Executive Director

Thirty-five years ago, millions of Americans were no longer willing to put up with black smoke belching from car tailpipes, industries fouling drinking water with toxic pollution, or developers paving over wild places.

Those Americans figured out which members of Congress were doing the most damage and called them the Dirty Dozen. They signed petitions, they lobbied their representatives, and they voted. And then, after they organized the inaugural Earth Day in 1970, many of those pioneers created a new organization to help them do all of those things better. That group was Environmental Action.

Environmental Action got results. They helped convince one of the most corrupt, special-interest-beholden presidents in history, Richard Nixon, to sign the most far-reaching environmental laws in American history: the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Unfortunately, three decades later, environmental and political problems remain. Polluters are still looking for the quick buck, and the federal government, especially President Bush, is looking to give away the store.

It's time to go back to what worked so well 35 years ago. Some of the most successful activists of the past several decades have revived Environmental Action. Our mission is to deliver impassioned, results-oriented activism that protects our environment from special interest polluters and their allies in government. We are seeking an Executive Director to lead our efforts at safeguarding the environment.

Job Description

The Executive Director will be a driving force behind winning our vital campaigns and building the organization. More specifically, job duties include the following:

Operations:Oversee the day to day functioning of the organization. Develop and maintain annual operating budget, and ensure all fiscal responsibilities of the organization are met.

Fundraising:Develop and implement fundraising plans, including building and maintaining relationships with foundations and major donors, grant writing and identifying new funding sources.

Campaign Management:Coordinate all aspects of our campaigns. Work with staff to create winning tactics. Formulate and implement strategies to build up political support for our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media publicity, endorsements and message development. Lobby officials on environmental policies. Represent Environmental Action to coalition partners, legislators, policy makers, and the media.

Staff Management:Recruit, hire and train staff. Serve as a resource for all members of the Environmental Action team.

Qualifications

We're looking for a goal-driven and results-oriented individual with passion and persistence who is committed to preserving our environment, someone with leadership skills and initiative, and the verbal and written skills necessary to make the case that protecting the environment must be a top priority. Candidates should have 8 or more years of relevant professional experience, post-college, including (but not limited to) work in political, policy, legal, journalistic or government settings. Advanced degrees, including a JD or Master's in related fields, may count toward a candidate's professional experience.

Salary and Benefits

Salary for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. A competitive benefits package includes health care coverage, educational loan assistance, a retirement plan, and paid vacation and sick days. Opportunities for advancement, travel, and additional training are available.

To Apply

Please e-mail a rsum and cover letter to careers@environmental-action.org.