Executive Director

The Watershed Project seeks a leader who will inspire and lead a dynamic and successful staff striving to develop our community's capacity for environmental improvement in the Bay Area.

About the Organization:

Since its founding in 1997, the Watershed Project has been a leader in the watershed awareness movement in the Bay Area. Dedicated to educating and empowering communities to protect their local watersheds, we have reached more than 90,000 school children with our educational programs and educator workshops, assisted over 40 community groups to take environmental action in their watershed, and taught thousands of Bay Area residents how to make their homes and gardens healthier and watershed-friendly.

Our acclaimed workshops for teachers include instruction on school garden design and composting, healthy eating from the garden, and programs for kids about creeks and marshes. The Watershed Project offices are located on a beautiful Bay front open space area known as the Richmond Field Station, in a quiet park-like setting with access to the Bay Trail. Stunning Bay views and wildlife sighting are part of every day at TWP.

Our watershed stewardship and community capacity-building programs provide a range of services and assistance, including workshops, stewardship training and events, and volunteer outreach for communities and groups. We also provide support services to educators and communities, including fiscal sponsorships, and a variety of grant programs. The Watershed Project has awarded $380,000 for school gardens, and creek and watershed protection through our grant programs.

The Watershed Project has been honored twice by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for outstanding leadership in protecting the environment, and for our teacher workshops; by the State of California for innovation in pest management practices; and by the governor for "outstanding efforts to promote the protection of our land and water."

Position Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated visionary to lead us forward in responding to the growing need and demand for our environmental education and community building services, and to provide the support necessary to ensure sound operations and fiscal health. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors, and will oversee a staff of 14. Our projected budget for FY 2008 is $900K.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate and articulate an informed regional vision for promoting healthy watersheds, and will be an effective voice of the Watershed Project to engage multiple constituencies: watershed and other community groups, educators, school administrators, students, funders, local government agencies, and the general public. The top candidate will have experience in strategic planning, developing a diversified funding base, and have demonstrated the ability to create and sustain effective collaborations and partnerships with communities, organizations and schools. Along with strong listening and communication skills, candidates should demonstrate decisive leadership balanced by an inclusive management style.

Responsibilities

Organizational Development

• Manage the development and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan
• Oversee ongoing evaluation of organizational effectiveness
• Refine staffing structure for optimal implementation of strategic initiatives
• Provide leadership for fostering cultural competency throughout the organization and in program delivery
• Oversee development of communications plan and marketing materials

Fund Development - With the support of an 80% FTE Development Director

• Develop and implement a sustainable, diversified fundraising plan
• Maintain and build on current funding sources, including major government/agency contracts, foundation grants, earned income, and individual donors
• Build new income sources, including a major donor campaign, and other opportunities such as corporate sponsorships, fee-for-service programs, and on-line giving

Financial Management - With the support of a full-time Finance & Administrative Director

• Prepare annual budget and development plan to meet financial needs of program and general operations
• Supervise finance staff, and coordinate management of financial and administrative procedures to maintain fiscally sound programs and accounting systems
• Regularly track performance against budget to ensure financial goals are achieved, cash flow is maintained, and to build a financial reserve
• Supervise audits, expenditure reports, and all other fiscal reports
• Keep board informed of financial status of the organization

Human Resource Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and support for the staff/organization
• Hire and supervise staff and independent contractors to ensure operational effectiveness
• Ensure that personnel policies are adhered to in hiring and employment practices
• Evaluate and propose necessary policy changes to Board of Directors to keep pace with organizational development
• Provide for development activities that upgrade staff skills, motivate performance, and promote staff retention
• Promote an organizational culture that fosters cooperation, communication, teamwork, and trust

Board Administration

• Assist Board leadership to recruit, orient, train, and mobilize new Board talent to meet organizational needs
• Ensure and facilitate the Board's involvement in developing TWP's policies
• Set standards for and provide appropriate and effective communication between the Board and staff
• Facilitate operations and provide staffing for Board committees, as needed

Program Implementation and Oversight - With the support of a full-time Program Director

• Maintain familiarity with TWP's programs and objectives
• Ensure that program decisions are consistent with TWP's mission and vision
• Facilitate communication with the Board, TWP's stakeholders, and the community regarding our initiatives
• Ensure that staff have the capacity and support necessary to fulfill program commitments

Community and Government Relations

• Communicate organizational vision to a variety of stakeholders in a complex regional field of environmental organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies
• Be the primary representative of TWP at public forums and events, local chambers of commerce, regional watershed coalitions and groups, and fundraising activities
• Proactively market and promote TWP mission and services to the media and the community
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with other organizations advocating for sustainable watersheds

Qualifications

• Three to five years in a leadership role in a non-profit, education, or environmental organization or closely related field
• Demonstrated success managing, developing, and implementing diversified fundraising plans, including government and foundation grants and contracts, individual and corporate donors
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic planning and collaborative leadership
• Working knowledge of the context for TWP program delivery preferred: grass-roots community organizing, K-12 education system, environmental education, and watershed protection and restoration
• Experience with non-profit financial management and planning
• Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and relations
• Experience with Board relations and development
• Demonstrated commitment to TWP's mission.

Compensation: This position offers the possibility of a flexible schedule with a salary of $75-85K FTE, as well as an excellent benefits package which includes medical, dental, 12 paid holidays per year, two weeks flexible vacation and one week fixed vacation (between Christmas and New Year), 403(b) plan with employer matching, a professional development allowance, and domestic partner benefits.

To Apply

Please email cover letter and resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. No calls or faxes, please!

Initial interviews will be held April 17 and 18, 2008

The Watershed Project is an equal opportunity employer