Lone Star Chapter Director, Sierra Club – Texas

Organization: Sierra Club

Position Title: Lone Star Chapter Director

Location: Austin, Texas

Application Deadline: May 8, 2015

Description: The Chapter Director, consultation with the Executive Committee and Chapter staff, develops and implements all programs, policies, and initiatives for the chapter. Participates in planning with the Executive Committee to establish short and long term priorities and strategies to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of the chapter.

Scope: Coordinates with appropriate Chapter staff and Chapter Committees to develop recommendations for (a) conservation initiatives, goals, and objectives, (b) fundraising and development strategies to meet financial and program goals, and (c) communications plan encompassing media, membership, and general public. Manages implementation of recommendations approved by the Executive Committee. Manages all chapter staff and additional operations including budgeting and reporting, lobbying and legislative programs, and member outreach. Develops working relationships with external organizations, officials, and the media.

Responsibilities:

1. Works with the Chair, Executive Committee, and Chapter Committees to develop the Chapter’s short and long term strategic, programmatic and financial goals and objectives and ensures that Chapter staff is informed of goals and objectives.
2. Manages Chapter office. Manages paid staff to carry out the objectives of the Chapter. Recruits and hires staff as needed in consultation with the Executive Committee. Writes and conducts performance appraisals and takes personnel actions as appropriate. Ensures the Chapter’s compliance with Sierra Club’s employment policies and practices.
3. Works closely with Chapter Development Committee and volunteers to meet the funding needs of Chapter, including the design and implementation of plans to:
4. * Reach out to member donors and Chapter groups for their support
5. * Cultivate existing and new donor relationships
6. * Identify grant proposal opportunities and coordinate the submittal process
7. * Balance fundraising needs for c(3) (tax-deductible) and c(4) (non tax-deductible) funds.
8. Works closely with Chapter’s accountant and Chapter Treasurer to ensure good management of Chapter financial resources, and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to the Executive Committee and national Sierra Club.
9. Monitors the work of the Chapter Conservation Director in designing and implementing effective legislative programs and initiatives that reflect the chapter’s conservation goals and priorities. Ensures that Chapter actions are coordinated with such programs and initiatives.
10. Oversees and monitors implementation of communications plan by the Communications Coordinator which (a) develops contacts with the media to establish and maintain positive relations to maximize the chapter’s credibility and position of issues, (b) strengthens lines of communication with the membership and general public, (c) expands electronic outreach of the Chapter, and (d) enhances Chapter fundraising efforts.
11. Reviews staff time reports to ensure that the reporting of this information is accurate and timely in accordance with Sierra Club policies.

Minor Primary Responsibilities:

1. Prepares regular progress reports to the Executive Committee of work activity, major programmatic decisions, outreach, and financial status.
2. Represents the Chapter at meetings and events when appropriate. Builds strong relationships with other groups, elected officials, governmental agencies, etc.
3. Acts as Chapter liaison with national headquarters staff and ensures that the chapter actions are in compliance with national requirements.

Secondary responsibilities:

1. Consults and coordinates with the Executive Committee if it is required to take official action on an administrative, legal, conservation, or other issues.
2. Coordinates with the Chapter Communications Coordinator/Director and other staff to ensure communication of the Chapter’s priorities, policies, objectives, and goals to volunteers.
3. Facilitates the efforts of volunteers to make the Chapter a stable, effective force for conservation.
4. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

— B.A./B.S. degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science or a closely related field.

— 3‑5 years of non-profit managerial (or comparable managerial) experience that includes substantial experience in development, financial management, planning and managing grassroots conservation campaigns, outreach to elected officials and state agencies, media relations, and working with volunteers.

— Proven leadership and organizational abilities and capable of encouraging and developing the capabilities of staff and of providing guidance to a volunteer board.

— Prior experience in fundraising that includes donor relations, and grant-funded project development and oversight.

— Ability to multi-task and balance competing priorities

— 1 or more years of experience with the direct supervision of multiple employees required

— Substantial experience in the strategic planning and direction of campaigns and programs

— General knowledge within the environmental field, preferably with more in-depth knowledge in one or more specific issues germane to eco-regions within Texas.

— Excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated public speaking and media presentation ability.

— Knowledge of the Texas legislative process and comfort in navigating the process.

— Substantial experience and demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.

— Proficiency in Spanish is desirable, but not required.

How to Apply: Apply online.