Executive Director

Description

The Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) Board of Directors seeks a committed and motivated individual to lead the nonprofit organization as Executive Director. Founded as the Conservation Council of Virginia in 1969, VCN began as a roundtable of major conservation groups and has grown to include over 120 network partners across the Commonwealth and a full-time staff of four. The Executive Director will be a dynamic leader who will help chart a path for the organization’s next chapter of growth to further strengthen the Commonwealth’s conservation voice.

VCN is committed to building a powerful, diverse and highly-coordinated conservation movement focused on protecting our Commonwealth’s natural resources today and for tomorrow. The organization’s next Executive Director will be the driving force behind this effort.

Playing a unique role in Virginia’s conservation community, VCN helps the community speak with one coordinated voice. VCN is a facilitator of strategic action, a resource for partners statewide and a constant conservation presence in Virginia’s Capitol. The organization and its staff are focused on strengthening the conservation community as a whole and winning environmental victories that benefit all Virginians.

VCN brings together the Commonwealth’s conservation community by:
1) Coordinating the Common Agenda process and the publishing and distribution of “Our Common Agenda” briefing book, helping Network Partners and advocates communicate with decision makers prior to each General Assembly session.
2) Hosting annual events that educate Virginians on environmental issues and training them how to be effective advocates for Virginia’s environment. Annually, VCN coordinates with Partners and hosts the Virginia Environmental Assembly, the Legislative Preview and Conservation Lobby Day.
3) Serving as the Virginia state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.
4) Serving as an information hub for both Network Partners and for state elected officials.

Critically important is VCN’s work on a day to day basis to increase Partner and citizen participation in policy discussions by coordinating issue-specific workgroups across the full range of environmental interests. Additionally, VCN helps to coordinate actions directed at educating state lawmakers and officials.

VCN’s network of partners work on a wide range of issues from stream restoration to transportation reform to renewable energy advancement to stopping mountaintop removal to promoting sustainable community growth and more. Given the work of its Partners, VCN’s main program areas fall into three categories: Healthy Rivers, Clean Energy, and Green Communities. VCN is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected by Network Partners. The organization maintains a professional staff of organizers and advocates based in Richmond.

Location:
This full time position is located in Richmond, Virginia.

Compensation:
Nonprofit salary commensurate with experience; holidays, vacation, family leave

To Apply:
Send a cover letter, resume, three professional references and salary requirement to admin@vcnva.org or to VCN Search Committee, 409 East Main Street, Suite 201, Richmond VA 23219. No visits or calls please.

Deadline:
Position is open until filled.

Skills Required

Qualifications:
VCN is looking for candidates who bring six or more years of nonprofit or public policy experience to the position—an emphasis on conservation is preferred. An important requirement for the Executive Director is strong staff management experience that includes staff oversight as well as an eye toward ongoing development for both the Board and staff. A proven track record of fundraising, networking and organizational management is a must. Candidates who apply must have a strong commitment to environmental protection and a drive to fulfill the organization’s mission and vision. Flexibility to travel statewide and work outside of the typical business day is expected.

Additional Info

Responsibilities:

•  Working with the Board of Directors to deliver strategic organizational guidance to fulfill VCN’s mission, including developing and implementing annual work plans that advance conservation policy and strengthen Network Partners
• Developing with the Board of Directors the organization’s annual budget and overseeing the organization’s day to day fiscal management
• Successfully fundraising from foundations, individuals, and Partner organizations to meet goals and continue to grow VCN’s reach, accurately tracking performance and reporting achievements to donors
• Providing day-to-day management and support to VCN’s four-person staff
• With the support of staff, shepherding VCN Partners through the annual Common Agenda process and engaging them in annual events
• Serving as the chief liaison between VCN and the National Wildlife Federation
• Working closely with state and local decision makers to advance conservation policy
• Maintaining organizational infrastructure and systems including annual federal and state compliance requirements
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with Network Partners, state and local elected officials and diverse allies across the Commonwealth
• Being a vocal advocate and spokesperson for Virginia’s environment, for VCN and for its Network Partners