Senior Chapter Director – San Antonio, Austin, TX

Organization: Texas Sierra Club, Lone Star Chapter

Job Title: Senior Chapter Director

Location: San Antonio, Austin, TX

Hours and Compensation: Full time, Commensurate with experience, Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, Sick leave, vacation, pension, 401k, EAP.

Position Dates: Start August 1st, 2012

Application Deadline: Send in ASAP

Posted On: July 19th, 2012

Context: The Senior Chapter Director develops and implements all programs, policies, and initiatives for the chapter. Performs long range planning and 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.

Job Activities:

1. 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.

2. Designs and implements effective legislative programs and initiatives that reflect the Lone Star Chapter’s goals and priorities.

3. 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.

4. Recruits, hires, and manages paid staff to carry out the objectives of the Lone Star Chapter.
Writes and conducts performance appraisals and takes personnel actions as appropriate.
Ensures the Chapter’s compliance with Sierra Club’s employment policies and practices.

5. Communicates the Chapter’s priorities, policies, objectives, and goals to volunteers and staff.

6. 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 systems to monitor the effectiveness of programs, as well as the status of the budget.

7. Plans and implements an effective public communications program and develops contacts with the media to establish and maintain positive relations to maximize the chapter’s credibility and position of issues.

8. Assists the Chapter Conservation Chair in the planning and implementation of the core conservation efforts and programs.

9. Recruits and motivates volunteers and enables their role in the effectiveness of the chapter.

10. Attends and facilitates meetings, task forces, and events. Builds strong relationships with other groups, elected officials, governmental agencies, etc. Represents the Chapter as appropriate.

11. Coordinates efforts with the national headquarters staff and ensures that the chapter strategies are in compliance with national requirements.

12. Directs and guides the grant/ proposal process as an opportunity to generate operating funds for the Chapter.

13. Plans, designs and implements the chapter’s development strategy to meet the funding needs of Chapter. Identifies new donor and membership markets. Works closely with the treasurer to ensure good management of Chapter financial resources and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and accounting.

14. Works closely with volunteers to cultivate donor relationships, to ensure that the chapter maintains a strong fundraising program.

15. Reviews staff time reports and ensures the reporting of this information is accurate and timely in accordance with Sierra Club policies.

16. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills:

— B.A./B.S. degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science, or a closely related field.

— 3-5 years of experience that includes substantial experience planning and managing grassroots conservation campaigns, lobbying, media relations, and working with political leaders.

— 1 or more years of experience with the direct supervision of employees preferred.

— 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 eco-region.

— 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, as well as knowledge of media technologies including video, radio, and print production processes.

— Expert lobbying ability.

— Substantial experience and demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers.

— Proficiency in Spanish is desirable, but not required.

How to Apply