Background

Washington Toxics Coalition is seeking a dynamic, resourceful, proven leader to guide this highly effective nonprofit towards achieving its ambitious mission to protect public health and the environment by eliminating toxic pollution.  The Executive Director must be a highly strategic thinker with a strong capacity to guide staff in managing and implementing programs, while building upon the entrepreneurial, bold and fast-paced nature of the organization’s work.

Since 1981, Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC) has been the leading voice in Washington for protecting human health and the environment from toxic pollution and for promoting safe alternatives.  WTC has won a series of groundbreaking policy victories - including a state policy and plan to eliminate persistent toxic pollution and the nation’s first ban on the toxic flame retardant known as deca-BDE - that have helped establish Washington State as a national leader in environmental health.  We have helped form and lead some of the most effective coalitions in the region and the country, building the movement that is needed to advance protections for  human health and the environment.

Key Responsibilities of the Executive Director

Strategic Direction

• Lead the organization in developing, implementing and evaluating strategic and infrastructure plans to achieve its mission.
• Oversee all key aspects of programs, products and services.
• Oversee development and implementation of program and campaign planning, including working with staff to identify funding, staffing and other resources needed to carry out the plans.
• Serve as liaison to other environmental and health organizations and coalitions at the state and national level.

Fund Development

• Lead foundation fundraising, including writing grant proposals and reports, and building relationships with funders.
• Oversee and approve the annual fundraising strategy.
• Identify, cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors and foundations at the local and national level.
• Build opportunities to engage new members and sustain existing membership.

Financial Management

• Develop and implement a long-term plan for the financial health of the organization.
• Oversee development of annual budgets, for approval by the Board.
• Manage the organization's resources within budget guidelines.
• Ensure that financial books and records are accurate, timely, accountable and transparent.

Community and Public Relations

• Assure that the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in strong, positive images to relevant audiences.
• Build upon the organization’s already strong leadership and collaboration on environmental health issues in the state of Washington and nationally through speaking engagements, media, and other opportunities.

Staff Management and Board Administration

• Effectively manage the organization’s staff, utilizing its collaborative decision-making process.
• Ensure current personnel policies, annual performance evaluation of staff, and participate in the resolution of staff conflict.
• Sustain a positive and productive work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.
• Support the governance functions of the Board and serve as primary liaison between Board and staff.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success on advocacy campaigns.
• A confident and inclusive leadership style.
• A proven ability to work collaboratively (internally, externally, and with diverse communities) to reach organizational and “movement” goals.
• Excellent communication skills, including strong comfort in public speaking.
• Demonstrated ability to raise money from a variety of sources, most particularly major donors and foundations.
• A skilled facilitator, with a commitment to collaborative decision-making and active listening.
• Proven staff management experience, including ease with a broad range of decision-making processes, and a deep commitment to providing professional development opportunities for all staff.
• Experience in budgeting and financial management.
• Passion for and commitment to environmental and/or public health issues.

The ideal candidate will also have substantial leadership experience and a familiarity with nonprofit organizations and governance.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be in the mid-70s and is dependent on experience. WTC offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation, health care and dental coverage, employer contributions to a retirement plan, and tax-deferred savings through a 403(b) plan.

To Apply

E-mail a cover letter, resume, 1-2 page writing sample, and list of three references to Gylan Green at ggreen@watoxics.org.  Consideration of resumes will begin Monday, June 2.

WTC highly values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.  For more information on Washington Toxics Coalition, please visit our website at www.watoxics.org.