Executive Director

Executive Director
Remote, US
(Central or Eastern Time Zone)

About The GenderCool Project

The GenderCool Project is a youth-inspired movement replacing misinformed opinions with positive, powerful experiences meeting remarkable transgender and nonbinary youth who are thriving. What began as a national storytelling campaign has become a movement with global impact. GenderCool's inspiring, positivity-forward programming is essential in breaking through to the millions of people who say they've never met a transgender or nonbinary person.       Knowing that these people often feel conflicted about what they read, see, and hear, GenderCool partners with some of the world's most influential companies and media platforms to showcase the workplaces, policies, and values that reflect the level of inclusivity required by the NextGen workforce.

GenderCool was inspired by the powerful, positive experience of one family: Jennifer and John Grosshandler, the parents of four, including their daughter, Chazzie (she/her), who proudly identifies as transgender. In 2017, their search for positive stories about transgender and nonbinary young people like Chazzie turned up nearly empty. They could count on one hand the positive stories they found that focused on who these young people are as talented, amazing leaders. In stark contrast, it took all of five seconds to find a tidal wave of misleading, sensational, negative content about these amazing young people.

Something had to be done. Jen and John joined forces with friend and mentor, Gearah Goldstein—an expert in diversity and inclusion, a wife, a parent, and a proud transgender person. Together, with five extraordinary young people and their families, GenderCool was born.

Today, GenderCool has become a worldwide movement, having built a new, powerful, kindness-centered platform for the voices of GenderCool Champions—extraordinary and diverse transgender and nonbinary youth ages 12+ who represent the next generation of CEOs, filmmakers, doctors, teachers, tech leaders, journalists, athletes, and beyond. GenderCool Champions engage in a wide variety of experiences and programming that puts a human face and narrative on their lives, including engagement programming, storytelling, narrative change/disruption, multilingual speaking events, and corporate partnership engagement programming with employees, CEOs, and ERGs.

Situation: Facing 2025 + Beyond

The GenderCool Project is a fast-growing, culture-changing nonprofit organization focused on changing people's often misinformed opinions with real, positive experiences meeting transgender and nonbinary youth who are thriving. In 2025 and beyond, there's a newfound sense of urgency to take bold, creative action to succeed by continuing to build upon the efforts and historic leadership of the transgender and nonbinary community and allies who have come before us.

After much reflection and discussions with stakeholders and loved ones, Founder and outgoing Executive Director Jennifer Grosshandler determined in early 2024 that it was time to move forward into the next phase of The GenderCool Project. This transition will make room for a new, seasoned Executive Director to join, lead, and continue to build on GenderCool's success in 2025.

This leadership transition is expected to be a turning point for an organization with tremendous potential for further growth. Using a foundation of success, progress, and impact, the next Executive Director will be able to focus on expansion of fundraising, outreach programming, strategic vision, and maintaining and creating new avenues to continue to change the narrative around trans and nonbinary youth and their families across the country and beyond.

The incoming Executive Director will have the opportunity to significantly affect GenderCool's strategic direction and trajectory.

In 2025, GenderCool will continue to grow its programming while strategically building a new fundraising, development, and impact reporting model to stabilize and grow its mission and vision. To lead this effort, the incoming Executive Director is expected to bring a vision for advancing and elevating the mission while also playing a direct role in building a comprehensive, multi-faceted development strategy that includes individual, corporate, foundation, and marketing-oriented revenue streams.

Designed on the belief that opinions change through positive experiences, The GenderCool Project fills a niche that is different from many of its counterparts in the LGBTQ+ movement and is uniquely positioned to advance the understanding of transgender and nonbinary youth. Through its targeted, enriched media; corporate engagement programming; and growing visibility, GenderCool is building a coalition with movement partners, donors, and the very families it exists to support. In this understanding of its uniqueness, GenderCool is looking for a leader committed to building strong bridges, and effective, positive engagement that helps build toward social and political change by replacing misinformed opinions with positive experiences when meeting thriving transgender and nonbinary youth.

Position Summary

The GenderCool Project seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization into a new era of influence, fundraising, and impact. The Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to achieve the organization's mission, goals, and objectives. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors (which includes several current and former Champions) and works closely with board members, staff, and stakeholders to ensure the organization's success and sustainability, as well as the responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the organization's activities, including mission and vision, fundraising, strategic planning, program development, board relations, staff management, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and public relations.

A successful new Executive Director will understand that GenderCool's unique approach and accomplishments are focused on building and growing experiences, Champion engagement, and marketing, media, and donor relationships that reinform, reinforce, and reframe the transgender and nonbinary experience for people who say they've never met a transgender or nonbinary person or feel conflicted about what they've read, seen and heard about these youth, teens, and adults.

This position is well understood and articulated by a Board of Directors eager to embrace and support a new leader intent on fostering organizational progress, inspiring and driving growth in exposure and revenue, maintaining operational excellence, and strengthening the capabilities and effectiveness of GenderCool while being a respected leader and collaborator. It is incumbent on the organization's executive leadership to maintain momentum and further entrench GenderCool's unique vision into the framework of the trans and nonbinary experience and equality movement nationwide.


