Executive Director

Earth Island Institute is a leading environmental organization that has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the environment for forty years.

Earth Island supports a powerful network of more than 75 projects working in the United States and around the world, in addition to three major programs, Earth Island Journal, New Leaders Initiative/Brower Youth Awards, and Earth Island Advocates. Earth Island Institute seeks an experienced executive director to advance the organization’s mission during the next chapter of its growth. This role is hybrid with significant in-office presence required. Earth Island is headquartered in the beautiful David Brower Center located in the heart of Berkeley, California. More information here.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Earth Island Institute (EII) seeks an experienced Executive Director to advance the organization’s mission during the next chapter of its growth. The executive director must have demonstrable leadership, management and communication skills, a solid understanding of the fiscal sponsorship model, financial literacy, a passion to protect the environment, and experience working in the environmental movement. The executive director will work to support grassroots activists in our network, as well as manage core organizational functions and initiatives such as the Earth Island Journal, our signature publication; the New Leaders Initiative, our youth environmentalist program; and Earth Island Advocates, our legal arm pioneering groundbreaking environmental litigation.

This role is hybrid with significant in-office presence required. EII is headquartered in the beautiful David Brower Center located in the heart of Berkeley, California.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The position reports directly to the board of directors. The executive director will work closely with an 8-person leadership team and oversee current core staff of 22 and a Project network staff of 150.

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Salary range is $175,000-$225,000, depending upon experience
• Benefits include 100% company paid health insurance, generous vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b) program
• The opportunity to work at one of the leading environmental activist organizations in the United States and have a measurable impact on the environmental movement

YOU ARE:

• An experienced and innovative leader who will position EII’s project network and core programs for continued growth, success, and optimal impact
• A manager who will collaborate effectively with the Board and staff to support EII’s mission, policies, and values, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
• A fiscal steward who will oversee a substantial budget, develop fundraising opportunities, and maintain the financial health of the organization
• A skillful communicator who is comfortable serving as the public face and primary spokesperson for EII

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management

• Reports to and works closely with EII’s Board of Directors and ensures that accurate information is provided in order for the Board to make informed decisions.
• Serves as the leader of EII, responsible for managing the organization’s operations and resources, implementing its strategy, and driving results.
• Collaborates closely with, and helps develop, EII’s management team.
• Builds effective working relationships with people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, and viewpoints.
• Keeps apprised of best practices, strategic opportunities, and developments in the non-profit environmental organization sector.

Program Management and Support

• Establishes and maintains productive relationships with EII’s fiscal sponsored projects and leaders.
• Effectively manages and supports programs to maintain their quality and impact.
• Sustains a high quality of financial management, administration, communications, and training.

Financial Planning

• Oversees fundraising and financial planning.
• Serves as a primary steward of donor relationships.
• Appropriately manages the organization’s resources and ensures budget compliance.

COMPETENCIES

• Significant leadership and management experience in a nonprofit organization of comparable size and complexity.
• Deep experience in and a commitment to environmental activism and the mission of Earth Island Institute.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and handle multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience with budget management, development and fundraising.
• Understanding of and commitment to the fiscal sponsorship model.
• Ability to inspire, collaborate with, and lead a diverse staff.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to be the outward face of the organization, including with members, press, and the wider community.