Job Opening for Executive Director

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The Executive Director of Oregon Rural Action is responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization.  This is a full-time position based in the picturesque small town of La Grande, Oregon.  As the lead fundraiser for the organization, the Executive Director will develop, sustain, cultivate, and identify new sources of philanthropic support, including major donor gifts, foundation and public support, planned giving, and business donations.  In addition, the Executive Director supervises and supports community-organizing staff and works with the Board of Directors in its strategic campaigns, member recruitment, leadership development, and internal fundraising.  The Executive Director is responsible for articulating the vision and mission of the organization, spearheading strategic planning, and developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with other organizations.

Under the supervision and guidance of the Board of Directors, and utilizing a team approach among members and staff, the Executive Director is specifically responsible for:

1.  Raising funds and resources – 65% of time:

• Facilitating the development of a diversified fundraising plan which meets the organization’s financial need;

• Scheduling and implementing fundraising activities to ensure a healthy cash flow that avoids dry periods and shortfalls;

• Leading the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors with the Board of Directors;

• Identifying, cultivating, and securing public and foundation funds;

• Strategically identifying and executing additional development programs, including planned giving and capital campaigns;

• Recruiting new members and overseeing the management of the membership program;

• Ensuring that staff, Board and members take an active role in fundraising; and

• Maintaining proper fundraising files and records.

2.  Strategic planning, implementation, and collaboration – 10% of time:

• Preparing, strategic and annual operating plans with the Board of Directors, ensuring their implementation, monitoring their progress, and making adjustments as necessary;

• Coordinating a team approach among staff and members on issue campaigns, projects, chapter organizing efforts, fundraising and other activities;

• Building the organization in conjunction with the organization’s issue and program work; and

• Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with other organizations.

3.  Working closely with and supporting the Board of Directors – 10% of time

• Working with the Board Chair to coordinate the efforts of the Board of Directors, including planning, governance, and fiduciary oversight;

• Coordinating at least four Board meetings each year, holding Board retreats and/or strategic planning sessions as needed, and ensuring that Board committees are properly staffed;

• Working with the Chair to provide overall leadership and direction, and preparing agendas for and facilitating Board meetings;

• Working with the Treasurer to oversee financial management and fiscal controls for the organization and communicating this information to the Board, members, and staff;

• Keeping the Board well informed, especially on important new developments;

• Coordinating a thorough and professional recruitment process for new Board members, and assisting in the orientation of new Directors;

• Facilitating the creation and review of sound organizational policies and resolutions.; and

• Ensuring that the Directors understand and exercise their responsibilities by providing appropriate development and training opportunities.

4.  Supervising staff to ensure the organization accomplishes its goals – 10% of time

• Hiring staff by employing a thorough and systematic process;

• Supervising staff, providing mentoring, determining and meeting professional development needs, and creating a positive working environment.

• Conducting staff evaluations and holding them accountable to the goals, objectives, and timelines established in work plans;

• Applying the organization’s personnel policies consistently and fairly; and

• Facilitating good communications, including face-to-face staff meetings on a regular basis; 

4.  Overseeing the organization’s finances and legal standing – 5% of time

• Ensuring that the organization operates within a Board approved budget and restricted funds are appropriately used;  

• Ensuring compliance with all internal policies and procedures, legal requirements, and financial standards, most importantly maintaining status as 501(c)(3) membership-based organization.;

• Modeling a responsible fiscal attitude for the entire organization;

• Guaranteeing that the Board adopts fiscal policies and the organization follows them;

• Providing adequate internal controls to protect the organization’s assets against theft or misuse;

• Helping staff, Directors and other key leaders to get training so they can understand and track the organization’s financial health.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Commitment to the mission, values and goals of Oregon Rural Action and the community organizing approach to social change.

2. Proven record of success in fundraising.

3. Experience in managing staff and working with others to achieve goals.

4. Ability to articulately express oneself  verbally and in writing, and be a good listener.

5. Ability to relate to people from different backgrounds and empower others to speak and act for themselves.

6. Willingness to work hard without sacrificing personal well-being.

7. Available to work some evenings and weekends.

8. Two-year commitment to the job preferable.

9. Transportation must be available (mileage will be reimbursed).

Oregon Rural Action is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or physical disability.

Salary DOE; health insurance; and 3 weeks paid vacation.  Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references by September 17th to:  Search Committee; Oregon Rural Action; P.O. Box 1231; La Grande, OR  97850; or email the same to info@oregonrural.org

Download the Job Description in a Word document.