Executive Director- Occidental, CA
Organization: Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District
Title: Executive Director
Location: P.O. Box 1064 – Occidental, CA 95465
Hours and Compensations: Financial compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with applicable experience. The incumbent
will be eligible for enrollment in RCD group health/dental insurance and retirement plans. Additional benefits include 2 weeks paid vacation per year, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 12 paid holidays.
Application Deadline: Nov. 1, 2011
Posted On: Sept. 26, 2011
Overview
Established in 1941, the Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District (GRRCD) is a leader in promoting the stewardship of natural resources in western Sonoma County. Since its establishment, GRRCD has provided educational, technical, and funding support to landowners in the following watersheds: Salmon Creek, Estero Americano, Dutch Bill Creek, Atascadero Creek, Green Valley Creek, Laguna de Santa Rosa, Willow Creek, and other tributaries to the Russian River. The Gold Ridge RCD was awarded the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2009 Environmental Achievement Award for outstanding efforts in promoting voluntary incentive-‐‑ based watershed management. GRRCD was also the recipient of the National Association of Conservation Districts’ 2008 Pacific Region Award for Successful Collaborative Partnerships.
The Gold Ridge RCD’s activities include but are not limited to:
• Water conservation
• Stream habitat and water quality enhancement
• Watershed planning
• Agricultural and environmental education
• Wildlife habitat enhancement
• Cost-‐‑sharing programs for farmers, ranchers, and dairy operators to promote healthy ecosystems
The RCD has an annual operating budget of approximately $2 million, almost exclusively through grant funding.
Description
The Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District is currently seeking applications for a highly motivated, self-‐‑directed and enthusiastic Executive Director to oversee all aspects of District operations including the
execution of Board policy and program oversight and development. The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the district and acts as the direct liaison with the Board of Directors, also serving as the face of the District with the agricultural, regulatory and environmental communities as well as with the public at large. The ideal candidate will have experience in nonprofit management and organizational development, and will have demonstrated success in fundraising, primarily securing and managing grants. Candidates must possess a strong desire to identify new partnerships and programs, and sustain and expand existing
ones. The successful candidate will have the ability to embrace and achieve the mission of GRRCD by developing and sustaining programs to provide technical assistance and education to growers and landowners, helping them voluntarily conserve natural resources.
The Executive Director reports to a 5-‐‑member Board of Directors and supervises District staff, working in partnership with the District Manager. Current District staff includes a part-‐‑time District Manager, a full-‐‑time
Lead Scientist, a full-‐‑time Conservation Planner, a full-‐‑time Project Manager, a ¾ time Ecologist, a ½ time Office Manager, and a part-‐‑time Field Technician. GRRCD also employs a bookkeeper on a part-‐‑time, contracted basis. This dynamic team with its diverse expertise supports the Executive Director and Board in the development and execution of District programs.
General Duties
Supervise and oversee all programmatic, financial and operational aspects of the District.
Report regularly to the Board of Directors regarding achievement of District objectives, current and projected financial status, progress updates on current projects, and other issues relevant to the Board.
Maintain transparent and effective communications with staff and serve as liaison between staff and the Board of Directors.
Supervise personnel in an efficient and effective manner including developing job descriptions, recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating, determining compensation, promotion, discipline and termination.
Maintain thorough knowledge of current and newly emerging issues affecting agricultural operations and natural resource management in western Sonoma County.
In coordination with the Board of Directors, develop and implement the GRRCD Strategic Plan and budget for RCD programs with specific goals, time frames and financial requirements.
Programmatic Duties
Initiate and lead programmatic development and expansion by building partnerships and actively seeking funding opportunities, including timely and appropriate grant proposals.
Support project managers in grant and subcontractor oversight and management.
Serve as a representative for the District through public interactions with partners and the community.
Financial Duties
Ensure District operations continue in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner.
Oversee the development of budget projections and identify needs and opportunities to ensure adequate funding to maintain existing staff and expand programs where appropriate.
Oversee financial management and reporting, including monthly financial reports to the Board of Directors, preparation of the annual budget and preparation for independent audits.
Monitor cash flow, enforcement of financial policies for expenditures, and purchase authorizations.
Requirements
Five years of professional experience in a non-‐‑profit, public agency, or similar organization.
A minimum of three years of professional experience in organizational management including staff, program, and financial supervision.
Knowledge of and/or experience with special districts or non-‐‑profit management, preferably within the natural resources conservation field.
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in resource management, natural or applied science, public or business administration, or equivalent education and experience.
Highly developed experience with accessing funding sources, grant writing and management, budget development, and contract development.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including public relations, grant writing and reporting.
Highly motivated and self-‐‑directing, with the ability to prioritize and coordinate workload.
Experience engaging and collaborating with diverse groups and stakeholders, including landowners, growers, industry representatives, researchers, regulators, nonprofits, public agencies and citizens.
Experience procuring, working under and managing grants.
Desirable Skills/Experience
Certificate in Project Management and/or Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, watershed management, endangered species protection, environmental law,
policy and planning or a related field.
Existing positive relationships and ability to connect with leaders in the western Sonoma County agricultural, environmental and/or natural resource community.
Knowledge of production agriculture and/or natural resource conservation principles and science, specifically water quality and conservation, species recovery plans, hydrology, erosion, stormwater runoff, and/or native plant and animal communities.
Understanding of regulatory procedures and permitting.
Position Information:
The Executive Director is an exempt, full-‐‑time position based on a flexible weekday schedule. Job-‐‑related travel is required and some weekend and overnight travel may be necessary. Approved travel expenses incurred while conducting official RCD business will be paid on a reimbursable basis. A valid California driver’s license is required.
Application
Applicants must submit a letter of interest, resume and contact information for at least 3 professional references to:
[email protected]
or by mail to:
Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District
Attn: Michele Rocha
PO Box 1064
Occidental, CA 95465
Electronic submission is preferred. Please no phone calls.
Please submit all documents by November 1. Applicants will be contacted by November 8. Position is open until filled.
