OBS Executive Director
Overview
The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) is seeking an Executive Director. We seek an experienced and dynamic executive leader who, in partnership with members, board and staff, will be prepared to carry forward and build on OBS’ 41-year history of multi-issue organizing for Black liberation in the St. Louis region. We are looking for a skilled manager, with a background in movement organizing, who will be able to provide dynamic leadership and direction for OBS. The Executive Director will oversee operations of OBS to ensure the organization’s financial stability, the quality of its strategic campaigns and programs, the building of a strong membership base, the development of community leaders, and the maintenance of its relationships with key stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Passion for and commitment to Black Liberation and an intersectional analysis on how to build political power and leadership of Black working class communities.
- At least five years of senior leadership experience in a community-organizing environment with significant supervisory responsibilities.
- Experience working within working class Black communities to build leadership capacity with the goal of making societal and political change.
- Demonstrated results in managing organizing staff in a collaborative environment.
- Demonstrated track record of leading fundraising through private philanthropy, including foundations, individual giving, grassroots fundraising, and special events.
- Exceptional verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to craft compelling documents and deliver inspiring presentations and represent OBS and its programs to a range of stakeholders.
- Experience with and/or understanding of grassroots organizing, digital tools and strategies for organizing, public policy.
- Experience with or understanding of 501(c)(3) & 501(c)(4) grants and programs
- Strong team and collaboration orientation, as well as the ability to work independently.
- Ability to travel locally, statewide and nationally, and participate in evening and weekend obligations.
- Flexibility, sense of humor, and creative problem-solving skills.
The Executive Director will advance the work of the Organization for Black Struggle through the following basic Responsibilities:
Organizing, Advocacy, and Program Leadership
- Ensure the successful operation and strategic development of organizing and advocacy campaigns and programs, policy and electoral work in accordance with OBS’s principles and values.
- Ensure that OBS’s membership is central to campaign and program development.
Resource Development
- Create and implement an annual fundraising strategy, ensuring a diversified funding base including foundations, individuals, and special events.
- Manage OBS’s financial operations, including developing annual budgets and monitoring expenditures and income during the year.
- Establish and maintain relationships with all current and potential donors through a process of research, identification, cultivation, solicitation, and acknowledgement.
- Oversee a grassroots fundraising plan and membership dues infrastructure.
- Ensure that resources are adequate to meet the annual budget.
Organizational Development and Management:
- Oversee all long-range organizational planning, project and program development, new campaign development, electoral strategy, and strategic planning.
- Ensure strong administrative systems and practices including payroll, human resources, insurance, annual audit, and others as needed.
- Lead all elements of staff management, working to ensure a healthy, collaborative workplace, and organizational culture.
Communications
- Maintain open and positive communications with OBS leadership bodies and support their development.
- Represent and promote OBS to key public officials, community members, press, and the public to ensure an accurate and positive public presence for OBS and its mission.
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, salaried position with some travel. Competitive benefits package is available, including medical, dental, vacation and sick leave. Salary range is $65,000-$70,000 and based upon experience.
Contact Information
Send a cover letter, three references, and a resume to contactus@obs-stl.org with “Executive Director Job Position” in the subject line. Please, no phone calls.
OBS is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQIA applicants.
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The Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) is seeking a summer intern to work with the team on a collaborative project with several partners. They include, but are not limited to, the UMSL Museum Department, the State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO), and We Are St. Louis. The team will include interns working with our partners.
FROM PROTEST TO POLICY: The Struggle for Local Control Continues – 4/9/26
Join us for an important conversation examining the ongoing fight for community control and police accountability. Beginning with the police killing of Marilyn Banks, this panel will trace the organizing strategies led by the Coalition Against Police Crimes & Repression (CACPR) to advance local control and establish an independent civilian oversight board.
OBS Statement on March 2026 Youth Detainment
We are outraged over the treatment of youth last weekend by the Mayor of St. Louis and SLMPD. After incidents were reported in North City, South City, and Downtown on 314 Day Weekend, the Mayor put a 10pm curfew in place for Downtown the following weekend. As a result, 23 youth from ages 11 to 17 were threatened, harassed, zip-tied, thrown into SLMPD vehicles, and taken to a non-disclosed location.
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Organization for Black Struggle
P.O. Box 5277
St. Louis, MO 63115
(314) 367-5959 | contactus@obs-stl.org
