Executive Director
Located at Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association Headquarters, 12 Morris Road, Ambler, PA 19002
The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association (“WVWA”) is a 55-year-old land trust located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The mission of the Association is to protect the quality and beauty of the Wissahickon Creek and to enhance life in the watershed. The Watershed Association carries out its mission by:
– Protecting and enhancing open space and natural areas in the watershed;
– Promoting awareness and appreciation of environmental issues through education so that the entire community can make sound choices for the future;
– Promoting wise land use and management of natural resources in the watershed; and
– Preserving historic and cultural sites which are significant to the Wissahickon Creek.
The Executive Director serves as the lead representative for WVWA efforts and, working closely with WVWA’s Board of Directors, establishes and implements the WVWA strategic plan to advance the protection of priority conservation sites and resources within the Wissahickon Creek’s watershed. The Executive Director leads the development of the necessary financial resources, including public and private funds, for the sound operation of the program. The Executive Director must cultivate cooperative working partnerships with the Board, volunteers, citizens, corporations, educational institutions, government from local to Federal, private agencies and conservation partners.
Specific job responsibilities
– Develop and implement short and long range conservation objectives;
– Advance negotiations to protect critical lands through donations, purchases and conservation easements;
– Develop the fundraising capabilities and expand membership of the Association to meet its operating and capital needs;
– Develop and lead the partnerships necessary to address critical environmental threats and issues within the watershed;
– Expand and enhance community awareness through ongoing outreach efforts;
– Understand local and state government operations as they pertain to land preservation;
– Lead and manage the WVWA staff; and
– Work with Board Committees to advance the WVWA mission.
– Engage community volunteers in the work of the Watershed
– Develop strategic partnerships and programs to monitor and enhance the health of the watershed
– Participate in all major WVWA events and presentations.
Candidate strengths and capabilities
A successful candidate:
– Should have the proven ability to motivate, lead and sustain excellence of his/her team. Additionally, the candidate should have proven managerial talent in budgeting, staffing and performance management.
– Should have five or more years of not-for-profit management experience, preferably in the land conservation arena. Additionally, the candidate should have a demonstrated capability to cultivate and solicit large contributions.
– Should be able to create, lead and participate in partnerships and coalitions designed to protect the overall Wissahickon Creek watershed.
– Should be able to design, implement and direct multiple projects, setting deadlines and ensuring accountability.
– Should be able to think strategically and make long-term decisions based on analysis, consultation and experience.
– Should possess strong communication skills (both verbal and written), be an effective and enthusiastic presenter, be able to effectively convey WVWA’s mission to diverse groups and be able to interact comfortably with influential people (e.g., government officials, large donors, thought leaders, business leaders, etc.)
– Should demonstrate capability in selecting and using appropriate communication media (e.g., telephone, texting, e-mail, website, written notes, face-to-face interaction, etc.)
– Should possess an understanding of issues relating to water quality and land conservation.
Working Conditions
The successful candidate should be comfortable working in an office environment as well as outdoors in the watershed. The job requires some physical exertion/strain and regular exposure to natural elements associated with trails, wetlands and watersheds. The candidate will travel routinely throughout the area to advance the mission and objectives of the WVWA.
Salary and Benefits
The salary and benefits for this job will be competitive for similar positions in the region.
Application
Please send your resume and cover letter via e-mail to:
karen@wvwa.org
Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association
c/o Ms. Karen Ragland
12 Morris Road
Ambler, PA 19002-5499
The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
