We are looking to name our new leader as soon as we identify the right person for the role. We will review applications as they are received and reach out to candidates on a rolling basis. We encourage those interested to apply as soon as possible.
About U.S. Digital Response
U.S. Digital Response (USDR) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping governments and civic institutions respond quickly and efficiently to support the critical needs of the public.
We envision a government that keeps up with the needs of its people, now and for the future. We operate with humility and deep respect for our partners and believe that modern and resilient technology applied in the public interest can deliver people-centered services at the speed of need.
Since March 2020, USDR’s projects have impacted tens of millions of people in over 50 U.S. states and territories. We’ve worked with more than 550 governments and organizations on nearly 600 projects.
Leveraging an internal team of ~30 staff along with a network of over 10,000 pro-bono technical experts, USDR addresses and uncovers solutions for common, systemic challenges that public servants are facing. We bring the innovation and agility of a tech startup that is tailored to serve the unique needs and challenges of government.
Learn more about our last year in our 2024 annual impact report.
In 2025, USDR will celebrate the fifth anniversary of its founding during the early days of the COVID-19 crisis. As we look ahead to the next five years, we aim to broaden our reach, strengthen our financial sustainability, and solidify our role as a trusted partner in the civic tech ecosystem.
About the Role
Achieving our goals for 2025 and beyond will require a deeply mission-driven leader who can drive strategy for this next chapter of the organization, inspiring funders, partners, staff, and our volunteer community to achieve significant impact and innovation together.
The CEO will lead the organization as a strategist, storyteller, and doer. We are looking for someone who thrives in a focused organization where they will lead both strategically and operationally – setting the vision while working alongside a team primarily composed of self-motivated, senior-level technologists.
This is a public-facing role charged with championing our mission, driving fundraising and partnerships, and ensuring we remain a vital resource for governments and public-serving institutions across the country.
In addition to the nuts and bolts of running an organization, here are some aspects of the role that are most important:
Strategy, Financial Health, & Sustainability
- You will set USDR’s strategy and be accountable for delivering results – in part by translating the strategy into operational goals and priorities that enable our staff and inspire volunteers to join our cause.
- You will take the lead on developing and executing a financial sustainability strategy, including identifying comprehensive fundraising approaches to secure long-term, multi-year revenue, and exploring additional revenue opportunities.
Fundraising & Partnerships
- You will translate USDR’s strategic vision into a narrative that inspires partners, funders, staff, and the public toward action.
- You can capably serve as the public face of the organization and are a natural storyteller who will boldly pitch USDR’s impact and advocate for sustained and future funding to a range of audiences in high-stakes environments.
- You’ll travel an average of 25-30% of your time, with spring and fall being the busiest times.
Values and Mission Alignment
- You are deeply mission-driven, with a strong belief in and bold vision of government’s future potential to use technology as a force for good and lever for change.
- You will act as a thought leader and advocate for accelerating government’s ability to adopt the best that technology has to offer in the service of its people.
- You exemplify the values in our USDR Community Oath, including showing up with empathy, a learning mindset, and a desire to support.
- You are committed to fostering an inclusive, high-trust, and supportive workplace that puts people first.
Domain Expertise
- You thrive as both a senior leader and a hands-on doer. You’re biased toward action and can set the pace and priorities for USDR to achieve its goals.
- USDR sits at the intersection of technology and government. You bring experience in at least one of these two domains and a demonstrated ability to learn the rest.
- Technology/Product Development – this can include hands-on technical experience and/or working to lead or develop a user-centered product or system.
- Government and/or policy-heavy fields – this may include working in government or government-related entities and/or in complex, regulated industries such as healthcare or education.
- You’re able to context-switch between tech, government, and nonprofit domains to effectively connect with and represent our diverse communities and stakeholders.
- You can command the respect of a talented team of senior-level technologists. You understand technology/design principles and are familiar with the technology/design world, even if you don’t have direct experience building and designing software.
…or any combination of education, experience, and measurable performance that demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of the position.
What we offer you:
- A competitive salary, consistent with similar roles in other tech non-profits in major U.S. metropolitan cities. The annual salary for this role is budgeted at $220,000 - 240,000 depending on experience.
- Full health, dental and vision benefits (USDR pays 100% of the cost for our employees and 80% of the cost for their dependents).
- 401K with a matching contribution of $1 for each dollar you contribute up to 3% of your salary, and $.50 for each dollar you contribute on 3-5% of your salary.
- An equipment reimbursement for the purchase of a computer and peripheral devices of up to $2,000 along with a Work from Home allowance of $100 each month to support employees as they navigate working from home.
- A discretionary budget of $400 per year per employee for work-related learning and development.
- A supportive community where everyone can thrive and find a balance between working hard to make a difference and taking care of themselves. This means that we are committed to a fully remote work environment (for US-based employees) along with flexible schedules and time off policies that work with your life.
About USDR Salary Practices
At USDR, we aspire to be an organization where our employees not only sustain, but thrive. We compensate every employee based on the belief that they are fully performing in their role – meaning they demonstrate our values, perform the responsibilities, and meet the expectations of their individual role.
Work Authorization
All USDR staff members work remotely in support of flexibility, wellness, and work-life balance. At this time, USDR is only hiring candidates who reside in the United States, and who have and maintain active U.S. Work Authorization.
USDR uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.DHS.gov/E-Verify.
Equal Employment Opportunity
U.S. Digital Response is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, political party affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We encourage and welcome all interested potential applicants, regardless of background or prior experience volunteering with U.S. Digital Response, to apply.
Please note that the EEO questionnaire included in our job application is dictated by federal government regulations, and does not reflect USDR’s position on gender inclusivity.