrounding areas. - Build and strengthen relationships with community leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders
that overlap with the organization’s scope of mission to drive impactful civil rights efforts. - Oversee program development and implementation, ensuring alignment with organizational
goals and community needs. - Spearhead public outreach campaigns, policy discussions, and coalition-building efforts to
advance civil rights initiatives. - Manage high-level organizational decisions and provide executive leadership to teams
working on advocacy projects. - Lead fundraising strategy by working with the Fundraising Committee to create and
implement an annual fund development plan, securing financial support from foundations,
private donors, and corporate partners. - Establish and maintain professional working relationships with potential and current funders
and individual donors. - Actively engage and energize the local community, client’s stakeholders, board members,
event committees, partnering organizations, and funders by performing outreach, media
appearances, and events. - Oversee the strategic expansion of volunteer, internship, and ambassador programs,
ensuring sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and alignment with organizational
goals. - Provide regular reports to the President and Chair of the Board of Directors highlighting
areas of excellence and areas of concern. - Manage and direct organizational communications including coordination and preparation of
marketing materials, newsletters, brochures, website, and social media sites. - Represent the organization in public forums and media events and act as a spokesperson.
- SALARY RANGE
Competitive salary range of $70,000 – $95,000 per year, based on experience and
qualifications. Benefits included (health insurance, paid time off, and professional development
opportunities).