Leadership Profile

GenderCool's ideal Executive Director is someone who puts the mission, vision, and youth and teen Champions ahead of their own leadership interests and exposure as the "new face" of the organization, while still providing dynamic, charismatic, and personal-story-driven leadership. Ideal candidates should have a personal connection to the mission and story that reflects a personal and/or familial relationship to the trans and nonbinary experience (i.e., being personally trans or nonbinary, having trans or nonbinary children, nieces or nephews, etc.).

In addition, candidates for Executive Director should be authentic and diplomatic; financially and operationally savvy; experienced in advanced fundraising program design and administration; and experienced in managing and overseeing complex human-centered programs and engagement models. They possess a well-developed executive presence and an ability to externally represent GenderCool confidently, skillfully, and strategically, elevating the organization's profile throughout its various communities of current and prospective funders, clients, and partner organizations.

They have the humility and curiosity first to observe and learn the vastness of its mission and engagement work, recognizing the strength and effectiveness of the professionals and Champions and Champion families, leading those various efforts, departments, and programs. They are resilient in the face of political ambiguity, opposition, and adversity; they are adaptable and decisive.

The next Executive Director is a systemic thinker, skilled people manager, problem-solver, idea generator, go-getter, and visionary who exercises irreproachable integrity and judgment, especially when addressing enterprise-level opportunities for growth and improvement. They are a transformative thinker and entrepreneurially-minded with the capacity and appetite to execute, inspire, motivate, and empower those in their charge, while also being able to entertain and involve the voices and ideas of other key organizational stakeholders—the founders, staff, donors, partners, and Champions alike.

With experience managing and navigating large-scale change, complex leadership transitions, and intentional organizational growth, the new Executive Director will usher GenderCool into its next evolution of impact, fundraising, and unique vision to replace the public's misinformed opinions with positive experiences concerning the trans and nonbinary experience.

Additional leadership characteristics include:

• An eye for vision — knowing how to take a vision to new heights while not losing sight of the mission and program model.
• Embracing youth leadership — working effectively with diverse and intersectional transgender and nonbinary youth, who are leaders and stakeholders.
• Relationship builder — encouraging teamwork and partnerships throughout the organization and the mission.
• Team player — knowing when to lead and when to listen, working alongside a layered stakeholder model of organizational experience and leadership.
• Strategic thinker — maintaining a long-term, big-picture view and implementing strategies effectively.
• Community-focused — creating value for internal and external stakeholders that makes people feel valued by delivering on commitments and exceeding expectations.
• Results-driven — expecting and ensuring high levels of performance in themselves and others.
• Serves others — promoting the organization's values by demonstrating optimism and the highest standards of integrity and ethics.

Essential Job Functions

Leadership + Financial Management

• Provide visionary leadership and direction to the organization in alignment with its mission, vision, and values.
• Develop and manage the organization's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
• Oversee fundraising efforts, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and fundraising events.
• Oversee the development and implementation of strategic plans, programs, and initiatives to advance the organization's mission and goals.
• Manage and supervise staff, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements.

Development + Fundraising

• Eagerness and ability to serve as the organization's primary fundraiser and donor steward.
• In partnership with the Development, Corporate Partnerships departments, and leadership, oversee and lead fundraising efforts across all revenue streams, including but not limited to individual giving, government grants, events, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, foundation grants, planned giving, digital and grassroots fundraising, direct response, and marketing-oriented fundraising; and ensure effective fundraising across diversified revenue streams; provide strategic guidance; set expectations for and introduce accountability measures for rigorous follow-up and regular analysis for continued improvement.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with philanthropic organizations, government agencies, corporate sponsorships, and other stakeholders to secure funding, resources, and support for GenderCool initiatives.
• Motivate and activate the Board of Directors in raising funds for the organization through all channels and where appropriate.

Program Development + Evaluation

• Inspire and articulate a compelling vision for the organization's future, generating innovative ideas and strategies that propel growth and impact to the next level.
• Drive bold initiatives by identifying opportunities for advancement, fostering a culture of creativity, and positioning the organization as a leader in its field.
• Lead organizational-level evaluation for program effectiveness and impact, making recommendations for improvements and enhancements.

Community Engagement + Partnership

• Develop and maintain strong, consistent, and positive relationships with Champions and Champion families.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, partners, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and meetings to raise awareness and build support.

Governance + Board Relations

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop policies, set strategic priorities, and ensure organizational accountability.
• Keep the Board and Executive Committee fully informed on the condition of the organization and other important factors affecting the health and sustainability of the organization.
• Involve each Board member to reach their optimal potential while serving in that role.
• Work with the Board Chair to ensure an effective and efficient committee structure.
• Engage Board committees intentionally and strategically, encouraging activity and productivity between Board meetings.

