Context: The Senior Chapter Director develops and implements all programs, policies, and initiatives for the chapter. Performs long range planning, makes appropriate recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding short and long term priorities and strategies to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of the chapter.
Scope: Evaluates and prepares recommendations for the Executive Committee on conservation initiatives, goals and objectives. Develops and recommends fund raising and development strategies to meet financial and program goals. Manages all chapter staff and operations including fund raising, volunteer recruitment and development, budgeting and reporting, lobbying and legislative programs, member services and media relations. Develops working relationships with external organizations, officials, and the media.
- 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.
- Designs and implements effective legislative programs and initiatives that reflect the chapter goals and priorities.
- Identifies areas or policies where the Executive Committee needs to implement changes or take official action. Recommends alternative policies or guidelines for the review of the Executive Committee.
- Recruits, hires, and manages paid staff to carry out the objectives of the Chapter.
- Writes and conducts performance appraisals and takes personnel actions as appropriate.
- Insures the Chapters compliance with Sierra Clubs employment policies and practices.
- Communicates the Chapter's priorities, policies objectives, and goals to volunteers and staff.
- Prepares and presents reports to ensure that the Executive Committee and other leaders are informed of major programmatic decisions, program and financial status. Designs and develops information systems to monitor the effectiveness of programs, as well as the status of the budget.
- Plans and implements an effective public communications program, develops contacts with the media to establish and maintain positive relations to maximize the chapter's credibility and position of issues.
- Assists the Chapter Conservation Chair in the planning and implementation of the core conservation efforts and programs.
- Recruits and motivates volunteers and enables their role in the effectiveness of the chapter.
- Attends and facilitates meetings, task forces, and events. Builds strong relationships with other groups, elected officials, governmental agencies, etc. Represents the Chapter as appropriate.
- Coordinates efforts with the national headquarters staff and ensures that the chapter strategies are in compliance with national requirements.
- Directs and guides the grant/ proposal process as an opportunity to generate operating funds for the Chapter.
- Plans, designs and implements the chapter's development strategy to meet the funding needs of Chapter. Identifies new donor and membership markets.
- Reviews staff time report and ensures the reporting of this information on iVanatage is accurate and timely in accordance with Sierra Club policies.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
- 3 to 5 years' experience that includes substantial experience planning and managing grassroots conservation campaigns, lobbying, media relations, and working with political leaders.
- Substantial experience in the strategic planning and direction of campaigns and programs
- Expert knowledge within the environmental field, which includes in-depth knowledge and background in specific issue areas of the environmental field applicable to the community, state or ecoregion.
- Excellent demonstrated written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated public speaking and media presentation ability.
- Prior experience in fundraising that includes donor relations, and grant-funded project development and oversight.
- Substantial experience, demonstrated skill and ability, in local and regional media relations. Includes effective television and radio presence, knowledge of media technologies including video, radio, and print production processes.
- Expert lobbying ability.
- Substantial experience and demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.
The Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan.