Overall: The Chapter Director, in consultation with the Executive Committee and Chapter staff, leads in maintaining the Chapter’s financial viability by bringing in sufficient funding to meet the Chapter’s objectives. This person also helps develop and implement programs, policies and initiatives for the Chapter, and establish long term and short-term priorities and strategies to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of the Chapter.
Coordinates with appropriate Chapter staff and Chapter Committees to develop recommendations for (a) fundraising and development strategies to meet financial and program goals, (b) conservation initiatives, goals, and objectives, and (c) communications plans encompassing membership, media, and the general public.
Implements strategies approved by the Executive Committee, and collaborates with staff and others on additional operations including budgeting and reporting, lobbying and legislative programs, and member outreach. Assists volunteers in developing skills and issue expertise that help the Chapter in achieving its goals. Develops working relationships with external organizations, officials, and the media.
Must strive for equity, inclusion and justice within and outside the Chapter. Knowing the Jemez Principles is a plus. Is able to establish strong, positive working relationships with staff as part of a team, and help create a productive and equitable environment.
This person must be self-motivated and able to implement the directives and policies established by the Executive Committee.
Intended date of hire is September 30, 2019.
- Plans and implements effective fundraising strategies that reflect the Chapter’s needs and priorities, working closely with staff, the Fundraising Committee and other volunteers. Fundraising is anticipated to comprise roughly 50% of the Chapter Director’s time, with the rest primarily split between administrative duties and programmatic work.
- Develops an annual budget with input from the staff, Chapter Treasurer, Chapter Executive and other committees, and others. Ensures good management of the Chapter’s resources and timely reporting to the Executive Committee and national Sierra Club.
- Assists with development and implementation of the Chapter's long term strategic, financial and programmatic goals and objectives, and annual work plans, in concert with the Executive and other Chapter committees and staff, consistent with national Sierra Club guidelines.
- Collaborates with Chapter staff and volunteers in carrying out Chapter objectives. Recruits and hires staff as needed in consultation with and approval of the Personnel Committee. Writes and conducts performance appraisals and acts on personnel matters as appropriate. Ensures the Chapter’s compliance with Sierra Club’s employment policies and practices.
- Helps implement the Chapter’s public relations goals and develops and enhances contacts with the media to establish and maintain positive relations and maximize the Chapter's credibility and position on issues.
- Assists the Chapter legislative team in planning and implementing effective legislative and administrative policy programs and initiatives that reflect the Chapter’s goals and priorities, and lobbies and represents the Chapter to elected and administrative officials.
- Builds and maintains strong relationships with other groups, elected officials, governmental agencies, etc. Attends and facilitates meetings, task forces, and events, and represents the Chapter when appropriate.
- Has a core commitment to equity, inclusion and justice, and maintains relationships with staff, volunteers, partners and the public on that basis, and holds themselves and others accountable to this standard.
- At least 3 years of experience in managing a non-profit organization, including fundraising, campaign planning and grassroots organizing.
- Prior experience and knowledge of managing programs, staff, and budgets, and has demonstrated strong and creative fundraising abilities.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and experience in writing grant proposals, fundraising letters, press releases and newsletter articles, and in providing legislative testimony, and communicating with media.
- Ability to lead, support, collaborate with and respond to other Chapter and national Sierra Club staff and volunteers in a productive and equitable manner, build leadership, and support growth and development of other Chapter staff and volunteers.
- Strong knowledge of environmental issues pertinent to Wisconsin (energy, transportation, water protection, mining, forest and wildlife ecology).
- Able to be flexible and adaptable and work well under pressure and deadlines, solve problems effectively, and manage and prioritize daily operations. This includes consulting others as needed, making timely decisions, and understanding when compromise is appropriate.
- Has a demonstrated commitment to work with a diverse, multi-cultural population of members, supporters, partners and allies, and an ability to collaborate effectively with partners and allies and work effectively as part of a team.
- The standard Sierra Club work week is 37.5 hours. However, overtime is a frequent requirement of this job. This includes travel and attendance at weekend and evening meetings.
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.