(via e-mail)
January 23, 2008

Greetings from the Brethren Witness/Washington Office:

National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund

The National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund (NCPTF), is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for passage of the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Bill. When enacted by Congress, this bill will enable citizens whose religious conscience does not permit preparation for war, participation in military service, nor payment for war, to more fully practice their beliefs by having their federal income taxes directed to a fund that is used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

The National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund is currently looking for a new Executive Director. As an endorsing organization for NCPTF, the Brethren Witness/Washington Office has been and is very aware of the dedicated work the campaign has been doing in hopes for legislative change. The BWWO believes in conscientious objection to participation in war in any form and is a strong advocate to encourage individuals to consider the position if possible. If you are interested in the position please read the description below and go to www.peacetaxfund.org for more information.

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, and Peace Tax Foundation

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. The Boards of the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund (NCPTF) and the Peace Tax Foundation (PTF) seek to employ an organizational leader who will

• advance our legislative efforts to pass the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Bill in the U.S. Congress;
• nurture and support our work of being an articulate voice and witness regarding the issue of conscientious objection to military taxation (COMT);
• bring strong organizational and fund-raising skills to the organization.

Some thirty-five years after introducing the first legislation to provide legal alternatives for those who are, in conscience, unable to pay military taxes, we are at a point in our national life where these issues are increasing in public consciousness, and we feel that the Peace Tax Fund organization should be poised to grow in its ability to give voice to these concerns.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES. A successful candidate will possess and exhibit these qualities:

1. Mature, dedicated pacifist beliefs springing from a strong spiritual/religious basis, and a close familiarity with the issue of COMT;
   
2. Understanding of both religious and secular communities, as well as the Congressional culture; successful practice in working to advance the RFPTF Bill in Congress; and in articulating and advancing the complex issues relating to this legislation, and to the COMT issue;
   
3. Skill in relating to a wide range of constituents, in working collaboratively with Board and others, and in engaging those who hold differing views of COMT;
   
4. Administrative skills and experience in supervising a small, dedicated staff within a non-profit setting; in monitoring finances; and in providing leadership in fundraising;
   
5. Communication skills – articulate in oral and written communication; gifted with ability to educate and inspire others as a public speaker; organizing and framing the issue of COMT as it is relevant to current public discourse;
   
6. Highly motivated; balancing initiative with cooperative working style; outstanding personal and professional integrity, stamina and resilience; able to prioritize and delegate;
   
7. Able to work at local, national, and international levels; able to travel as needs arise;
   
8. Lives in or near the Washington, D.C. area, and able to work from a Washington, D.C. base;
   
9. In good health.

Areas of Responsibility/Oversight

1. BOARD AND STAFF. Engage in and coordinate significant lobbying efforts.
   
   Work with Board and staff and the Legislative Advisory Group to develop strategies for addressing the issues embodied in proposed Peace Tax Fund legislation.
   
   Coordinate and supervise the work of office manager, database and website manager, bookkeeper, interns and volunteers; supervise and advocate for staff; nurture a healthy work environment.
   
   
2. FINANCES AND DEVELOPMENT. Work with Board and staff to secure adequate funding for NCPTF and PTF, including a new development position.
   
   Work with treasurer and Board committees to create and monitor annual budget, and develop fundraising strategies; broaden and strengthen funding base with regular fundraising letters, calls and visits, especially to high donors; identify and secure appropriate denominational/foundation grants.
   
   
3. NETWORKING AND OUTREACH TO CONSTITUENCIES. Work with staff, and Board committees to broaden and strengthen the constituent base of individuals, congregations, and organizations, facilitating their educational, grass-roots lobbying, and fundraising activities; develop a strong network of Congressional District Organizers; develop a network of well-recognized and influential citizen endorsers, encouraging their networking and lobbying; attend conferences and offer workshops.
   
   
4. PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA. Serve as the public face of NCPTF and PTF in writing, speaking, and media interviews; oversee regular newsletters, web content, brochures, lobby packets, other publications, and opportunities for education and interpretation.

Compensation: to be negotiated, beginning in the $40,000-45,000 range.

Please send your resume & cover letter to: searchcommittee@peacetaxfund.org
DUE DATE: May 1, 2008

Brethren Witness/Washington Office Contact Information

If you have questions on these or other issues, contact the Brethren Witness/Washington Office at the address below. We would love to hear from you!

Brethren Witness/Washington Office Action Alerts are sent out as important issues arise. Forward this alert to others! To add an e-mail address to our list, contact us at:

Brethren Witness/Washington Office
337 North Carolina Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Local Phone: 202-546-3202
Toll Free: 1-800-785-3246
Fax: 202-544-5852
E-mail: washington_office_gb@brethren.org