Executive Director

Since 1958, the spirited people of the Montana Wilderness Association have worked tirelessly to protect Montana's wilderness, wildlife habitat, and traditional recreation opportunities. Our members were instrumental in the passage of the 1964 Federal Wilderness Act and in the designation of every Wilderness area in the state. We also helped win Wild and Scenic designations for the Missouri and Flathead rivers, and National Monument status for the Upper Missouri River Breaks.

Position Overview: 

The Montana Wilderness Association is seeking an Executive Director to lead our paid staff and work with our membership and volunteer State Council on our mission to--work with communities to protect Montana's wilderness heritage, quiet beauty, and outdoor traditions, now and for future generations. 

The Executive Director is responsible for MWA's achievement of its mission and financial objectives.  The position is full-time and based in Helena, Montana. 

Responsibilities:

The Executive Director is responsible for Montana Wilderness Association's achievement of its mission and financial objectives. This includes the recruitment and retention of outstanding staff, building and maintaining strong relationships with key constituencies, building and maintaining an effective constructive relationship with the State Council, and providing the necessary leadership to ensure the
preservation of Montana's pristine public wildlands.

I. Leadership:

• Ensure organization strategies are consistent with, and directed to, accomplishing MWA's mission and goals, and provide leadership in developing those strategies.
• Oversee and direct preparation of an annual business plan, which includes individual workplans developed by the staff, to achieve progress towards the longterm Strategic Plan developed and maintained by the State Council.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with Montana's federal representatives and state political, conservation, business and cultural leaders.
• Provide direction and guidance in development of: organizational structure, programs, communications, financial plans, and policies.
• Provide inspiration to and ensure consistent communication with membership.
• Provide guidance on litigation decisions.
• Serve as MWA's spokesperson to agencies, organizations and other key constituencies.
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.
• Assist Development staff with major donor development of individuals and foundations.
• Ensure organization compliance with all legal and ethical regulations, policies and mandates.

II. Staff Development & Management:

• Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps, develops and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.
• Conduct hiring, management and termination of MWA staff.
• Oversee and provide general direction on personnel and administrative management.
• Oversee and provide general direction on personnel work plans.
• Identify and ensure training of, and assistance to, staff in areas relevant to their positions.
• Monitor staff performance through individual and/or group meetings and evaluate performance through regular reviews, including two performance reviews in the first year of  employment for probationary staff, and an annual performance review for other staff.

III. State Council Support:

• Provide consistent, timely and relevant organization information to the State Council through regular communication with the State Council President, including progress reports on work towards MWA's goals.
• Attend all meetings of the State Council, serve as the focal point for staff reporting and communication at the Council meetings, and ensure appropriate staff representation at State Council Committee meetings.
• Provide support of strategic planning efforts as guided by the State Council.
• Ensure provision of administrative support for effective State Council function.

IV. Financial Reporting & Management:

• Prepare MWA's annual operating budget, and any changes thereto throughout the year, all for approval by the State Council.
• Monitor funds and investments to ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work.
• Prepare reports as needed on status and effectiveness of organization activities, including actual results against budget.
• Ensure financial reporting system provides timely and accurate information.
• Safeguard MWA assets from misuse and misappropriation

Qualifications: 

Basic conditions of employment form the fundamental performance requirements for continued employment. All employees of Montana Wilderness Association are ambassadors of the organization and are expected to support and fulfill the mission of the organization. All employees, regardless of job title, must demonstrate the following minimum requirements for continued employment. In addition, it is the employee's responsibility to read, understand and comply with the
policies and procedures outlined in MWA's Employee Handbook.

1. Professional Conduct: Comply with established employment polices and practices. Maintain confidentiality of organization and employee information. Accept direction and provide direction in a cooperative and positive manner.
2. Personal Conduct: Engage in personal conduct that is honest, respectful, courteous, and dignified as well as legal, ethical, dependable and reliable.
3. Competency: Develop and maintain skills, knowledge and abilities required for adequate performance of assigned job duties.

Requirements:

As the leader of the Montana Wilderness Association, the Executive Director is expected to invest whatever time is required to accomplish the mission and complete the annual and long-term goals. Toward this end, some evening and weekend work time is expected. Travel and valid Montana driver's license

Compensation: The salary range is $65,000-$75,000, depending on experience. 

Review of applications will begin January 8; applications may be accepted until the position is filled.

To Apply: 

Interested candidates should complete the Application, and carefully review the supporting materials listed. Please note that many of these documents describe organization policies, practices and structures.  Although we periodically review and revise these documents, some may not be completely up-to-date.  During the interview process, we will relay anything of significance that is not reflected in these documents. 

Completed applications should be sent by email. 

Montana Wilderness Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.