GreenSpace Alliance Executive Director

The GreenSpace Alliance is seeking a self-motivated, innovative thinker with the ability to work in a collaborative atmosphere and in partnership with non-profits, government agencies and funders.  The GreenSpace Alliance promotes and advocates for the preservation and enhancement of recreational, natural, agricultural open spaces to preserve the quality of life in the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania region.  The Alliance is a 509(a)(1) supporting organization to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC).  The Executive Director reports to the Board of the GreenSpace Alliance and is responsible for:  providing regional leadership and advocacy for the preservation of green spaces; building strategic partnerships; executing programs that support GreenSpace Alliance’s  strategic goals; serving as organizational spokesperson; fundraising; and carrying out the day-to-day operations of the organization. The GSA Executive Director is an employee of PEC and will be located in the PEC Philadelphia office.

The successful candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills, including a history of acting proactively and strategically in carrying out the mission of an organization.  Demonstrated budget, financial management, grant writing and fundraising experience are necessary and the ability to retain existing and attract new funding from public and private partners for operations and projects that advance GreenSpace Alliance’s mission is essential.  Extensive background in nonprofit management with experience as an Executive Director and in strategic planning and visioning are  desirable.  An understanding of regional open space issues with experience in developing consensus among board members and other partners is critical.  A bachelor degree in a relevant field is required and an advanced degree is preferred.

TO APPLY: Mail or email (cferguson@pecpa.org) your resume with a cover letter, including salary expectations and three references to: Cindy Ferguson, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 532, Philadelphia, PA 19107.  The complete application package must be received by: October 28, 2011. For information on Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Green Space Alliance, please visit http://www.PECPA.org and http://www.greenspacealliance.org.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Executive Director, GreenSpace Alliance

Supporting Organization to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

The GreenSpace Alliance promotes and advocates for the preservation and enhancement of recreational, natural, and agricultural open spaces to preserve the quality of life in the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania region. The Alliance is a 509(a) (1) supporting organization to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), a 501(C) 3 non-profit corporation. The Executive Director reports to the Board of the GreenSpace Alliance (GSA) and is responsible for: leading efforts to support the mission; building strategic partnerships; serving as GSA’s spokesperson; fundraising; and, carrying out the day-to-day operations of the GSA.  The Executive Director receives administrative support from PEC and works in close collaboration with the GSA Board to provide organizational vision and leadership. Responsibilities include:

Program

1. Provide leadership in designing, planning and implementing projects approved by the Board.  Projects should fit into a coherent vision for the organization which implements the strategic plan developed by the Board.  Principal projects include:

• Promote the economic benefits of open space to a broader audience through the implementation of a communication plan.
• Create and implement a work plan that elicits financial support and accelerates protection of priority open spaces and greenway connectors in the region. 
• Develop awareness and promote partnerships among individuals and groups drawn from business, profession, government, recreational, and health/wellness interests to support the work of the GSA.

1. Provide technical support and leadership for regional and statewide (ex: Renew Growing Greener) funding for open space preservation.
2. Advocate for open space preservation and smart growth policies and legislation where there is Board consensus.
3. Continue to build a strong, well-organized and informed network of open space advocates who promote GSA priority issues.
4. Work with public and private partners including government agencies, non-profit organizations, legislators, legislative staff and individuals to protect and restore Southeastern Pennsylvania’s open space network.

Administration/Management

1. Serve as chief staff person for the Board and as liaison with Board members.
2. Manage staff, which may include interns, consultants and part-time staff.  Ensure that staff is operating in accordance with the mission of the organization, strategic plan and individual work plans of each staff member.
3. Develop and manage contracts with consultants and independent contractors to provide timely completion of projects that meet or exceed expectations, and report to funders on the proper and timely expenditure of funds.
4. Provide regular updates to Board and PEC President of GSA’s finances and the status of projects and other important activities.
5. Ensure that legal responsibilities are met and other agreements are fulfilled.

Finance, Fundraising and Membership Development

1. Prepare annual operating budget for review and approval by Board and PEC.
2. Manage and track annual operating and capital budgets to implement GSA’s strategic plan, including target dates that correspond to the fiscal year and the financial resources of the GSA.
3. Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan including public and private grants and donations to meet budgetary needs.
4. Work with Board to expand and diversify financial support for GSA by developing a base of major donors, business members, and organizational members, as well as government and foundation supporters.

Communications

1. Serve as official spokesperson for the organization.
2. Work with Board members and others to enhance media exposure to promote policy issues, programs and the organization.
3. Represent GSA by presenting and promoting reports and/or case studies on the economic value of open space preservation, testifying at public hearings and attending meetings with groups, business community, government agencies, legislators and individuals.
4. Serve as liaison with regional and statewide organizations promoting legislation including funding for open space preservation.
5. Leverage the impact of GSA by working with outside committees and partners on issues of mutual concern.
6. Manage requests for organizational advice and guidance to business, civic, education, recreation, and conservation groups on problems and issues of local concern that address key GSA priorities or advance strategic alliances.
7. Build a sense of teamwork and consensus among Board, staff and key constituencies.

Qualifications

1. Extensive experience in non profit management with experience as an Executive Director being desirable.
2. Comprehensive natural resource management experience is desirable, with a good working knowledge of the southeast Pennsylvania region essential.
3. Bachelor degree in a relevant field is required and an advanced degree desirable.
4. Demonstrated budget skills and financial management experience necessary as well as grant writing and fundraising experience.
5. Excellent oral and written communications skills is required.