Washington Conservation Voters Executive Director

Reports To:

Board of Directors

FLSA Status:

exempt (executive)

Date:

October 2010

Overview:

Washington Conservation Voters (WCV) is the statewide political voice for the environment. WCV works to elect and support environmentally responsible candidates for political and judicial office at the state and local level. Working with traditional and non-traditional allies, we advocate for strong environmental policies in the State Legislature in order to strengthen and protect the laws that safeguard the health of our communities, the beauty of our state, and our economic future.

WCV is recognized as a leader in addressing the issues that affect the quality of the environment in Washington. Through our lobbyist, a close partnership with the Washington Environmental Council, and alliances with members of the Environmental Priorities Coalition, WCV catalyzes and leads the efforts to promote a strong state-wide environmental agenda and to strengthen the political power of the conservation community. We use tools such as our bi-annual Legislative Scorecard to reward elected officials who work to protect the environment and to hold accountable those elected officials who do not. And through field efforts coordinated with eight county and city chapters, we mobilize voters and help to elect and protect environmental champions. We are committed to, and effective at, making environmental protection a priority issue among public officials, candidates, and voters.

Scope of Responsibility:

Our Executive Director will be a dynamic leader who serves as the chief executive of Washington Conservation Voters. Under the guidance of WCV’s volunteer board of directors, the Executive Director will be responsible for actively managing all of the affairs and operations of the organization within the limits established by WCV’s bylaws and polices and in pursuit of WCV’s mission to be the political voice for the environment. The Executive Director will receive broad direction and input from the board of directors, but will rarely receive direct supervision. The Executive Director’s performance will be evaluated based on overall results, allowing for a choice of strategies and methods in order to obtain the best possible results.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Political: Represent WCV to elected officials, candidates, the environmental community, media, and others Develop and implement effective bipartisan political, advocacy, and electoral strategies in coordination with WCV’s Political Director, and ensure this work is integrated with fundraising, communication and organizational goals Provide visionary leadership and strategic thinking to further the organization’s core mission and objectives Provide leadership and presence among a diverse array of organizations and interest groups in order to shape, develop, and advance the environmental legislative agenda established through the Environmental Priorities Coalition and to build power for the environmental community Manage organizational communications strategy, including the development of campaign themes and political messaging Act as primary public spokesperson for news media Assure compliance with all political and other reporting requirements

Fundraising/Financial Management: Make and successfully close large fundraising asks Successful experience fundraising for 501(c)(4), PAC and 501(c)(3) programs preferred Serve as primary spokesperson in all fundraising requests Cultivate strong relationships with foundations and donors

Coordinate development and management of annual budget of $800,000+ (C4, PAC & C3), including working with staff and board to prioritize objectives and allocate resources, and presenting an annual budget to the board for approval Work with the board and staff to meet annual revenue goals, with responsibility for generating enthusiasm among major donors and for development of a fund diversification strategy. Foster the political and fundraising efforts of WCV’s Chapter network, and provide guidance and leadership to ensure adherence to the organization’s mission

Organizational/Personnel Management: Work closely with the board to develop and determine a shared strategic vision for the organization Hire and manage staff, including those staff who are shared with the Washington Environmental Council, through implementation of best practices for a non-profit work environment Manage performance evaluation process, including goal-setting and encouragement of continuing professional development Drive the implementation of WCV’s strategic plan Work collaboratively and maintain a strong relationship with the Executive Director of the Washington Environmental Council Provide leadership that fosters high morale and a positive, transparent workplace environment Supervise and strategize with our shared lobbyist

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Successful high donor fundraising experience required Political savvy experience and gravitas required Superior organizational, leadership, strategic thinking and planning skills required Strong communication, media, and public speaking skills required Successful experience leading and managing staff required High degree of personal integrity required Knowledge of legal, political and operational framework for a 501(c)(4)/PAC organization preferred Successful experience working with non-profit volunteer boards preferred Enthusiasm and energy in working with board and staff toward the implementation of a strategic vision preferred Knowledge of environmental issues and political trends at state, local and federal level desired

Qualifications: 5+ years of non-profit management, political, campaign and/or advocacy experience. Demonstrated management skills in supervising and motivating staff. Effective communication, media, and public speaking skills.

Salary is commensurate with experience. WCV offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, paid leave and retirement.

To apply:

Please send a detailed resume, cover letter, and five professional references to Leea Brady, WCV Administrative Director at leea@wcvoters.org. Please put Executive Director in the subject line. Do not send applications by mail, no phone calls please.

It is WCV’s policy that all employees be able to work in a setting free from all forms of discrimination, including harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national, origin, age, disability or sexual orientation.

This Job Description generally describes the principal functions and job requirements of the position, as well as the general level of knowledge and skills typically required. This Job Description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and the position is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.