Executive Director
at Django Software Foundation

The Django Software Foundation is hiring its first Executive Director — the operational leader of the Foundation, responsible for setting the Foundation's strategic direction and turning it into action, while managing day-to-day operations. The Executive Director connects the Board, staff, community, and sponsors while representing the DSF publicly.

The role

• Fundraising: Lead sponsorship development and membership growth to advance from the current $300K toward a $500K annual fundraising goal
• Operations & administration: Manage day-to-day DSF operations, financial reporting, grant management, and organizational maturation
• Staff management: Oversee the DSF Assistant and the Django Fellows program (paid maintainers)
• Marketing & outreach: Community communications, public representation at conferences, and DSF brand awareness distinct from the framework
• Legal & compliance: Manage trademark enforcement, contracts, and 501(c)(3) compliance in coordination with legal counsel
• Working group coordination: Regular check-ins with volunteer committees handling events, AI, accessibility, and fundraising
• Event engagement: Work with Django conferences and DjangoCons

Qualifications

The DSF is looking for solid experience in a few of these areas, particularly the ones most central to the role: fundraising and partnership development, nonprofit operations, and stakeholder communication. Django or Python community familiarity, open source experience, and a technical background are valued but optional — being part of the Django community isn't a prerequisite for this position.

Position details

• Remote, based in the United States (no visa sponsorship available)
• Part-time or full-time depending on the candidate; initially one year, renewable subject to annual performance evaluation
• Base salary $90,000–$120,000, plus a performance bonus of up to $60,000 tied to progress toward the $500,000 fundraising goal
• Expected start date: approximately November 1, 2026

How to apply

Email [email protected] by midnight Central Time, September 14, 2026 with:

• A resume or CV
• A vision statement (500–1,000 words) covering:
  • Where the Foundation stands today
  • Key opportunities and challenges ahead
  • Your approach to the role
• A cover letter (optional)

References may be requested during interviews.

Full details in the official announcement.