EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CONSERVATION NON-PROFIT Madison,

Gathering Waters Conservancy is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to helping the people and communities of Wisconsin protect their land and water resources by strengthening the state’s land trust movement. As a statewide coalition and service center for Wisconsin’s growing land trust community, Gathering Waters’ goals are to increase the professionalism and build the capacity of the state’s private, non-profit conservation organizations.

The organization was founded in 1994 by a coalition of land trusts and has grown from a staff of one and an annual operating budget of $125,000 to a current staff of eight and an annual operating budget of $740,000. Gathering Waters is guided by a strategic plan that currently addresses three program areas: land trust technical services, outreach, and public policy. Our plan envisions growth in all three areas over the next several years, requiring the organization to continue to evolve to new and higher levels of effectiveness and funding.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director is charged with leading a respected, non-partisan conservation organization in its second decade of growth. The Executive Director provides both internal and external leadership, managing and mentoring an experienced and committed staff, engaging a dynamic Board of Directors, and serving as a spokesperson on behalf of land trusts and private landowners, all toward the vision of land conservation as a mainstream practice in Wisconsin. The Executive Director also oversees the fundraising program, ensuring adequate resources for long-term sustainability.

The Executive Director is responsible to the Board of Directors. S/he works closely with land trusts and the conservation community, both in Wisconsin and nationwide, to promote Gathering Waters’ mission and vision. For more information about Gathering Waters, please visit www.gatheringwaters.org.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

VISION AND PLANNING
Advances and oversees the vision, mission, and strategic plan for Gathering Waters Conservancy in relation to specific goals and standards and recommends modification where appropriate. Develops commitment from Board of Directors and staff to ensure that the organization is focused on advancing organizational development and anticipating future challenges and opportunities.

MANAGEMENT
Directs growth of Gathering Waters Conservancy, working with staff and Board to build upon the vision, mission, and strategic plan that guide programmatic work and policy agenda. Sets financial goals and budgets that anticipate future challenges and opportunities. Supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff and provides overall operational direction for programs. Engages Board of Directors in governance and fundraising activities, developing Board leadership and recruiting new members. Oversees and is accountable for Gathering Waters Conservancy’s operations, including sound financial controls and reporting.

OUTREACH
Serves as spokesperson and media face of Gathering Waters Conservancy, identifying creative opportunities to raise the public profile of land trusts, private land conservation, and Gathering Waters Conservancy. Maintains current and builds new relationships for Gathering Waters with political leaders and other key allies across the political spectrum.

PUBLIC POLICY
Serves as spokesperson for policy issues affecting land conservation and land trust work in Wisconsin. Creates, builds, and manages strong collaborative relationships with key partners and leaders, including government agencies, conservation and environmental organizations, businesses, and other constituencies.

FUNDRAISING
With the Board of Directors, Development Committee, and Membership Coordinator, develops long- and short-term fundraising plans and oversees implementation. Cultivates relationships with current and potential funders. Coordinates with Board and staff to identify new sources of funding and ensure that fundraising goals are met.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Qualifications
• Proven leadership and effective management skills including: experience managing organizational growth and change; strong strategic and financial planning skills; ability to retain, motivate and attract strong and creative staff, and demonstrated ability to work effectively with a strong Board of Directors.
• Exceptional communication skills, verbal and written, and the ability to innovate and implement successful communications strategies.
• Experience and working knowledge of public policy processes and public policy issues affecting land trusts and land conservation, preferably in Wisconsin. Proven ability to develop and implement new and imaginative strategies for public policy reform.
• Proven track record in fundraising, including both public and private funding sources. Significant experience working with foundations, individual donors, and planned giving strategies. Strong commitment to building donor participation.
• Bachelors degree in related field. Masters degree preferred.

Personal Characteristics
• Big picture vision and an understanding of connections and actions required to achieve that vision, including the need for innovation.
• Outstanding professional and personal ethics.
• Ability to balance being proactive and responsive, communicating and listening, driving and delegating.
• Flexibility and willingness to work with staff to maintain sustainable work-life balance while achieving organizational goals.
• Intellectual curiosity, commitment to teamwork, appreciation of humor as a critical component of an effective workplace, and clear and open communication style.

LOCATION AND COMPENSATION

Gathering Waters Conservancy is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. Statewide and national travel will be required as part of the position. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Gathering Waters provides a full benefit package, including medical, dental and life insurance, annual vacation time, and a retirement plan.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Gathering Waters is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter stating qualifications and compensation requirements to:

Gathering Waters Conservancy
ATTN: Hiring Committee
P.O. Box 1745
Madison, WI 53701

Or email to [Click here for email].

Questions regarding the position or application submission process should be directed to Joy Stieglitz Gottschalk, Hiring Committee Chairperson at [Click here for email].

Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 27, 2006.
REQUIREMENTS
Please refer to the Job Description to view the requirements for this job