Executive Director (Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute)

Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute is currently seeking a ¾-time Executive Director. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.

Please see the POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT and FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION for complete position information and application instructions at http://www.gorgeecology.org/About/CurrentOpenings.html

Application Deadline is June 11, 2009

The Executive Director will assure that the organization has a long-range strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress; Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the board. The ED is responsible for overall staff supervision, record keeping, and the financial health of the organization.

Required Qualifications •At least two years experience in non-profit organizational management or similar; •A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental education, education, business management, administration or a related field •Demonstrated leadership ability and supervisory experience; •Program development and evaluation experience; •Must be able to exhibit visionary thinking in organizational and program planning, while paying close attention to details •Excellent organizational skills; •Demonstrated fundraising and outreach skills; •Demonstrated financial management skills; •Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and interpersonal; •Professional or volunteer experience in developing, administering, and or implementing programs/projects in: habitat restoration/enhancement; scientifically based field research, and/or education programs •Ability to show initiative, work independently, and function efficiently with limited oversight and limited support staff •Demonstrated commitment to life-long learning, science education, and environmental stewardship of our communities. •Reliable personal vehicle for travel (reimbursable) in the Gorge-region and availability for occasional evening and weekend work.

Preferred Qualifications •A Master’s degree in related field; •Experience successfully writing grant proposals •Professional experience coordinating volunteers •Experience and/or knowledge in sustainable building and construction •Experience teaching in classroom or outdoors •Spanish-speaking •Positive attitude and ability to work with diverse groups of people and individuals

Summary of Essential Responsibilities The Executive Director position is a ¾ time position responsible for overseeing and managing the programs and projects of Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute (CGEI). The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors and the CGEI staff, as well as collaborating organizations and partners, working on the following tasks:

•Securing the resources necessary to fulfill the CGEI mission; •Cultivating financial and political support from individuals, corporations, organizations, foundations and governmental entities; •Oversee all operations including staff management, program development, implementation, evaluation, risk management, and administration •Maintaining and enhancing CGEI’s positive reputation in the community; •Overseeing finances and complying with all IRS nonprofit regulations and standards; •Working with the board to assure quality governance and strategic planning; and •Seeking entrepreneurial opportunities to enhance CGEI program offerings, community collaborations, and organizational capacity building. •Motivating staff, board and volunteers to achieve mission in positive and effective manner

About Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute CGEI is a 501©3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting knowledge, stewardship, and curiosity of the local environment among the people who live, work and play in the Columbia River Gorge Region. Our array of environmental science and educational programs promote understanding and appreciation of the ecological underpinnings of the local forest and shrub-steppe communities and how these ecosystems operate in connection to the human world.

This position is being recruited for with the intention to hire a ½ time Programs Manager following the ED start. Both are expected to increase to full-time with recently awarded grant funds and further successful fundraising. CGEI is additionally supported by 2-3 fulltime AmeriCorps positions. The office is located in downtown Hood River, OR within walking distance to many restaurants, shops and the Columbia and Hood Rivers. CGEI programs take place in rural communities of the entire Columbia River Gorge Region from Stevenson, WA to The Dalles, OR.

Compensation The salary is negotiable and will be based upon the successful candidate's education, experience and skills. Position will be based upon a 30-hour workweek to begin with the potential to increase to full time with successful fundraising.

HOW TO APPLY Interested individuals should familiarize themselves with Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute by studying our website (www.gorgeecology.org).

To apply, please send resume, cover letter, list of three references with contact information, and salary requirement to CGEI via email or mail (see below). Complete applications must be received by Thursday, June 11 , 2009 (4:00pm)

1. Email in PDF format to: [email protected] (preferred) with subject line: ED Position

Or

2. Mail to: Attn: ED Recruitment Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute PO Box 1104 Hood River, OR 97031

PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS or DROP-INS