Executive Director

Central States Air Resource Agencies Association (CenSARA) promotes the exchange of information between our states and other interested parties related to the control of air pollution. These actions are to be accomplished within the scope of the air quality statutes and regulations. We are chartered to act as a forum to discuss air quality issues of common concern to the central states and to help identify options that can effectively resolve these issues; to recommend courses of action to our members; to adopt resolutions or policy statements for consideration and implementation by the membership or for their usage during the development of local, state and federal programs, regulations and laws.

Responsibilities: 

The Executive Director will be expected to take on the following roles and responsibilities:

Organization and Management:

• Leading and coordinating CenSARA's activities;
• Manage resources (staff, volunteers, and budget) to ensure that the implementation of programs meets the required objectives within the agreed time and budget;
• Planning, developing, reviewing and monitoring worked linked to air quality project management and air quality training;
• Submission, on time, of narrative project and quarterly reports that support grant requirements; Extensive, in-depth knowledge of air quality management issues, including legal, regulatory and policy issues at national, regional, state, and/or local levels.

Air Quality Policy & Program Activities:

• Initiating and developing resourcing strategies, management practice and thematic projects related to air quality in AR, IA, KS, LA, MN, MO, NE, OK, and TX;
• Writing concept notes, position papers, and funding proposals;
• Working and networking with local, regional, and national partners representing air quality programs and associations;
• Developing or supervising the development of work products that collectively support air quality goal accomplishments in the CenSARA region including regional modeling analyses and emission inventory creation
• Representing and participating on behalf of CenSARA/CENRAP in different forums at policy and technical work levels;

Day-to-day activities include:

Organization and Management:

• Manage the CenSARA staff and office in an efficient and professional manner;
• Provide updates of legislation, regulations, budget, program guidance etc., to members;
• Perform public speaking engagements as requested;
• Maintain liaison with other appropriate federal agencies, such as EPA, DOE, NOAA, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Minerals Management Service, etc.;
• Represent CenSARA and CENRAP before appropriate advisory councils and committees;
• Accomplish other duties as directed by the CenSARA Chair, the CenSARA Board of Directors and the CENRAP Policy Oversight Group;
• Maintain working relationship with state air quality staff/management to facilitate development of technical work products for the region in conjunction with management of CenSARA technical staff;

Air Quality Policy & Program Activities:

• Review EPA regulations and policies and coordinate responses;
• Facilitate ad hoc workgroups comprised of member state and local agency staff;
• Maintain liaison with, and represent CenSARA and CENRAP to, other RPOs, national public interest groups and other organizations, such as the NGA, AWMA, NACAA, etc.;
• Arrange technical exchange workshops, training courses, and other educational activities in consultation with the Board of Directors;
• Develop and disseminate materials of public interest on air pollution control, and state and local programs;

Qualifications: 

Organization and Management:

• Federal grant writing and reporting skills;
• Program design and proposal writing skills;
• Excellent financial management skills;
• Ability to work independently with minimal or no supervision;
• Ability to fly on commercial aircraft;
• Possession of a valid driver's license;
• Ability to pass a background check;
• Ability to supervise others that fosters a high level of productivity and maintains cohesive working relationships;
• Fluent in English and able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing;
• Working experience in or with state government preferred, in particular at executive or policy-making level.
• Strong management skills and experience, including strategic planning, hiring and overseeing of staff, and development as well as implementation of work plans and budgets.
• Excellent communication, including writing and speaking skills; working experience with electronic communication technologies preferred.
• Experience facilitating intra- and inter- group processes.
• 5 (preferably 10) or more years of relevant, policy level experience in government, non-profit or private sector.

Air Quality Policy & Program Activities:

• A minimum education of undergraduate degree in either biological sciences, engineering, physical sciences, or business administration with specific experience in air quality;
• Possesses significant knowledge of air quality programs, challenges, and solutions including development of technical products necessary for State Implementation Plans and state rulemaking requirements.
• Working experience or familiarity with federal government processes including familiarity with the federal grant process and the Clean Air Act.

Work Hours: Full Time; 40+ Hours/Week
Length of Hire: 2-Year Contract with Available, Multiple Extensions Based on Job Performance
Frequency of Required Travel: 0 - 3 times a month
Rellocation Expenses: Available but limited.
Supervision Received: CenSARA Board and Possibly the Policy Oversight Group of the Central Regional Air Planning Association (CENRAP)

Compensation: Starting Salary $75,000 (compensation based on experience). Benefits: Paid Health, Life, and Dental Insurance; Sick and Annual Leave; Paid Holidays

Opening Date: January 11, 2010
Closing Date: Until Filled. Candidates expecting first consideration should apply no later than Friday, February 5, 2010.

To Apply:

If you feel you have the required skills and competencies to handle this position, please send your resume, a cover letter, and written responses to the following Executive Core Qualification areas, to arrive by February 5, 2010 to Annette Sharp.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ): Please describe how your education and/or experience has led to achieving the following:

• I. Leading Change
• II. Leading People
• III. Results Driven
• IV. Business Acumen
• V. Building Coalitions/Communications

CenSARA
10005 S. Pennsylvania, Bldg. I, Suite C
Oklahoma City, OK 73159