Executive Director

~ In 1972, when awareness of threats to the San Francisco Bay ecosystem began to grow, a group of women who were concerned about preserving the estuary for future generations created a small, hands-on program for local children. ~

The program included a field trip to the Bay so children could experience it, know it, enjoy it and grow to take care of it. This was the birth of the Environmental Volunteers. Since then, more than 300,000 children and adults have explored local ecosystems with the Environmental Volunteers (EV).

We train volunteers to teach natural science in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Each year, our volunteers provide over 10,000 student learning experiences in 300+ classroom programs, 125 field trips and EcoCenter programs. Classroom programs are offered to grades K-6 and meet State of California science education requirements. Our strong and committed volunteer force inspires a lifelong love and respect for the natural world.

Position Overview

Environmental Volunteers is seeking an Executive Director to implement our strategic plan and help move us forward to our next phase of growth. The ideal candidate is an inspirational, collaborative, and relationship-driven leader who has a proven track record of leading successful organizations, and has a passion for serving kids and the environment. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.

Responsibilities

Programs and Administration:

• Plans and implements long-range strategy that achieves Environmental Volunteer’s mission and strategic plan
• Manages and monitors operations and program metrics
• Promotes active volunteer recruitment and participation
• Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field

Fund Development:

• Collaborates with the Development Director with the strategy, implementation and results of all contributed income programs including: the annual fund, major gifts program, grant writing, corporate sponsorships, direct mail, legacy giving, donor database management, fundraising events, board giving, online giving
• Develops and maintains relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporate funders
• Monitors progress against revenue objectives; communicates issues to the Board and bookkeeper

Budget and Finance:

• Ensures the financial health of the organization; accounts for all revenue streams
• Collaborates with the staff, Finance Committee, and the board in preparing an annual budget; ensures the organization operates within budget guidelines

Communications:

• Establishes working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups, schools, organizations, staff, Board, volunteers, schools, donors, funders, and all other key stakeholders
• Represents EV programs to peer agencies, organizations, and the public

Relations with Staff:

• Fosters a climate of supportive collaboration and problem solving; encourages strong team cohesion; mentors staff for optimal performance

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of progressively increasing career leadership experience; 5+ years as an executive director or the equivalent with demonstrated leadership and management success
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Strong commitment to the mission of Environmental Volunteers; passionate about conservation, education, ecology, natural resources
• Experience in non-profit management, fund development, revenue generation; ability to work collaboratively with volunteers and non-profit Board of Directors
• Entrepreneurial and resourceful leader who is able to recognize and act on new and potential opportunities
• Experience working with local government agencies, educators, businesses, and community-based organizations; easily relates to a wide range of constituencies
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial budgeting and fundraising experience
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts
• Human resource management skills, including hiring, development, and performance management; inspires and supports staff; nurtures a work culture that values collaboration

~ EV provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. EV complies with all applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. ~