Application Guide
How to Apply for Co-Executive Director
at Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism
🏢 About Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism
BLUU is a unique, Black-led spiritual community that centers Blackness, queerness, and Unitarian Universalist principles. Working here means being part of a movement that advances liberation for Black people while fostering a faith-rooted, intersectional approach to justice. If you are committed to Black liberation and queer inclusion within a spiritual context, BLUU offers a rare opportunity to co-lead an organization that is reshaping what faith-based activism looks like.
About This Role
As Co-Executive Director, you will share leadership with the current ED, jointly overseeing strategic direction, operations, and governance. This role is impactful because you will directly shape the growth and sustainability of an organization that is vital to Black UUs and the broader movement for racial justice. You will manage staff, drive fundraising, and build external relationships, all while centering BLUU's core values of Blackness, queerness, and spiritual liberation.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a check-in with the Executive Director to align on priorities, followed by a staff meeting to discuss ongoing projects. You might then review financial reports, draft a grant proposal, or meet with a partner organization. Afternoon could involve coaching a direct report, preparing for a board meeting, or writing a community update. The day ends with responding to emails and planning for the next day's external engagement.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism Is Looking For
- A seasoned nonprofit leader with 5+ years of experience in organizational management, including staff supervision and budget oversight, ideally in a movement or faith-based organization.
- Deeply committed to Black liberation and queer inclusion, with an understanding of how these intersect with Unitarian Universalist principles.
- A collaborative leader who thrives in a shared leadership model and can navigate complex organizational relationships with humility and clarity.
- Excellent communicator who can represent BLUU externally to funders, partners, and the broader UU community, while also fostering internal team cohesion.
📝 Tips for Applying to Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your leadership experience to BLUU's mission of centering Blackness and queerness. Use specific examples of how you've advanced these values in previous roles.
Highlight any experience with shared leadership or co-director models, as this role is explicitly a co-leadership position. If you haven't done this, explain how you approach collaborative decision-making.
Demonstrate familiarity with Unitarian Universalist principles and BLUU's specific history. Reference BLUU's programs like the BLUU Congregational Toolkit or their annual gatherings to show you've done your homework.
Show how you've managed financial oversight in a nonprofit context, including budgeting, fundraising, and resource allocation. BLUU is likely looking for someone who can ensure financial sustainability.
Address the remote work aspect directly: explain how you build team culture and maintain accountability in a distributed team. Mention specific tools or practices you've used.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your commitment to Black liberation and queer inclusion, with concrete examples of how you've embodied these in your work.", 'Your experience in organizational management, especially staff supervision and budget oversight in a nonprofit or movement context.', 'Your ability to work collaboratively in a shared leadership structure, emphasizing your communication and relational skills.', "Your understanding of faith-rooted justice and how BLUU's unique position at the intersection of Blackness, queerness, and Unitarian Universalism aligns with your own values."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read BLUU's website thoroughly, especially the 'About' page, their statement of purpose, and any recent blog posts or news updates.
- → Familiarize yourself with BLUU's programs, such as the BLUU Congregational Toolkit, BLUU HBCU, and their annual gatherings like the BLUU Summit.
- → Research the broader Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and its commitment to racial justice, as BLUU operates within this context.
- → Look into BLUU's funding sources and recent grants to understand their financial landscape and priorities.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on generic nonprofit leadership experience without connecting it to BLUU's specific mission of Black liberation and queer inclusion.
- Avoid presenting yourself as a savior or someone who will 'fix' the organization. BLUU is Black-led and has a strong foundation; emphasize collaboration and learning.
- Don't overlook the spiritual dimension. Even if you're not Unitarian Universalist, acknowledge and respect the faith-rooted aspect of the work.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism!