COASTWALK JOB DESCRIPTION
Executive Director
Posted December 21, 2007

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Coastwalk is a twenty-four year old statewide grassroots non-profit organization whose vision is a well-stewarded California coast––highly prized as an irreplaceable commons––open to all.  Our mission is to ensure the right of all people to reach and responsibly enjoy the California coast.  We promote coastal access, coastal environmental preservation and completion of the California Coastal Trail. 

The Executive Director leads a staff of four  (two full-time:  Director of Community Relations and Trail Steward; two half-time:  Director of Communications and Office Manager/Bookkeeper) based in the Sebastopol office (Sonoma County, California).  The Director  manages fund-raising, collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders, staff, operations, budget, and oversees programs, annual plan/report, volunteer development and public relations.  The Executive Director reports to the Board and serves at its will.  Position is full-time or part-time.  FT salary $60,000 DOE.   PT salary negotiable DOE.   Send cover letter with resume to Coastwalk President (Fran Gibson) at fragibson@comcast.net.  Position open until filled.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sustainability:

Development Plan:  oversees annual fundraising plan and implementation, working with Board,  Finance & Development Committee and Development Assistant

Development and fund-raising:  oversees a diversified funding plan with multiple initiatives (Board and member contributions, major gifts,  community sponsorships,  sales and special events);  supervises Development Assistant

Creates and sustains effective collaborative partnerships with multiple constituencies sharing Coastwalk’s vision and mission  

Operations:

Fiscal management:  creates and manages annual budget and financial reports (working with Treasurer), oversees and works with office manager on cash flow, bookkeeping, payroll and payables

Staff support and supervision:  in a consistent supportive, accountable
team environment, allocates human resources, works with staff to create individual work plans, provides ongoing supervision and staff support, conducts performance reviews and assures that personnel policies are up to date and observed

Volunteers: motivates and empowers a statewide cadre of volunteers to support Coastwalk’s programs of coastal advocacy, education and protection; fully   integrates volunteers into programs and activities

Information technology:  with appropriate staff and key volunteers oversees data management, technology consultants, web presence and on-line registration

Programs:

Strategic planning: works with Board  to develop and implement strategic plan, works with staff to create annual organization work plan and annual report

Design and implementation:  manages and markets the Activities Program along with staff and Walks Committee.

Grant programs:  oversees application for and management of major program grants, working with grant manager and the Coastal Trail Committee

Communications:  assures regular comprehensive reports to the Board; oversees production and distribution of 3-4 newsletters and 9 E-newsletters each year, and other regular member communications

Board support: staffs Board meetings, committees and strategic plan process

Advocacy:

Advocacy communications:  establishes advocacy policy in conjunction with Advocacy Committee, writes advocacy support letters promoting coastal access and preservation,  and establishes positive relationships with key stakeholders  (non-profit partners,  public groups, and legislators)

Public Relations:  oversees all public and press relations, newsletters and web presence

EXPERIENCE

3 to 5 years experience in:

• Fund-raising and development programs
• Building successful collaborative partnerships
  
• Managing/supervising staff and volunteers
  
• Overseeing budget and finance operations
  
• Working in a not-for-profit setting

Significant experience in:

• Fund development (including foundations, annual fund,corporations and major donors/gifts)
• Volunteer management and motivation
• Data base management
• Working with non-profit board(s)
• Managing program operations
• Managing public grants/contracts
• Strategic planning and annual reports

Familiarity with:

• Advocacy and community organizing
  
• Environmental issues (especially coastal access and preservation)
  
• Working in a collaborative volunteer-based environment

QUALITIES

Decisive, supportive and inclusive leader
Self-confident, secure, mature, grounded
Ability to tolerate ambiguity and conflict
Analytical
Goal oriented
Well-organized
Written and oral communication skills (including good listening)

To be considered please email your resume with cover letter describing your skills and background and ways they might uniquely serve our organization to Fran Gibson (Coastwalk President) at fragibson@comcast.net.

For more information about this position and our organization’s mission and programs please go to our "Who We Are" page.  For information on the CCT go to www.californiacoastaltrail.info.