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Earth Guardians Seeks Executive Director

To apply please submit a resume or CV and cover letter to Hiring@EarthGuardians.org

The Executive Director is the key management leader of Earth Guardians (EG). The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors. Earth Guardians is an intergenerational organization with youth at its center that trains diverse youth to be effective leaders in the environmental, climate, and social justice movements across the globe – using art, music, storytelling, on the ground projects, civic engagement, and legal action to advance solutions to the critical issues we face as a global community. EG supports overarching initiatives including training, lawsuits, actions, and campaigns. Through strategic partnerships with local and international organizations and institutions, we work to guard the Earth. Earth Guardians receive both private and public funding. EG has an annual budget of ~$800,000. EG employs a staff of 12 part-time staff (3 of whom are international staff, the rest live in the USA).

Responsibilities

  • The Executive Director is responsible for the management and direction of Earth Guardians.

1) Leadership: Works with the board in order to fulfill the organization’s mission.

  • Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of the organization. Work with the board chair to organize reports and materials for board meetings.
  • Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff. Manage and oversee those staff, administration, and organizational activities.
  • Formulate and implement policies and procedures.

2) Financial Performance and Sustainability:   Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.

  • Raise funds and secure grant awards for EG, including both public and private grants.
  • The ED negotiates contracts and agreements for EG with donors, partners & staff.
  • Ensure that EG has a sufficient budget for operation by working with EG financial and operations team on cash flow, budget, and donor coding.
  • Oversee and review the development, implementation, reporting, and execution of Earth Guardians program/ strategic plan.
  • Review and approve grants and project plans for EG. 
  • Oversee proper use and management of EG resources.
  • Ensure that all reporting functions (programmatic and program financial) for EG and EG donors are done. This includes ensuring that core reports for donors and audits and financial reports are completed on time and filed per grant agreements and best practices standards.
  • Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.

3) Organization Mission and Strategy:  Works with the board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.

  • Review and conduct due diligence on EG projects, partners, and staff in the field.
  • Ensure that the supervision and management of Staff & activity management is being done properly.
  • Promote the professional development and empowerment of EG’s staff and project partners. Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.

4) Organization Operations: Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate.

  • Review and contribute to program evaluation and sector assessments in coordination with the Program Directors.
  • Review and approve consultant assignments including budgets and terms of reference.
  • Maintain open and clear communications about EG’s work and program with the board, donors, and Staff.
  • Hire and fire staff. Review all of the staff contracts and conduct annual staff reviews.

Qualifications

  • Strong work ethic with a high degree of energy.
  • A Master’s Degree or equivalent leadership and management training.
  • Transparent and high integrity leadership.
  • Five or more years of senior nonprofit management experience.
  • Experience and skill in working with a Board of Directors.
  • High-level strategic thinking and planning. Ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future to the staff, board, volunteers, and donors.
  • Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making, and reporting.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission to donors, and volunteers.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated track record of working as a team player in diverse, multilingual, and cross-cultural environments.
  • A history of successfully generating new revenue streams.
  • Active fundraising experience. Excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the funding community.
  • Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders, partner agencies, and volunteers.
  • Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation.
  • Experience with consensus decision-making.
  • Environmental and youth activist experience preferred.

To apply submit a resume or CV and cover letter to Hiring@EarthGuardians.org

We look forward to hearing from you.