People + Culture

• Be the primary culture carrier within the organization, fostering a radically inclusive, diverse environment in which all voices are lifted up, perspectives are valued, and everyone and their respective identities experience a profound sense of belonging.
• Prioritize organizational values at all times and lead by example.
• Ensure GenderCool's workforce and volunteer leaders reflect the diversity of those we serve.
• Develop and administer personnel policies; ensure proper hiring and termination procedures as required by law in concert with the Deputy Director.
• Provide adequate supervision and evaluation of all staff and volunteers.
• Encourage staff professional development and education.

Qualifications

Education + Experience Requirements

• Proven track record of visionary leadership and strategic growth in the nonprofit, policy, or advocacy sectors, with a minimum of seven years of senior or executive leadership experience.
• At least 7-10 years of overall professional work experience with progressively increasing responsibility.
• Preference for nonprofit management experience. Public and corporate sector leaders with working knowledge of the nonprofit sector and volunteer leadership will be equally considered.
• Demonstrated expertise in building and leading coalitions or movements, mobilizing diverse stakeholders around a shared vision or cause.
• Bachelor's degree and/or advanced degree preferred.
• Advanced personal or familial understanding of trans and nonbinary issues, equality and human rights principles, and advocacy strategies

Skills + Competencies

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit governance, finance, and fundraising principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for the organization's mission and a commitment to social change.
• Able to work cross-departmentally.
• Adaptable - able to work/operate on the fly under rapidly changing circumstances.
• Experience supporting youth or youth causes is a big plus.
• Proficient at de-escalation, retaining perspective, and fostering a positive environment.
• Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel (or similar).
• Proven ability to work remotely with some travel required a few times a month.
• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, leveraging, managing, and collaborating with a nonprofit Board of Directors and organizational founders.
• Comfort with technology; ability to enhance systems and work with a variety of software and online applications.

Additional Key Qualities + Notes

• Goal-oriented self-starter.
• Extroverted and personable.
• High emotional intelligence, culturally competent, and effective communicator.
• Collaborative and kind-spirited.
• Must be located in the Eastern or Central Time Zone.

Compensation + Benefits

The expected salary range for this Executive Director position is approximately $130,000, with a possibility of up to a $15,000 annual performance bonus. This is a good faith estimate of what GenderCool expects to pay for this position. The final salary will consider a person's experience, accomplishments, leadership potential, and all elements of the employment package offered to the chosen candidate. GenderCool is committed to paying its staff equitably, and these ranges should not be considered career salary limits or caps.

GenderCool is committed to supporting the well-being and development of their employees as part of their commitment to work-life balance, health, and career growth.

• Health Insurance (employees contribute 25% of plan price)
• Dental + Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off (starting at 10 days per year)
• 13 Paid Holidays per year—all federal holidays and Transgender Day of Remembrance (and the office is also closed effective the week between Christmas and New Year's Day)
• Sick Leave (10 days per year)
• Parental Leave (up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave)
• Additional Employee Benefits (pet insurance, legal services, identity and fraud protection, and other benefit options offered through our PEO; and various discounts offered through our benefit package)

As a reflection of our firm's commitment to equity and equal pay for all, Cooper Coleman requires that salary ranges or starting points be published for every search we conduct. The practice of not posting salaries perpetuates the gender and racial wage gap and discriminates against women, people of color, and other historically excluded populations by causing individuals to negotiate from a disadvantaged starting point.

Location

This position is fully remote. A successful candidate is required to work full-time from a private, stable, and professional home or personal office located in the Eastern or Central Time Zone.  

EEO + Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

GenderCool maintains a strong policy of equal opportunity in employment. It is their objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. GenderCool's equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations.

GenderCool is a welcoming and inclusive organization, so all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Qualified candidates from historically marginalized groups often self-select out of applying to positions if they don't meet all the requirements listed. Qualified candidates may not meet every single part of this description but still have strong experience and expertise to offer.

Background Checks + Credentials Verification

Before sending your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. Cooper Coleman verifies its candidates' employment and academic credentials at the time of offer.

GenderCool performs background checks on all staff members as a condition of employment. GenderCool reserves the right to request further information to fully assess an applicant's candidacy in relation to the job duties associated with the position.

Submission Instructions (read carefully)

Cooper Coleman is leading this search on behalf of GenderCool. To apply, please visit this link (www.coopercoleman.com/current-searches). All Expressions of interest should be made via this application. Inquiries and nominations of qualified candidates can be sent to:

Ben Bisbee
ben.bisbee@coopercoleman.com
Kindly use the position title as the subject line of your email. All inquiries are confidential.

A cover letter is not required with your initial application but will be required later in the candidate process to help us understand your fitness for this role during our screening and evaluation. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to provide a thoughtful letter of interest indicating their specific qualifications for the opportunity, desire to join GenderCool, and connection to its mission. Candidates advanced to final interviews may also be asked to complete an occupational personality questionnaire or leadership assessment.

Cooper Coleman LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, age, ability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

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