Executive Director

The Center for a New American Dream, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization seeks an Executive Director for its Takoma Park, Maryland headquarters.

New American Dream was founded in 1997 to address the environmental and social impacts of unsustainable consumption.   The organization helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice. It works with individuals, institutions, government agencies, communities, and businesses to conserve natural resources, counter the commercialization of our culture, and promote positive changes in the way goods are produced and consumed. 

In a little over a decade of existence, New American Dream has reached tens of millions of Americans through targeted media campaigns, shifted billions of dollars into environmentally superior goods through our Responsible Purchasing Network, and built a New Dream Community of more than 140,000 Americans who embrace less materialistic lifestyles and make healthier choices. 

Position Overview:

The Executive Director will be highly committed to New Dream's unique mission and personally embrace the values of sustainable living. Reporting to the Board of Directors, she or he will lead and direct a senior management team to implement New Dream's core programs, supervise staff and consultants, and oversee the management of all programs and administrative systems including all fund raising activities.  The Deputy Director position also is vacant, and we are open to both traditional and creative constructs for fulfilling various executive duties.

Responsibilities: 

The Executive Director serves on many levels including:

• Strategic leader and advocate for the mission of the organization;
• Fundraiser with demonstrated ability to meet and energize donors and foundations;
• Visionary with adaptive leadership skills. Must help the organization be nimble and respond to new realities while staying firmly rooted in its core mission and work;
• Organizational manager overseeing a range of strategic, operational, and program issues - positioning the organization to constantly strengthen its expertise and excellence;
• Team builder, working with senior staff and board to provide strong internal and external leadership. Must track progress against objectives and help foster a culture in which every staff member is respected and plays a vital role in communicating the mission of organization;
• Effective management and evaluation of senior program and administrative staff;
• Working with senior staff to prepare, monitor, and operate on an annual budget;
• Support development of a strategic evaluation and assessment framework, working with board and senior staff;
• Representing the organization before the larger public, including speaking to donors, media, and experts in the field.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success and experience at management and leadership, preferably in the nonprofit sector;
• Demonstrated success as a fundraiser;
• Experience in program development, evaluation, organizational development, and work with a board of directors;
• Enthusiasm about New Dream's mission and objectives;
• Familiarity with public policy, communications, and/or market-based campaigns, especially campaigns that integrate media, advocacy, and organizing;
• Ability to communicate with diverse constituencies, including business, religious, consumer, and youth groups;
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills;
• Self-directed and deadline-oriented;
• Ability to think holistically, strategically, and collaboratively;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, sense of humor, humility, and good judgment;
• Creative, organized, and positive leader;
• Willingness to travel.

Compensation: Compensation for the Executive Director includes a competitive base salary and an excellent package of health and other employee benefits. 

This position is based on a 4-day work week - something to which the entire organization subscribes.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2009 

To Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume electronically to Samantha Stallybrass or via mail.  Applications will be considered immediately and on a rolling basis.  

Executive Director Search ,Suite 900
6930 Carroll Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland 20912 

The Center for a New American Dream is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information about the Center, please visit their website.